��ɫС�� University

��ɫС�� University Ranked No.1 Best College with Forensic Science & Technology Degrees in Georgia

Grace Wills — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:42:40 +0000

Niche.com has ranked ��ɫС�� University the No. 1 Best College with Forensic Science & Technology Degrees in Georgia. The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.

“We are honored to see that Niche ranked ��ɫС�� University as the 2026 Best College with Forensic Science and Technology Degrees in Georgia. This achievement is a reflection of our students’ hard work and commitment to their future careers. Every day, we have the privilege of helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to build the confidence needed to succeed in forensic science career fields. Watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and make a difference in their communities is the most rewarding part of what we do, and this recognition celebrates their success as much as our programs,” said John Lanneau, professor and chair of the Department of Forensic Science and Criminal Justice.

��ɫС��’s undergraduate forensic science program, established in 2015, is the fastest growing of the university’s majors, with enrollment more than tripling since fall 2020. The master’s program, which began in fall 2024, quadrupled from year one to year two. Students in the forensics program must complete a rigorous curriculum befitting the weight of the work they will eventually perform. Beyond the forensic and natural sciences, these learners also study courtroom procedure, evidence documentation, and crime scene photography. Additionally, students undertake semester-long internships with state or local law enforcement agencies and participate in real-world crime work.

Recently ��ɫС�� University was awarded $608,000 in federal funding to strengthen the forensic science program and improve workforce development opportunities across the state, thanks to the leadership of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff.

For more information, visit Forensic Science Degree | ��ɫС�� University or Forensic Science MS | ��ɫС�� University.

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Art, Heart, and a Lifetime of Impact: Dr. Jackie Ellett’s Dedication to Art Education

Terrie Ellerbee — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:16:02 +0000

When Dr. Jackie Ellett changed her major from scientific and medical illustration to art education, it wasn’t a pivot. It was a revelation.

Dr. Jackie Ellett

“Teaching, I discovered, is deeply relational, profoundly human, and unapologetically impactful. It is about presence, service, and creating those spaces for others — our students — to see themselves as capable and valued. Looking back, my path toward art education was not a departure from my desire to make a difference — it was the most honest expression of it,” she said.

That spirit of purposeful service has defined more than four decades of Dr. Ellett’s career, and since 2013, it has shaped the art education programs at ��ɫС�� University in immeasurable ways. A professor of art education, she is one of the most recognizable and consequential figures in her field in Georgia and beyond.

Before joining ��ɫС��, Dr. Ellett spent 32 years as an art teacher and leader in Gwinnett County Schools. She taught in large Title I elementary schools, sometimes reaching more than 1,600 students each week. She served on the teacher advisory council for several superintendents and worked at both state and national levels in art education. In 1991, Dr. Ellett began her work in higher education as an adjunct. When she joined ��ɫС�� — first as an adjunct in 2010, then as a Teaching Fellow, and eventually as full-time faculty — her motivation was clear: to extend her reach.

“I believe that all children deserve the best education we can offer, and by mentoring and teaching at ��ɫС��, the impact becomes further reaching,” she said.

Today, Dr. Ellett holds a distinctive position as the only faculty member who works across both the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Education — a dual role that allows her to connect people, programs, and ideas in ways few others can.

A recognized leader

In 2022, Dr. Ellett became only the fifth-ever recipient of the Nix/Mickish Award for Lifetime Contribution to Art Education — one of the most prestigious honors in her field.

The award carries deep personal meaning. Dr. Robert Nix was her own major professor and advisor, a mentor she describes as someone who “modeled every day what it truly meant to care for students.” Dr. Verle Mickish, whom she also knew well, shared that same profound commitment to relationships and service.

“There are no words to fully describe the honor, gratitude, and humility I felt receiving an award that bears both of their names,” she said. “Personally, it felt rooted in legacy — and in the kind of life and teaching I strive to pass on to my own students.”

Named Graduate Advisor of the Year in 2023, Dr. Ellett brings to advising the same philosophy she brings to teaching: put the student at the center. At ��ɫС��’s most recent commencement, she was honored as Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor of the Year — making her a recognized exemplar of advising at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

“I believe listening is just as important — not just to the words students speak, but to the silences as well,” she said.

Her goal is for students to develop genuine autonomy and grow in their own decision-making — to leave not just certified, but confident.

When asked about standout student success stories, her answer was characteristically humble. Rather than claiming credit, she turned the spotlight around.

“My greatest success is in how my students taught me and helped me grow as a human,” she said. “I learned forgiveness, humility, grace, quiet resilience, perseverance, and hope — from students at every level. My many, many students have made me a better person.”

Dr. Ellett’s commitment to ��ɫС�� extends well beyond the classroom. As chair of the Faculty Senate, she stepped into a leadership role motivated by a simple conviction: faculty deserved to be heard. Her priorities were transparency, shared governance, and strong advocacy — while keeping her own opinions in check to faithfully represent her colleagues.

“I wanted to be sure that faculty truly had a voice,” she said. “I had to keep my opinions and passions out of the way so that I represented the faculty. My fellow faculty senators and our faculty at large were deeply engaged and were the driving force that shaped the work we accomplished together.”

The value of art education — and ��ɫС��

Ask Dr. Ellett why art education matters and she’ll tell you she could write pages on the subject — then she distills it to its most powerful essence.

“Art education is not about creating artists. It never has been. Art education is about creating good humans and developing a way of thinking that includes originality, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It is about developing mindfulness and social intelligence, which are both needed to navigate a diverse world,” Dr. Ellett said.

For prospective students considering ��ɫС��’s program, her pitch is straightforward: “If you want to become an art educator who is deeply prepared, completely supported, and known as a person — not a number — then come to ��ɫС��.”

She points to the university’s reputation as having “teachers of teachers” as a defining strength, noting that most faculty bring real PreK-12 classroom experience to their teaching. The program is also among the largest in Georgia, offering undergraduate, graduate, and specialist degrees through a blend of online, hybrid, and immersive in-person experiences.

After more than a decade at ��ɫС��, what keeps Dr. Ellett energized? That’s an easy one, she said.

“My students, and each time I walk into a school, the faces of our future.”

The legacy Dr. Ellett hopes to leave is one woven from the same threads that have always guided her: care, rigor, relationships, and an unshakeable belief that art education is essential.

“I hope my legacy reflects a commitment to service, to community, and to the belief that art education is essential — not optional — in the lives of children and in the health of our schools and our nation.”

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Designed for the Whole Student: Wellness, Belonging, and the ��ɫС�� Experience

Terrie Ellerbee — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:49:57 +0000

At ��ɫС�� University, education is not one-size-fits-all. It is personal, intentional, and designed to shape not only what students know, but who they become.

That philosophy extends well beyond the classroom and into the everyday experiences that support student growth, resilience, and connection. Few people embody that approach more fully than Jason Croy, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Croy brings a depth of expertise — and a thoughtful, human perspective — to his work with ��ɫС�� students. His role centers on a simple but powerful belief: exceptional students deserve environments that are thoughtfully designed to help them thrive.

Jason Croy at the first-ever rockwall challenge.

An Intentional Approach to Wellness

Today’s college students arrive on campus accomplished, driven, and full of potential, but also navigating unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and pressure. Croy approaches wellness not as a trend or amenity, but as an essential component of student success.

“Wellness is foundational,” Croy said. “When students are sleeping better, managing stress, and feeling connected, they show up differently in the classroom. They’re more engaged, more confident, and more resilient.”

His programming reflects current research on student development and well-being, emphasizing movement, connection, and experiential learning. Whether students are climbing the rock wall, participating in intramural sports, or simply spending time outdoors, the goal is the same: to support balance, belonging, and growth.

At ��ɫС��, campus recreation is not about filling time—it is about creating meaningful experiences that align with the caliber of the institution.

Croy often describes the rock wall as an “extension of the classroom.” Climbing challenges students to problem-solve, think creatively, trust others, and step outside their comfort zones—skills that mirror the academic and personal demands of a rigorous private university education.

Intramural sports are designed with the same care. From professional officiating to an energetic, inclusive atmosphere, these events bring together students, faculty, and staff in ways that build community and reinforce a sense of belonging.

“When students feel known and supported—by peers, faculty, and staff—they’re more likely to persist and succeed,” Croy said. “Those connections matter.”

Rethinking What College Can Look Like

Croy is also intentional about challenging outdated narratives surrounding college life, including the idea that burnout and unhealthy habits are inevitable.

“What if we helped students finish their first year stronger than when they started?” he asked. “Physically, emotionally, and socially.”

That mindset shapes wellness initiatives that emphasize curiosity, exploration, and sustainable habits—encouraging students to try new activities, engage with their campus, and invest in their own well-being.

For families, Croy hopes the message is clear: ��ɫС�� students are seen as individuals, and their development is supported with care, expertise, and intention.

“Our students are remarkable,” he said. “They’re capable, thoughtful, and motivated. My job is to help create an environment that honors that—and helps them become their best selves.”

At ��ɫС�� University, wellness is not separate from education. It is part of what makes the experience distinctive—and part of what makes students’ time here transformational.

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��ɫС�� Hosts Regional Science Fair

Grace Wills — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:32:31 +0000

On Saturday, February 7, ��ɫС�� University hosted the Regional Science Fair, welcoming 75 middle and high school students who had advanced from their respective county science fairs. Participating students represented 19 counties across northeast Georgia, including Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Walton, and White.

At the conclusion of the event, 37 students earned the opportunity to advance to the Georgia State Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held at the end of March.

While numerous awards were presented, one of particular distinction was the ��ɫС�� Rising Research Award. This year’s recipients were Grayson Oliver and Israel Ortiz of Cedar Shoals High School for their research project titled “Comparative Study of the Effects of Biostimulants Used in Hydroponic Production of Lactuca sativa.” A second ��ɫС�� Rising Research Award was presented to Ryn Brown of Clarke Middle School for her project titled “Chewy Juice.”

The Regional Science Fair was directed by Will Dodd, a ��ɫС�� alumnus, and Dr. Julia Schmitz, Professor of Biology. ��ɫС�� University faculty served as judges for the competition, including Dr. Elaine Bailey, Dr. Doug Butts, Dr. Andrew Duitsman, Yunxuan Yang, Natalie Simmons, Dr. Steve Nimmo, Dr. Tony Frye, Dr. Areatha Ketch, Dr. Deb Dooley, Dr. Mike Friedline, Dr. Sean Carrigan, and Dr. Rebecca Godwin.

Additional faculty and staff contributed to the success of the event, including Dr. Bob Lutz, Erin Forester, Cat Wiles, Jason Croy, Chelsea Wilkes, as well as members of the Maintenance and Café staff. Twelve student ambassadors also played a vital role by giving campus tours to participating students, while others assisted with event setup and various tasks throughout the day.

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College of Nursing and Health Sciences Hosts White Coat Ceremony

Grace Wills — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:18:54 +0000

On the evening of December 9, hundreds of family, friends, and loved ones gathered in the ��ɫС�� University Chapel to watch their students receive their white coats. The ceremony marks the transition from classroom learning to clinical training. Special guest speaker John Filson, PA. PT. delivered the opening address, and ��ɫС��’s own Dr. Megan Cuellar, CCC-SLP closed the ceremony.

Congratulations, students! We are so proud of you!

to access photos from the ceremony.

HEALTH SCIENCES

Juan Antonio

Jordan Ballard

Laura Crone

Coleigh Elmore

Ashley Hendricks

Monea Holems

Reid Kafsky

Margaret Leger

Noah Van Wieren

REHABILITATIVE SCIENCES

Carson Bezold

Madelyn Cox

Megan Holbrook

Ansley Hunter

Jackeline Lopez

Rylee Moore

Judit Murillo

Meredith Mullins

Emily Nguyen

Isabella Pedretti

Jesse Smedley

Marianna Spragins

Camille Waddell

NURSING

Andres Aguilera
Amanda Allen Prim
Kasey Bailey
Callaway Branan
Jackie Caceres
Emilee Cantey
Corey Carney
Kiana Chastain
Sarah Cook
Antquanette Davis
Nashondra Davis
Breanna Dickerson
Shannon Dorrough
Islay Drake
Summer Eastwood
Shanique Eberthart
Kaitlyn Ellis
Jennifer Fuentes
Raven Glenn
Ryan Hass
Emma Hoffman
Ashtan Huff
Jennifer Hurtado
Kianna Irish
Belen Izquierdo
Alexia Jarrard
Cheyenne Johnson
Thi Que Anh La
Regine Lobo
Anna Grace Marable
Mariana Mayo
Brittany McKeever
Veronica Negrete
Kinsey Nix
Murphy O’Brien
Sebastian Odinson
Madalyn Pagerie
Andreana Peguero
Alexandra Petfalski
Collyn Piedra
Emma Reed
Jenna Reese
Sophia Rogers
Austin Sears
Conerly Seger
Kathryn Seymour
Emma Smith
Cameron Southard
Taylor Spivey
Grace Stotts
Keondra Thomas
Sara Walker

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��ɫС��’s Food Pantry Brings Food and Fellowship to Campus

Grace Wills — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:33:21 +0000

by Grace Wills

On a cold, rainy Wednesday in November, four people dart in and out of the back entrance of Lane Hall to a packed van. They bring tens of boxes, bags, and wagons full of fresh food inside to be sorted and shelved for a program that has quickly become one of the most popular spots on campus: ��ɫС��’s Food Pantry.

The people shaking the rain off themselves and beginning the work of stocking are the Student Success Center staff and student workers. This is a weekly task for them — driving to the Northeast Georgia Food Bank in Clayton, hauling the food inside, and sorting it for consumption — and today is no exception, despite the rainy weather. They sort, stack, label, and move the food with tireless energy, eager to restock their shelves with what they described as possibly their biggest food haul yet.

The size of the haul is necessary; since its inception, the Food Pantry has regularly seen hundreds of visitors per month. Just last month, there were nearly 300 visits, and as awareness spreads, more are expected.

The pantry, open to ��ɫС�� students, faculty, and staff, began in 2022 but recently expanded as the result of an idea tossed between Director of Student Support Services Ineke Dyer and Director of Campus Experiences and Operations Chelsea Wilkes: what if ��ɫС�� partnered with the Northeast Georgia Food Bank to bring food to campus? From there, the Student Success Center staff worked to make it happen. Now, the front lobby of Lane Hall overflows with food.

“Fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread make up a large part of our food pantry. Thanks to our partnership with the NE GA Food Bank, we’re able to salvage food that would have otherwise gone to waste,” says Learning Center Coordinator Oliver Howington.

In addition to fresh food, there are hundreds of snacks and premade meal options to take home or eat on-the-go. Student feedback reflects a special appreciation for the latter: “I have snacks when I haven’t got groceries or dinner,” says one. Another comments, “This is an amazing resource… sometimes students have no time to pick up food and drink. This helps!”

The holidays can be an especially stressful time in school, especially if financial hardship is involved. The Food Pantry aims to relieve some of that stress, as Dyer comments: “With food prices continuing to climb, this food pantry hopefully alleviates some of the financial burden of accessing food/snacks and other necessities and allows our students to focus on their education without the added stress of worrying about food.” Based on the crowd that visits the pantry daily, it seems that hope is well-founded.

Before the restock is even done, students are lining up to visit the food pantry. One asks if the food pantry is ready for visitors yet. “Just a minute,” says a student worker with a smile. “Then we’ll be back to serving.”

If you would like to support ��ɫС��’s Food Pantry and our mission to keep all our Lions well-fed, you can give by visiting and designating “food pantry” in the description.

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��ɫС�� Roar Named Top Student Media Website in the Nation

Zackary Hoopaugh — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:34:32 +0000

The Roar (), the student media hub of ��ɫС�� University, was recently awarded Division III “Media Website of the Year” by the College Media Association.

“This recognition is a testament to the work of our students across all media platforms,” said Dr. Joe Dennis, chair of the mass communications department. “The Roar features the outstanding work of our students in writing, photography, design, audio and video. This national award demonstrates that among small colleges, ��ɫС�� has one of the best mass communications programs in the country.”

The award was one of 26 “Pinnacle Awards” received by ��ɫС�� at the College Media Conference in Washington, DC, on Oct. 15-18, by far the most of any college in the Division III category (colleges with fewer than 3,000 students). According to the , the Pinnacle Awards “represent the best student work in collegiate journalism, media production and organizational excellence.” Awards are determined by “a panel of experienced media professionals and educators.”

��ɫС�� students racked up 10 first-place, nine second-place, two third-place and five honorable mention awards. Seventeen different students from ��ɫС�� were recognized in the competition. The awards earned by ��ɫС�� spanned all media, with 10 recognizing outstanding journalistic writing, five spotlighting photography, five acknowledging video production, three highlighting audio entertainment, and three for media design.

Dennis also acknowledged the ��ɫС�� administration, which is committed to supporting an independent student media. “In a time when administrative censorship is common in student media, ��ɫС�� University has continued to provide students with a forum to investigate the issues that matter to students,” he said. “That independence fosters a successful student media and, more importantly, provides real-world lessons for our students.”

Six ��ɫС�� students accompanied their adviser, Laura Hudgens, to the four-day conference in Washington, DC. Attended by more than 3,000 student journalists and media professionals, the national conference provides students with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and network with peers from other schools. The Pinnacle Awards are presented at the conclusion of the conference.

“I couldn’t be happier about this year’s CMA experience,” said Laura Hudgens, assistant professor of mass communications and advisor for The Roar. “Our students learned so much, had some fun experiences and came away with more awards than an adviser could ever even ask for.”

For a comprehensive list of awards, including links to the award-winning work, please refer to the attached table.

Some highlights:

��ɫС��’s sports communications majors fared well in the competition, with eight sports-related entries earning national recognition.
Spring 2025 graduate Sophie Haines’ capstone documentary, “Concealed,” earned three awards for best documentary (third place), best video ad (second place) and best print ad (first place).
The Roar continues to fare well in opinion writing categories, earning first place for its editorial writing, sports column writing and second place in column writing.

The Roar is the student media hub for ��ɫС�� University, housing The Roar student newspaper, 98-7 Roar Radio, Roar Podcast Productions and Roar Student Films. All ��ɫС�� student media is independently produced and run by students, with mass communications professors serving as advisors. ��ɫС�� offers majors in mass communications, sports communications, and film and documentary production.

��ɫС�� University 2025 College Media Association Pinnacle Awards

Category	Place	Student	Entry
Media Website of the Year	1^st Place	Staff
Game Story	1^st Place	Grant Prather
Multimedia Sports Story	1^st Place	Grant Prather & Michelle Cates
Print Advertisement	1^st Place	Sophie Haines
Editorial	1^st Place	Grant Prather, Paige Kluba & Eric Edmondson	; ;
Sports Column	1^st place	Erin Donovan
General News Story	1st place	Ivana Gonzalez Lima
Feature Photo Package	1^st place	Angelica Lux
Headline	1^st place	Alexis Baumgardner
Infographic	1^st place	Ansleigh Dubose
Vertical short video	1^st place	Jessica Sconyers
Sports Feature (video)	2^nd place	Paige Kluba
Sports Photo	2^nd place	Michelle Cates
Video Advertisement	2^nd place	Sophie Haines
Column	2^nd place	Paige Kluba	;
Investigative Story	2^nd place	Paige Kluba, Erin Donovan & Michelle Cates
News Photo Package	2^nd place	Michelle Cates
Portrait	2^nd place	Isaiah Jones
Series	2^nd place	Michelle Cates, Sydney Spitzer and Angelica Lux	Women’s History Month: ; ;
A&E Story (video)	2^nd place	Caylin Anderson
Audio Advertisement	3^rd place	Paige Kluba
Long Documentary	3^rd place	Sophie Haines
General News Photo	Honorable Mention	Angelica Lux
Coverage of Diversity	Honorable Mention	Erin Donovan
Podcast	Honorable Mention	Nahomi Solorzano
Profile Story	Honorable Mention	Alexis Baumgardner
Best DJ Personality	Honorable Mention	Grant Prather, Colin Hackshaw and Zach Avila

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My Best Week at ��ɫС�� was Magical — and a Little Silly

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:54:49 +0000

by Terrie Ellerbee

It started with sirens.

That Wednesday, ��ɫС�� University’s Demorest campus was swarming with law enforcement and emergency medical personnel—including an AirFlight helicopter. But this wasn’t a real emergency. It was our annual Disaster Drill, organized by Assistant Nursing Professor Taryn Ogle.

Each year, the simulation gives future nursing and communications professionals a chance to test their skills in a high-pressure environment. The 2025 scenario? An active shooter.

I didn’t know I’d be part of it until the last minute. But the role was perfect: media wrangler.

Before I had the best job ever at ��ɫС��, I was a newspaper reporter, editor, then publisher. I’d even edited a couple of trade magazines. Managing the media? I could do that with my eyes closed. Or so I thought.

The communications director for local law enforcement—a former newspaper colleague of mine—was on site.��Now Habersham, a local media company, was among those covering the drill, and my main responsibility was keeping the reporter, Brian, “safe.” I made sure we were standing exactly where we were supposed to be.

Or so I thought.

The “shooter”—a student in a hoodie with a fake handgun—ran right between Brian and me. There’s a video. So much for keeping him safe. Brian was a good sport and laughed it off. Honestly? One of my favorite moments ever.

Watching our students in action—fully committed, fully engaged—was pure joy.

Then came Thursday.

Once again, I got pulled into something not on my calendar: the PAL Games. It’s a special day of competition and camaraderie partnering ��ɫС�� students with local elementary students with special needs. You have to see it to believe it.

Five minutes in, my heart grew a couple of sizes.

Our students stay with their little PALs all day, cheering them on, goofing around, and offering nonstop encouragement. Ann Sutton in Advancement runs the event, and my best work buddy (and Ann’s right hand), Bri, was glowing. It was beautiful to witness.

Somehow, those two magical events landed in the same week—and I got to be at both.

That’s me in the middle with Bri (left) and our other work bestie, Grace Wills, Digital Marketing Manager for ��ɫС��.

Later that week, Bri and I were hanging up flyers all around campus. It’s a slow process on foot, but two friendly Facilities folks in a pickup truck offered us a ride. We hopped in the back. I slid off the wheel well straight into the bed of the truck—right next to the tools they use to unclog toilets. Of course.

Bri’s response? Laughter. And photos. No helping hand, just an impromptu photo shoot.

Also that week: the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever tasted and a surprise hug from a new work friend. And on Saturday? ��ɫС�� hosted a Bigfoot conference in the Commons. I went for fun.

But here’s the real point:

I work here. No one planned those experiences for me the way we plan things for our students. No one was making sure I was learning, growing, or even having a good time.

And yet—that’s exactly what happened.

It was one of the best weeks of my life. The happy accidents that placed me in those moments were gifts. The strawberries, the hug, Bigfoot merch, even the slide into the truck bed—bonuses.

Other than maybe walking the president’s dogs, I have the best job on campus — and this campus is a remarkable, beautiful place.

It’s home.

It is ��ɫС��.

Terrie Ellerbee is ��ɫС��’s Strategic Communications and Family Relations Manager. Reach her at 706-778-8500, ext. 2859, or tellerbee@piedmont.edu.��

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From One Parent to Another: It’s Gonna be OK

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:42:40 +0000

by Erin Randolph

Erin is the parent of a recent ��ɫС�� University graduate student named Jackson. This is the speech she gave when she spoke at the first Summer Orientation in 2025. She shares her family’s personal experience (she was a nervous mama) and a few pieces of advice (let your student fail!). We thought our ��ɫС�� families would enjoy what she had to say as much as we did!

First of all, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all incoming students. By choosing ��ɫС�� to further your education, you have taken the first step in empowering yourselves to realize, and put into practice, your natural skills and talents. Furthermore, by choosing to join the culture of academic excellence that ��ɫС�� offers, you have also accepted the challenges that will face you head-on personally, academically, socially, emotionally, and for many of you, financially.�� That being said, you have made the right choice!

To give you a bit of context about me, I am a 25-year veteran music educator and will soon enter my third contract year as an assistant principal of a prominent middle school in Coweta County. I spend every day answering phone calls and emails from parents (and even some former students) asking me to provide guidance on how to make a decision about their child’s education, their social or emotional challenges, or simply asking for advice on how to get to the next achievement level without failing.

When I go to bed every night, I ask myself if I have done right by all my students and parents — even if I made them mad.�� And, trust me, as an administrator, there are few days that go by when I don’t make someone mad! But at the end of every day, if I can say that I’ve done the best job I can for all my students and parents, then I can sleep soundly knowing I have done my job.

Now that you know a bit about my background as an educator and administrator, let me just tell you, as a parent, I’m clueless. I’m learning as I go just like the rest of you, regardless of the fact that my child will turn 22 next Wednesday.

And let me also tell you, sitting where you parents are today, just four years ago, I nearly wore my stomach into a bloody ulcer just thinking about every challenge my child could potentially face without me. Parents listen up: it’s gonna be OK.

My son Jackson wasn’t the best student in high school. He made As and Bs, an occasional C, and I won’t begin to tell you about the stress that Advanced Chemistry put on our entire family. Even the dogs needed therapy by the time he was finished with that course!

Jackson wasn’t the most popular student either. He played baseball, and was involved in a few clubs, but he wasn’t very outgoing. He has never needed to be the center of attention and has also never been willing to accept accolades when they were deserved.

When it came to looking at colleges, Jackson really only had two criteria. He needed a baseball coach to see him and want him on their team, and he wanted his degree of interest to be offered. Seems easy, right? Well, it wasn’t.

When he was young, parents and friends told us that if Jackson ever wanted to be seen by a college coach, that he would have to play travel ball. So, starting at 10 years old, he played travel baseball. And when I say he played travel ball, I do mean — and some of you parents out there can relate — the entire family played travel ball. For years we shuffled from hotel to hotel, putting millions of miles on beat-up pickup trucks and Honda Accords.

We wrote papers in the bleachers and studied for tests during lightning delays. And because nearly every weekend we had baseball on Sundays, we couldn’t attend traditional church services. Therefore, we provided most of our spiritual guidance simply by teaching Jackson how to be a good teammate and brother to all of those around him on and off the field.

Jackson and Erin Randolph

All of this is to say that sending my quiet, reserved child, who I was truly afraid wouldn’t know how to advocate for himself off to college made me a very nervous mama. But ��ɫС�� answered the call.

Jackson was offered a position on the ��ɫС�� Lions baseball team. He just completed his fourth year of NCAA eligibility as a senior. He held the positions of catcher, designated hitter, and relief pitcher throughout the course of his collegiate athletic career.

Academically, Jackson has no less thrived in the classroom, exceeding every one of our expectations as parents. Jackson decided very early on that he wanted to go into the field of exercise science and become an athletic trainer.

This decision stemmed from the still long-running joke throughout his life as a baseball player: “If it’s gonna happen to anyone on that baseball field, it’s gonna happen to Jackson Randolph!” Whether it was a concussion, a hit-by-pitch, a hole in the turf, or a passed ball from the pitcher, if somebody was gonna get hit or hurt — it was my kid!

Therefore, Jackson has committed to exercise science as a field of study, and after only just finishing his fourth year of college, he is already halfway through graduate school earning his Master’s of Athletic Training degree. He will graduate next May with both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, all while also having played four years of full-time collegiate baseball.

Jackson has earned the prestigious “Teammate of the Year” award that is voted on by the entire baseball team each year- and it was unanimous.�� This award was earned for his continuous support and eagerness to help his team and brothers on and off the field.

Jackson was also recently inducted into the College of Health Sciences Honor’s Society for his GPA, leadership in the field, and commitment to service. Currently, Jackson is looking forward to a career in injury prevention and rehabilitation of high school and college athletes, as well as anyone, of any age, for whom he can assist in bettering their life without pain from injury.

Now this is certainly not intended to be a brag session about my own child.�� Remember a few minutes ago, when I told you that four summers ago, as I sat in a chair like you, exactly in the stage of life that you parents are today, I nearly developed a hole in my gut? Well, not only has ��ɫС�� cured my own parental anxiety, but has provided every single tool and resource for Jackson to become an asset in his field of study, a supportive member of society, a committed and hardworking athletic trainer and dedicated injury rehabilitation practitioner, and hopefully in the future- a loving and loyal husband and father.

This university has done this for our son. For our family.�� Even the dogs.

You have made the right choice. Parents, thank you for supporting your children over the course of the last 18 years.

Students, you’re in the right place, and I will tell you what I’ve told countless students over the last few years: if you fail at ��ɫС��, it’s because you didn’t utilize all the amazing resources ��ɫС�� provides. Reach out to academic counselors, seek help from the mental health specialists employed by the university when you start feeling overwhelmed and stressed, request a mentor, obtain guidance from your RAs and coaches, get involved in clubs and extracurricular activities, and start growing personally and professionally as you dig in, work hard, and realize your potential.

Remember the old adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?” Heed those words because ��ɫС�� will help you every step of the way.

In parting, I have a few pieces of valuable advice that I would like to pass along. These tidbits of guidance were passed on to me by former college parents, coaches, professors and alumni, and they are my gift to you.

• Show grace. As students and as parents, remember there are multiple sides to every story. Things that seem to be too good to be true often are. Things will not always go your way. Remember also, you never know what is going on in someone else’s life. As a student and as a parent, whether in the classroom or in the bleachers, be graceful and empathetic always.

• Parents, let your students fail. It teaches accountability and humility, both of which are strong attributes of good humans. There are no successful adults contributing to society today who have not ever experienced their share of failure. Provide your student with love and support, and give them the tools to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and move on with integrity.

• Parents, also set your students up for success by providing them with new supplies.��This should go without saying but don’t rely on your 18-year-old student to go to Walmart alone and purchase the proper items for organization. There are just so many flavors of Pop Tarts and beef jerky that a student needs to survive. Use your experience to guide them. This is especially important for promoting good time management. Get your student a great planner, new pens and pencils, an awesome backpack. This is an exciting new life full of adventures and challenges, so do what you are able to let them have a great start!

• This next piece of advice was a lesson to myself as well: allow your student to practice self-advocacy and independence by solving their own problems. whether it be when communicating with their RA about damage to their dorm, acquiring information about financial aid, requesting academic counseling, or submitting dietary requests in the dining hall, let your child use their voice and learn how to reach out for support.

I know it’s difficult sometimes but promote and value your child’s proposed career path. Lifetime happiness and fulfillment will ALWAYS trump the monetary value of their checking account.�� Let them try and fail and they will become stronger individuals for it.

• Finally, families, please get involved as much, and to whatever degree, as your child is comfortable.There are a multitude of opportunities to become part of the ��ɫС�� family. I have found that Jackson was much more comfortable knowing I was still part of the ��ɫС�� community, even though I was two hours away. My son has grown into a very strong-willed, independent and intentional student and young man, and while we gave him the room to explore his own freedoms and make his own mistakes, knowing we have been part of the culture and family here at ��ɫС�� has provided stability and a sense of security for him.

It has been my honor to speak to you today.�� I hope that something I have said has made a difference to you, as a parent or as a student, and I wish you ALL the best of luck as you embrace and immerse yourselves in this next phase of your lives together.

Safe travels home and have a wonderful rest of your summer! Thank you and Go Lions!!

The post From One Parent to Another: It’s Gonna be OK appeared first on ��ɫС�� University.

Dyer’s Path to Purpose

Zackary Hoopaugh — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:01:24 +0000

by Caylin Anderson

Associate Professor of Mass Communication Tristan Dyer

The roar of engines echoed from across the Iraqi desert as convoys rolled through Camp Taji. In the middle of the chaos was a young communications specialist named Tristan Dyer, carrying more than just radio equipment. Dyer took the stories of his fellow soldiers, stories that the world might never hear unless he told them.

Dyer often found himself standing around the television screen with his fellow soldiers, eyes glued to the screen as it displayed moving pictures. Television often serves as a form of distraction, allowing individuals to unwind and watch something enjoyable after a long day at work. However, this was not the case for Dyer. The television was seemingly stuck on news channels, with reporters elaborating on strategy and attacks. These news stations refused, however, to elaborate upon the “human element.”

“Soldiers were portrayed as though they were made by cookie cutters, all the same. I knew then that I could represent this depiction of soldiers at war in a much better light,” stated Dyer.

As soon as Dyer received his honorable discharge from the military, he decided to take it upon himself to depict the stories of soldiers at war through the art of visual journalism. He aimed to capture the raw, unfiltered humanity of soldiers, showcasing their struggles, camaraderie and resilience in ways that the news failed to convey.

Through his work, Dyer sought to humanize the soldiers, offering a poignant and personal perspective that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

Photography was just a stepping stone for Dyer. While attending the Brooks Institute of Photography and earning a bachelor’s in visual journalism, something deep inside him awoke—his passion for documentary film.

While at the Brooks Institute, Dyer worked tirelessly on “The Other Way Out,” a film depicting one woman escaping a 15-year addiction to opiates. The film is entirely narrated by the woman, recalling the experience of her addiction and the use of a controversial method of recovery called Ibogaine. Her story is illustrated through stop-motion animation and time-lapse photography.

The film won the 2009 Best Animation award at the New England Film Festival, along with an Alliance for Community Media award for best non-professional animation.

“The Other Way Out” was only the beginning for Dyer. The following year, Dyer contributed to a documentary series titled “Operation In Their Boots,” which features the work of five veterans-turned-filmmakers. The documentaries depict the devastating impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. All five of the films premiered on November 9, 2010, at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles, California.

Dyer’s documentary in the “Operation In Their Boots” series is titled Enduring Erebus.

“Enduring Erebus was shot using stop motion animation. The common theme among the people in my film is that they can’t sleep very well,” stated Dyer in

Dyer’s documentary focused on substance abuse among veterans. Four veterans—three men and a woman—provided the narrative for his film.

The film highlights the struggles these veterans face as they cope with their experiences, using vivid imagery to convey the emotional toll of war. Through their stories, Dyer sheds light on the challenges of reintegration into civilian life and the ongoing battle with addiction.

After dedicating countless hours to work in film and documentary, Dyer has found himself at ��ɫС�� University with a desire to pursue a career in academics as an assistant professor teaching film and documentary production classes.

Though this is his first semester teaching at ��ɫС��, Dyer and his family moved to Habersham County in 2020 from Southern California.

“My son was just about to enter kindergarten, and California was on super strict quarantine lockdowns,” Dyer explained. “My parents lived in Sautee, and we had been visiting for 10 or so years and loved the area. We made the leap so my son could have the country childhood that we had in Maine, as well as being able to attend school in person and to be close to some of his grandparents.”

Dyer has taken easily to his role in overseeing the film and documentary production major, hoping to bring a “figure it out” spirit.

“Making a film is like a giant set of obstacles on the way to the goal of telling a certain story. I feel the most fun part of creating films is coming up with clever ways to get around or through those obstacles. Sometimes those solutions lead to a really compelling aspect of the film.”

While Dyer is new to the mass communication department, he is determined to bring his ideas to life.

“Making the best possible choices on gear that would maximize the students’ learning and creativity is my immediate goal. ��ɫС�� is a smaller school compared to institutions like UGA or Georgia Tech, but the knowledge and skills across the campus are vast. We have some very talented students and those talents could really benefit a lot of people outside of our little corner of campus,” stated Dyer.

As the film major continues to grow, so will Dyer’s determination to become a better filmmaker, assist students in creating something great, and inspire future generations.

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