Competition and Fun for Area Students

Brunswick, GA – The College of Coastal Georgia is hosting a Math & Science Expo, sponsored by Pinova, on Saturday, February 22. Middle and high school students, parents and teachers from Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne counties are invited to participate in activities offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. The program includes lunch at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center on campus.

Students can choose to participate in an activity or compete in one of the Academic Bowls. The activities run concurrently between 9:30-11:45 a.m., including teachers’ and parents’ programs. Awards will be presented following lunch at noon.

For the Academic Bowls, teams of up to six students can compete for school trophies and individual medals in either the middle school level or the high school level tournaments. In the tournament matches, teams challenge each other to determine who knows more about mathematics and the sciences.

The interactive actives for students include several faculty-led workshops:

• Building a working pinhole camera and developing the photographs, hosted by Jeff LeMieux, Associate Professor of Art;
• Designing, constructing and programming robots with the Lego NXT robotics system, hosted by Dr. German Vargas, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematics;
• Listening to the human body using a simulation mannequin, hosted by Lee Eades, Simulation Specialist and Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Joyce Tate, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing;
• Estimating distance through the ages, from right triangles as used by early Egyptians to the contemporary iOS app, hosted by Treg Thompson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics;
• Understanding the properties of lenses, light and seeing, hosted by Dr. Ntungwa Maasha, Professor of Physics and Geology; 
• Synthesizing aspirin, hosted by Dr. Andrea Wallace, Professor of Chemistry and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences;
• Excavating fossils from coastal sites, hosted by Camden Center instructor Sibille Chalkley and lab coordinator Kelly Clark;
• Exploring the structure and function of the human eye, hosted by James Carpenter, Assistant Profeesor of Biology;
• Dissecting a rat, hosted by Dr. Ann McGlaughlin.
• Using concepts from immunohematology for forensic investigation of a crime, hosted by Robin Bradshaw, Lecturer of Clinical Laboratory Technology, and Dr. Keith Belcher, Profeesor of Biology and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Teachers can choose one of three programs:

• The Importance of Incorporating Primates in the K-12 Curriculum, hosted by Dr. Karen Hambright, Professor of Psychology;
• Scientific Methodology in the Social Sciences, hosted by Dr. Kimberly Mannahan, Assistant Professor of Psychology;
• Influence of Ecological Research on the American Environmental Movement, Dr. Christopher Wilhelm, Assistant Professor of History.

Parents will be offered the opportunity to meet College faculty, staff and students, learn more about the College undergraduate degrees and ACCEL (dual high school/college enrollment) programs, hear about the admissions and financial aid processes, and tour the campus.

For more information about Expo participation, contact Joan Rozmarynoski at jrozmarynoski@ccga.edu or 912.279.5880. Registration is available online: http://www.ccga.edu/Academics/SchoolMNS/MathScienceExpo.asp

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Corporate Sponsorship for the Program Is Provided by Pinova

Brunswick, GA - Eleven College faculty members will present fun and fascinating workshops to girls in grades 5-8 to encourage them to take science and math classes and consider careers in related fields. Community volunteers developed six additional workshops on topics ranging from veterinary medicine and watersheds to GPS and marine debris. The girls and their parents will be participating in Expanding Your Horizons Day, sponsored by Pinova, on campus Saturday, November 2, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Southeast Georgia Conference Center.

The program opens with words of welcome from Dr. Gregory Aloia, College President, and Sung Hui Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Glynn County Schools. Susan Shipman, Chair of the St. Simons Land Trust Board of Directors, will be the keynote speaker. Shipman is former director of the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Faculty members presenting workshop programs for Expanding Your Horizons include:

• “Bubbly Bakers” with Dr. Jennifer Hatchell, Assistant Professor of Biology
• “Fun with Acids and Bases” with Dr. Andrea Wallace, Professor of Chemistry
• “Geometry Jumble” with Dr. Laura Lynch, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
• “Looking into Radiologic Science” with Bonnie M. Tobias, Assistant Professor of Radiologic Science
• “Nursing, Sciences and Simulation” with Diane Denton, Associate Professor of Nursing
• “Papermaking” with Mike Huber, Part-time Instructor of Chemistry
• “Physics and Fun Everywhere!” with Dr. Ntungwa Maasha, Professor of Physics and Geology
• “Polymers Are Slimy” with Dr. Leon Gardner, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
• “Science and Math Can Be Fun!” with Dr. Sarah Hartman, Assistant Professor of Education
• “The Eyes Have It” with James Carpenter, Assistant Professor of Biology                                               
• “What Is an Anemone and Why Are They Awesome?” with Dr. David Stasek, Assistant Professor of Biology

Approximately 250 girls participated in the campus program last November. Dr. Joan Boorman, Director of Testing and Grants, Glynn County Schools, serves as the coordinator of the event for the school system.

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Brunswick, GA – Dr. German Vargas, Chair of the Department of Mathematics, has been appointed chair of the University System of Georgia’s ad hoc steering committee to implement the recommendations of the special report published in July on improving success rates in gateway mathematics courses across the state system.

During the past two years, Coastal Georgia’s Department of Mathematics has been actively involved in redesigning learning support curriculum and innovative instruction for mathematics to increase retention, progression and graduation without compromising the integrity of the mathematical content. “The tenacity of our faculty combined with the progressiveness of our institution has allowed our department to be one of the pioneers of these initiatives within the USG,” Dr. Vargas said. “The initiatives are part of the College’s commitment to support the Complete College Georgia vision and strategy for developing a workforce that will ensure a bright future for the state’s residents through a markedly increased percentage of post-secondary degrees and more graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – the STEM fields that translate into superior economic development.”

As a result of these efforts at Coastal Georgia, Dr. Vargas was appointed in January to serve as a member of USG’s Task Force on the Role of Mathematics in College Completion. The task force was comprised of eight mathematics leaders from some of the most influential schools in Georgia, such as Georgia Tech and UGA, and was led by senior administrators from USG and nationally-renowned consultants, including Dr. P. Uri Treisman, Professor of Mathematics and Professor of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and Director of the Charles A. Dana Center.

The six-month projected culminated this summer in a report, University System of Georgia: Transforming College Mathematics. According to Dr. Vargas, the report calls for innovation and statewide implementation of eight recommendations to increase the success rate in gateway mathematics courses and improve retention, progression and graduation of students.

To direct the implementation of the report’s recommendations, the USG tasked the Academic Advisory Committee of Mathematical Subjects (ACMS) to form the ad hoc steering committee. Dr. Vargas, current chair-elect of the ACMS, was appointed to chair the task force. “I’m looking forward to the new challenge,” Dr. Vargas concluded.

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Brunswick, GA – Five College of Coastal Georgia math students were selected from more than 300 students nationally to participate in the Seventh Annual Mathematical Field of Dreams Conference sponsored by the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences in Mesa, Arizona, during November 1-3. Student attendance is by invitation only and includes payment of all travel, hotel and conference expenses. The students were nominated by Dr. Victor Vega-Vazquez, an Alliance member, student mentor, and Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Arts and Sciences. The students who attended were:

• Erina Bista ’16 of Darien
• Muh Ling Chong ‘14 of Jekyll Island, attending for her second year
• Bradley Holloway ‘14 of Brunswick, attending for his second year
• Wallace Ireland ’14 of Brunswick, attending for his third consecutive year
• Melissa James ‘14 of Woodbine, attending for her second year

 

Holloway already holds a BS in mathematics and is completing his BBA.

“It is phenomenal that our young program is getting such attention from national programs like the Alliance. We are preparing our students for a bright future in the mathematical sciences and people are noticing,” Dr. Vega-Vazquez said. “I am pleased and extremely happy for this recognition of our program. Of course, our students are the ones that deserve the credit for their outstanding work. The director of the Alliance has scheduled a visit to our campus later in November to meet and talk to our students and faculty, as well as to President Aloia, so we must be doing something right.”

During the conference, the students will learn about different degree opportunities in the mathematical sciences, paths to earn a doctorate, tips for graduate school selection and application, and career opportunities once the Ph.D. is achieved. Networking is also an important component, according to Dr. Vega-Vazquez. “Coastal Georgia is assuredly a College of Choice for students who are interested in the STEM disciplines. The future has never looked brighter for mathematics.”

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Brunswick, GA – Nine new faculty members have joined the full-time teaching staff of the College of Coastal Georgia for the new academic year.

Stephanie Conner, Lecturer of English and Academic Advisor Conner has worked as a part-time English instructor at the College since 2009 as well as tutoring privately in composition, reading comprehension and study skills for over a decade. Prior teaching experience includes six years at the secondary school level. She earned her MA and BA in English from Valdosta State University.

Dr. C. Tate Holbrook, Assistant Professor of Biology Prior to joining the faculty of Coastal Georgia, Dr. Holbrook served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology at Lynchburg College in Virginia for two years. He received his PhD in Biology from Arizona State University and graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a BS in Biology, concentration in ecology and evolution. For eight years he has served as a consultant and writer for Ask a Biologist (http://askabiologist.asu.edu), an educational resource for preK-12 students and their parents and teachers.

Dr. Jose L. Lugo, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Lugo received his PhD in Mathematics from Purdue University, where he studied functional analysis with a focus on the theory of C*-algebras. He received a 2011 Researcher Visit Award from the Centre de Recerca in Barcelona, Spain, for a one-month research visit funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and the Dr. Francisco Garriga Medal, the highest honor for a graduating student majoring in Mathematics awarded by the School of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico.

Nicole Masano, Assistant Professor of Nursing A registered nurse with 20 years of experience and a certified nurse midwife, Masano served as adjunct faculty in the maternal child nursing track of the Coastal Georgia BSN program earlier this year.  Since 2011, she has served as adjunct faculty in the nursing informatics track of Kaplan University’s graduate program. From 2006-2009, she was the clinical educator of labor and delivery at Edward Hospital, Naperville, Illinois, and prior to that, the clinical educator, charge nurse and staff nurse at Swedish Covenant Hospital and clinical instructor at Loyola University in Chicago. She earned her certificate in Health Informatics, MSN in Nurse Midwifery and BSN from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dorothy M. Miller, Assistant Professor of Nursing Prior to joining Coastal Georgia faculty, Miller was an assistant professor for four years at Albany State University with previous experience as a clinical adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College, as a staff nurse, and as an insurance quality review coordinator, utilization review coordinator and medical claims reviewer. She earned her MSN in Nursing Education from Regis University in Denver and BSN from Landers University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Dr. Michael P. Morris, Assistant Professor of History Prior to joining Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Miller served as history instructor at Augusta Technical College and Assistant Professor of History at Dalton State College for five years and at Jacksonville State University for three years. He received his PhD in History from Auburn University, his master’s from Georgia Southern University, and graduated summa cum laude from Augusta State University with a BA in History.

Dr. David Mulry, Chair, Department of Arts and Humanities, and Professor of English
Dr. Mulry studied in England and has taught in England, France, Greece and the U.S. He received his PhD in English from the University of Kent in Canterbury and his BA in Humanities with honors from Middlesex Polytechnic University in London. Prior to joining the faculty of Coastal Georgia, Dr. Mulry was Professor of English at Schreiner University in Texas for six years, where he received the Schreiner Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity in 2009 and had served as chair of the English and Foreign Languages Department for four years.

Matthew L. Raiford, Visiting Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts and Program Coordinator
Chef Raiford was the Executive Chef of The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island prior to joining Coastal Georgia faculty with responsibilities for coordination and public presentation of the culinary arts program related to the development and operation of the new student-managed restaurant on Jekyll Island. He has 20 years of professional culinary experience. The Brunswick native is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, with post-graduate work at the University of California Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.

Dr. Ronald S. Reigner, Associate Professor of Reading/Language Arts Prior to joining Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Reigner was with the University of West Georgia for 13 years as Assistant, then Associate, Professor and Director of the Reading Clinic. He has extensive experience as a reading specialist and instructor. Dr. Reigner received his PhD and Med from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his BA from Emory University.

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Brunswick, GA – Junior Matthew Cullens will be out of town this summer, participating in a research program at Brigham Young University in Utah.

From June 8 through August 17, the math major from Soperton, Georgia will be doing research in condensed matter physics. The summer program is funded by the National Science Foundation.

“Some of our math students have expressed interest in doing undergraduate research as independent study during the summer months, remaining here rather than traveling,” Dr. Victor Vega, Associate Professor of Mathematics, noted. “Having students who want to work in higher order mathematics is highly motivating, particularly as their only reward is the challenge of doing good mathematics. As a faculty member, such enthusiasm is very exciting.”

 

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Brunswick, GA – Four College of Coastal Georgia students were tapped to attend the Sixth Annual Mathematical Field of Dreams Conference sponsored by the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences in Mesa, Arizona, earlier this month. Student attendance is by invitation only and includes payment of travel, hotel and conference expenses. The students were nominated by Dr. Victor Vega-Vazquez, an Alliance member, student mentor, and Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Arts and Sciences. The students who attended were:

•  Melissa James of Woodbine, a junior mathematics major;
•  Wallace Ireland of Brunswick, a junior mathematics major who also attended last year;
•  Muh Lin Chong of Brunswick, a junior mathematics major; and
•  Bradley Holloway of Brunswick, who already holds a BS in mathematics and is pursuing a BBA.

“Last year we introduced our new baccalaureate degree in mathematics and we were excited to have three of our students invited to attend. This year we have an additional participant, which speaks well of our program, and our students are not only receiving a great math education, but they also enjoy additional opportunities outside the campus,” Dr. Vega-Vazquez said.

In a series of conference panel discussions, the students learned about different degree opportunities in the mathematical sciences, paths to earn a doctorate, graduate school selection and application, tips for graduate school success, and career opportunities once the Ph.D. is achieved. Dr. Vega-Vazquez was a featured panelist this year, discussing his own experiences as a graduate student and as a mathematics professor.

“This year, the Field of Dreams Conference focused on graduate and recent graduate experiences and all the opportunities available to future students in the mathematical sciences, as well the other science, technology and engineering (STEM) disciplines. Our students had the opportunity to directly interact with graduate students and faculty from around the country, learning about their experiences in graduate school as well as all the different ways to succeed” he explained.

According to Dr. Vega-Vazquez, that interaction encouraged James, who will graduate in May 2014, to pursue her graduate degree in mathematics with the goal of becoming a college professor. She will also be attending a competitive summer research experience for undergraduates in 2013. “This is precisely what this program is about – opening new doors to our students into mathematics and the STEM disciplines,” he pointed out.

Dr. Vega-Vazquez is looking forward to a geographical expansion of the program. “We are considering the possibility of establishing a similar alliance in the southeast, with Coastal Georgia as one of the main campuses in this region. We are planning to include Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina within the new alliance region. This will definitely bring lots of opportunities to our students and faculty. I will continue to work to make Coastal Georgia a choice destination for students planning to major in any of the STEM disciplines. Certainly the future looks bright for our department and for the College.”

 

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Brunswick, GA – The College of Coastal Georgia will be hosting a new program on Saturday, February 9, 2013, for middle and high school students in Brantley, Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Ware and Wayne counties – the inaugural Math and Science Expo with corporate sponsorship by Pinova, a community partner with the College. The Expo will include activities and competitions, academic bowl competitions, and programs for parents and for teachers.

The College will also provide a limited Coastal Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students from Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne counties interested in competing for an opportunity to exhibit at the 2013 state competition held March 21-23 at the Athens Classic Center. The two-day Science and Engineering Fair will begin on Friday, February 8.

Both programs will be held on the Brunswick campus. For preliminary information, contact Dr. Andrea Wallace at 912.279.5931 or awallace@ccga.edu or Joan Rozmarynoski at 912.279.5876 or jrozmarynoski@ccga.edu.

 

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Brunswick, GA – Robert Chastain of Woodbine, Brandon Dunlap of Kennesaw, and Dayton Ireland of Brunswick will be out of town this summer, attending research programs at other universities.

Ireland, a math major, has been accepted for the summer research program in mathematics at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Dunlap, a biology major, will be participating in the Marine Biology Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Savannah State University.

Chastain, also a math major, will be traveling to Morgantown for the summer research program at West Virginia University.

“This is a significant achievement and will certainly open new venues for them and for all of our students,” Dr. Victor Vega, Associate Professor of Mathematics, enthusiastically noted. Vega, who is a member of the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences, serves as a mentor and adviser to undergraduates participating in the Alliance.

“REUs are very competitive,” Dr. Kimberly Pause Tucker, Assistant Professor of Biology, added. “It is great that we have three students in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences that have been accepted for this type of activity.”

 

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Brunswick, GA – Three College of Coastal Georgia students have been tapped to attend the Fifth Annual Mathematical Field of Dreams Conference October 14-16 at Arizona State University in Tempe, sponsored by the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences. The students were nominated by Dr. Victor Vega, Associate Professor of Mathematics in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, an Alliance member and mentor.  

 

• Robert Chastain of Woodbine, a junior majoring in mathematics;
• Wallace Ireland of Brunswick, a junior mathematics major in the secondary education track; and
• Robert Hampton of Brunswick, a junior mathematics major who already holds a M.S. in Information Systems and serves as Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Computer Technology in the School of Business and Public Affairs.

“With our new baccalaureate degree in mathematics, I believe the time is right to introduce our students to an opportunity to experience firsthand the infinite possibilities available to them in the discipline of mathematics. From scholarships and job opportunities to networking with fellow students and graduate faculty from across the nation, this conference encompasses so much that is beneficial to their futures,” explained Dr. Vega. “Networking is most important for broadening students’ horizons. But it is equally important to institutions and faculty, as colleagues explore opportunities for collaboration.”

One of the conference purposes is to bring together faculty in the mathematical sciences and talented undergraduate students who are underrepresented in those fields to encourage their participation in graduate programs. In a series of panel discussions, students will learn about different degree opportunities in the mathematical sciences, paths to earn a doctorate, graduate school selection and application, tips for graduate school success, and career opportunities once the Ph.D. is achieved.

Student attendance is by invitation only and includes payment of travel, hotel and conference expenses.

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From the Advancement Office

Brunswick, GA – Eleven new faculty members have joined the full-time teaching staff of the College of Coastal Georgia for the new academic year.

 

Robert R. Bleil, Assistant Professor of English 
Prior to joining the College faculty, Dr. Bleil was a lecturer in English with Salisbury University in Maryland and served as a lecturer and as Assistant Director for the Institute for the Arts and Humanities for The Pennsylvania State University. He received his Ph.D. and M.A. in English from The Pennsylvanie State University, his M.L.S. from the University of Pittsburgh, and his B.A. in English and Philosophy, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame.

Marci R. Culley, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology 
Dr. Culley served as Assistant Professor in the Community Psychology Ph.D. Program of Georgia State University for seven years. She earned a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, an M.A. in Community Psychology and Social Change from The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg, and B.S. in Psychology from Michigan State University.

Jim Fullerton, Assistant Professor of Management and Leadership Development       
Dr. Fullerton served as Leadership Program Director at Idaho State University from 1997 until his move this summer to St. Simons Island. He received his Ph.D. in Human Sciences and his B.A. in Journalism from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his M.P.A. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Jennifer Pooler Gray, Assistant Professor of English and Writing Center Director       
As Director of the College’s new Writing Center, Dr. Gray will be securing funding, hiring tutors, and providing in-class workshops and campus-wide professional development sessions. She served a similar role at the University of Texas at Tyler and was Assistant Director of the Writing Resources Center and Associate Director of the National Writing Project at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Gray received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Composition and Rhetoric from UNC Charlotte and her M.A. in English Literature from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg.

Laura Lynch, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Lynch received her Ph.D. in May from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her work on Annihilators of Local Cohomology Modules. She worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for six years while completing her M.S. in Mathematics and her Ph.D. dissertation. She is a cum laude graduate of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University, earning her B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences with concentrations in Math and Physics.

Kimberly Kinsey Mannahan, Assistant Professor of Psychology
For three years, Dr. Kinsey served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. Prior to that, she was a full time instructor at Augusta State University. She has also served as an adjunct and online instructor for Georgia Perimeter College, University of Phoenix, and Aiken Technical College. Dr. Kinsey received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Social) from the University of Arkansas, her M.S. in Applied Psychology (Clinical/Counseling) from Augusta State University, and her B.A. in Psychology from UGA.

Jamil W. Mortada, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Mortada received his Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics from Florida State University in April with his dissertation, Artin and Dehn Twist Subgroups of the Mapping Class Group. His M.S. in Pure Mathematics is also from Florida State; his B.S. in Mathematics if from the University of Arizona. He has served as a mathematics instructor at both universities.

Charlsie A. Myers, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Professor Myers is completing her doctoral studies in Health Psychology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where she has also served as an instructor, graduate teaching assistant, and guest lecturer. She received her M.A. in Experimental Psychology with a concentration in Biopsychology and her B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

David J. Stasek, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Stasek has served as an adjunct faculty member of Cuyahoga Community College as well as Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology at The College of Wooster, both in Ohio. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Zoology/Ecology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was also a teaching associate. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.

Sandra C. Taylor, Visiting Assistant Professor of Business and Management
Dr. Taylor enjoys teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in organizational studies, including corporate social responsibility, business ethics, human resources management, organizational behavior, and strategic management. She has taught numerous online course sections as Online College Professor and Curriculum Lead for Kaplan College Online, including serving as MBA Department Chair for Kaplan University Graduate School of Management. She received her Ph.D. in Human Resources Management from UGA, her M.S. in Counseling Psychology and her MBA from Georgia State University, and her B.A. in Philosophy from UGA.

Gerard J. White, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. White is experienced as a laboratory technician, research assistant, and teaching assistant. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Microbiology from the University of Arizona, his M.Sc. and B.Sc. with honors) in Plant Sciences from the University of Western Ontario, and a Diploma of Medical Laboratory Technology from College of the North Atlantic.

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Brunswick, GA - The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved, at its March 8 meeting in Atlanta, two new baccalaureate degree programs for the College of Coastal Georgia. The two new degree programs are:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

"The new degrees in Psychology and Mathematics bring us to eight bachelor's programs and add to the already impressive offerings designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and graduate school," College President Valerie Hepburn, Ph.D., said. "We expect both programs to attract highly qualified students and to produce outstanding thinkers and future leaders."

The Psychology degree is designed for students who want to make a difference in the lives of others, with three areas of concentration:

1. Psychology of Human Services, an emerging field at the intersection of psychology, health, and business;
2. Organizational and Community Leadership, an applied field based in organizational and community psychology and business;
3. General Psychology, a traditional baccalaureate program of study in preparation for graduate work.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Contemporary psychology is an interdisciplinary field with pathways to careers involving service to improve the well-being of individuals and the social health of communities. The psychology program will provide students with a rigorous program of study in the science of psychology, including the theory, research, and quantitative methods of both basic and applied psychology. The innovative curriculum will encourage students to integrate their own interests with course work and community service, culminating in a capstone project. The program will roll out over the next three years, beginning with an anticipated cohort of 30 students in fall semester 2011.

Dr. Carla Bluhm, Assistant Professor of Psychology and faculty advisor to the Psychology Club, a new student organization on campus, said she was thrilled with the approval of the Board of Regents. "The timing of the approval converges with students becoming interested in the discipline. We have a small but eager group of engaged students who have been anticipating this opportunity. Collectively they will adopt, nurture and support this new program."

The Mathematics degree is designed for students who enjoy the intellectual challenge and satisfaction of studying math and are interested in pursuing graduate studies in mathematics or engineering or careers such as secondary school math instruction or industry and government positions in finance, mathematical modeling, statistics, computer science, operations research, hydrology, epidemiology, cryptology and similar fields. The degree offers two tracks, beginning fall semester 2011:

1. Secondary Education in Mathematics;
2. Mathematics, with options in pure and applied math.

Highly-qualified science and math teachers are important regionally and to Georgia because of implications for long-term economic growth and stability. As influencers, they impact the number of high school graduates who pursue advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. The economic welfare of a state is often linked to the number of graduates in those disciplines.

According to Dr. German Vargas, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, "This proposed BS degree in Mathematics will be a synergistic program of study that will simultaneously draw on and strengthen our existing programs while building an attractive degree option that responds to state and regional workforce needs."

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About the College

The mission of the College of Coastal Georgia is to foster academic excellence and individual development; investigate, capture and disseminate 21st century knowledge and skills; provide accessible and affordable higher education to a wide spectrum of learners; and engage actively with the community and region.

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