by Terrie Ellerbee

It started with sirens.

That Wednesday, Piedmont 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 Piedmont, 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 Piedmont 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.

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? Piedmont 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 Piedmont.

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

The post My Best Week at Piedmont was Magical — and a Little Silly appeared first on Piedmont University.

by Erin Randolph

Erin is the parent of a recent Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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.

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 Piedmont answered the call.

Jackson was offered a position on the Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont, it’s because you didn’t utilize all the amazing resources Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont family. I have found that Jackson was much more comfortable knowing I was still part of the Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont University.

Scroll through Lisa Mann’s social media and you’ll find more than just snapshots — you’ll see stamps in her passport and stories from around the globe. Whether it’s Ireland in March, Boston in May, or France last year, travel is her passion.

“I love exploring new and exciting places full of rich culture, beautiful scenery, and great food,” Mann said.

As Director of Career Services at Piedmont University, Mann brings that same sense of adventure and discovery to her work with students — helping them launch journeys of their own. Some graduates head straight into the workforce; others pursue graduate school. For Mann, who is entering her eighth academic year at Piedmont this fall, guiding them through those transitions is deeply rewarding.

“I love working in private education,” she said. “You really get to know your students and be part of their journey. The students, faculty, and staff are the reason I’ve stayed. Piedmont is full of incredible people.”

Over the years, Mann has worked with aspiring doctors, future educators, entrepreneurs, and more.

Watching students grow over four years is the best part of my job,” she said. “Knowing I played even a small role in their success is what motivates me every day.”

Her impact doesn’t go unnoticed. Just ask recent graduate Abby Mauldin, now pursuing her law degree at the University of Wyoming.

“I would not have known what to do,” Mauldin said. “Lisa and I are best friends. I was in her office every other week while applying to law school. She was the first person I told — after my roommates — that I got into Wyoming.”

Mann lights up when she hears stories like Mauldin’s.

“We have such a diverse group of students with amazing stories,” she said. “So many of them are on truly remarkable journeys.”

And those journeys don’t stop after graduation. At Piedmont, Career Services is a lifelong resource.

“We support students at every stage — from their first day on campus to their tenth year in the workforce,” Mann said. “Whether they’re applying to grad school or transitioning careers, we’re here to help.”

She encourages students to visit Career Services early — ideally during their first semester. One of the first classes they’ll take, Piedmont 1101, is a first-year seminar that focuses on college success. Career Services plays an active role in those courses.

“By the end of the class, students will have a polished resume and cover letter, a LinkedIn profile, and the beginnings of a professional network,” Mann said. “The goal is to equip them with tools they’ll keep building on throughout their time at Piedmont.”

That head start matters, she emphasized.

“Students who begin early are far more confident and less stressed when it’s time to search for jobs or internships,” she said. “It’s all about building the toolkit over four years.”

Parents, too, have a role to play. Her advice? Encourage exploration.

“We offer intern-for-a-day opportunities that let students shadow professionals in the field,” Mann said. “It’s a great way to test-drive career paths they might not have considered.”

While many Piedmont graduates go into nursing or education — two of the university’s strongest programs — Mann notes that students also find success in sales, accounting, and management.

“A liberal arts education really does make students more marketable,” she said. “They’ve been encouraged to explore, think creatively, and chart their own course. And every employer I talk to is looking for strong soft skills — teamwork, time management, problem-solving. Even with AI on the rise, it’s the human skills that are hardest to find.”

Lisa Mann helps students find those strengths — and discover where they might take them next.

The post Career Services Director Lisa Mann Is All About the Journey appeared first on Piedmont University.

Williamson’s previous experience includes director of behavioral health at a hospital, adjunct professor, and 14 years as director of counseling at Emmanual University. He joined Piedmont in 2022.

“Sean is certainly deserving of this award,” said Dr. Kimberly Crawford, Piedmont University VP of Student Affairs. “Since arriving at Piedmont, he has been dedicated to creating more awareness and visibility so our campus community is aware of how the counseling department can offer support services.”

Every year, the GCCA presents seven awards at the annual conference that identify and encourage those in college counseling who are making a difference.

“I was so honored to receive the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year Award from the Georgia College Counseling Association,” Williamson said. “It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you do, but the greater honor is to be able to work with a fantastic team each and every day at a place where you feel supported and encouraged by your peers and administrators and get to make a difference in the lives of students. Piedmont is a wonderful place to come to work every day and be able to share your passion to see what students become.” 

The award is given in honor of Sylvia Shortt, one of the founding members of GCCA who passed away in December 2020. It honors her dedication to the field by recognizing a counselor for their clinical excellence and/or meritorious service in college counseling. Shortt was a champion of college counselors in Georgia and across the country as well as being a strong advocate for international students. She served in various leadership roles in GCCA and other organizations. She retired in 2012 after 31 years at University of West Georgia.

For more information about counseling services at Piedmont University, visit piedmont.edu/counseling-services/.

The post Piedmont’s Director of Counseling Sean Williamson Honored with State Association Award appeared first on Piedmont University.

Williamson’s previous experience includes director of behavioral health at a hospital, adjunct professor, and 14 years as director of counseling at Emmanual University. He joined Piedmont in 2022.

“Sean is certainly deserving of this award,” said Dr. Kimberly Crawford, Piedmont University VP of Student Affairs. “Since arriving at Piedmont, he has been dedicated to creating more awareness and visibility so our campus community is aware of how the counseling department can offer support services.”

Every year, the GCCA presents seven awards at the annual conference that identify and encourage those in college counseling who are making a difference.

“I was so honored to receive the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year Award from the Georgia College Counseling Association,” Williamson said. “It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you do, but the greater honor is to be able to work with a fantastic team each and every day at a place where you feel supported and encouraged by your peers and administrators and get to make a difference in the lives of students. Piedmont is a wonderful place to come to work every day and be able to share your passion to see what students become.” 

The award is given in honor of Sylvia Shortt, one of the founding members of GCCA who passed away in December 2020. It honors her dedication to the field by recognizing a counselor for their clinical excellence and/or meritorious service in college counseling. Shortt was a champion of college counselors in Georgia and across the country as well as being a strong advocate for international students. She served in various leadership roles in GCCA and other organizations. She retired in 2012 after 31 years at University of West Georgia.

For more information about counseling services at Piedmont University, visit piedmont.edu/counseling-services/.

The post <strong>Piedmont’s Director of Counseling Sean Williamson Honored with State Association Award</strong> appeared first on Piedmont University.

Strickland-Burdette was taking a break from higher education and loving his work. He and his husband, Mark, had a dog sitting/daycare business in Anderson, South Carolina, with more than 200 satisfied and loyal clients.

“From about 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. every day, I’d be out walking dogs, checking in, giving medicine if they need it, things like that. I’ve always just had a love for animals,” Strickland-Burdette said. “I wasn’t even looking for a job. Mark and I discussed it, and he knew how much I missed working with college students.”

Strickland-Burdette had previously held residence life positions at his alma mater, LaGrange College, and served as Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Clemson University. He earned an undergraduate degree in history with minors/concentrations in writing, anthropology, and sociology and a master’s degree in teaching secondary social studies. He planned to teach history to high school students but started working for Residence Life while a grad student at LaGrange.

Strickland-Burdette was also one of the youngest-ever Men’s and Women’s Cross Country coaches in Division III history. He coached LaGrange’s only Women’s Individual Conference Champion (USA South), leading both the men’s and women’s teams to their highest conference finishes and the NCAA Regionals for the first time. 

While at LaGrange, Strickland-Burdette worked with Piedmont alumna Kayla Watson (BA, 2013/MBA, 2015). They became close and kept in touch when he moved on to Clemson. Watson, now Associate Director at the Georgia Tech Center for Student Engagement, told Strickland-Burdette about Piedmont’s open Director of Residence Life role. Watson also recommended him to Vice President of Student Life Dr. Kim Crawford, who invited Strickland-Burdette to apply. 

Then came Hurricane Helene, a fatal, fast-moving rainmaker that wiped small towns off the map in several Southeast states. Helene spared the Strickland-Burdett home, but some neighbors lost everything. 

When Dr. Crawford called a second time, Strickland-Burdette was convinced. Referring to the additional outreach as unheard of, he said Piedmont began to feel “meant to be” the next step in his family’s journey.

Piedmont already has a reputation as an exceptionally safe campus. Still, Strickland-Burdette has some changes in mind that will improve student safety further. He will review demographics in the residence halls to “create supportive spaces where all residents can successfully thrive.” He also welcomes suggestions, especially from students themselves.

Three days after Strickland-Burdette’s November arrival, a post on the popular and anonymous YikYak app (Piedmont version) suggested a student on campus was considering self-harm. Strickland-Burdette, who had already become fast friends with Piedmont University Campus Police Chief Jim Andrews, insisted on going through the residence halls to remind students how much they matter. While the YikYak poster’s identity may never be known, the efforts of Strickland-Burdette, Andrews, and campus police may have helped the students realize that people care. 

“The most empowering thing to me was, once we started going door to door seeing students and saying, ‘Please don’t do this. We want you here,’ and sharing through the Piedmont app that Residence Life and Campus Police were out in the residence halls and were there to help and encourage them to reach out; it solidified for me that this is where I need to be where I’m supposed to be,” Strickland-Burdette said.

Being the top dog over residence life is clearly demanding, with serious situations, strange hours, and notorious surprises (frozen pipes, anyone?). Strickland-Burdette comes equipped to serve thanks partly to his grandparents, who influenced him most growing up. Papa Roger was a police officer, and Nanny Margie was a nurse. The lesson Strickland-Burdette learned was to offer aid, comfort, and support to everyone who needs help, no matter who they are, and to throw in some tough love as well.

“At the end of the day, we come from different backgrounds. We have different experiences, but we do share one. What we have in common here is being a member of the Piedmont community. We take care of that family like we would take care of our biological or chosen family,” Strickland-Burdette said. “I can give you that reality check, give you a little bit of support, a little bit of love. That’s what I do. I’ll figure out what’s happening and try to get you back on the right track. We are here to serve the students.”

“I am excited to have Joe join us as the Director of Residence Life,” Crawford said. “He brings a fresh perspective on how we can continue to improve student satisfaction for our campus community.”

An essential start to the foundation of caring Strickland-Burdette is building will be recognizing the hard work Resident Assistants (RAs) do and honoring their efforts. He would also like to grow Greek Life at Piedmont beyond its one College Panhellenic Association sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and one National Pan-Hellenic Council chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

The Strickland-Burdettes have settled in on campus, and the Piedmont community is getting used to seeing their furry family members, Atticus (a Lab/Staffy/Dachshund mix) and Artemis (a German Shepherd/Dingo mix).

“Everyone has been so welcoming,” Strickland-Burdette said. “As soon as I moved down here, Mark told me, ‘I can tell how much happier you are. You’re back in your element.'”

The post <strong>Three Signs Brought Strickland-Burdette to Res Life at Piedmont</strong> appeared first on Piedmont University.

“So many choices,” I tell myself. “This would be a lot easier if we only had two or three boxes to choose from.” 

Instead, there are dozens. Some of those choices are really good, like Lucky Charms. Some are pretty bad, like Bran Flakes. Some are really good for me, and some are really expensive. 

“Look at all the colors!” 

There are a lot of things to think through. 

Do you feel that way thinking about where you want to go to college? It is great to have so many excellent colleges and universities to choose from, but it can also induce fear. 

“Am I making the right choice? Am I going to get ripped off? What if I don’t like it?” 

These and many other questions go through our minds as we labor over the decision. 

Try practicing some of the following tips to relieve that anxiety about making a big decision:

1. One college or university will not meet every need and expectation. Try to settle on “good enough” and not “perfect.” Try to answer the question: “Will this college satisfy most of my needs?”
2. Once you receive acceptance letters, decide and don’t look back. Second-guessing yourself after the fact won’t bring you happiness, only regret. 
3. DO NOT COMPARE YOUR CHOICE TO OTHERS. You may have people in your life who choose a certain school for its name, location, or notoriety. If you choose something different, make that choice yours and stick to it. According to an article in Forbes, “Your choice will soon be your school, and it will provide you with incredible opportunities even if you have to remind people where it’s located. Focus on what makes you happy and what gives meaning to your life.”
4. Are you telling yourself you’re not good enough? This notion is probably related to #3. says, “COMPARISON KILLS COMMITMENT,” so don’t do it. No one has it all figured out, even if social media makes it seem like they do. 
5. The website says, “Stay focused on the fit of the school. This includes how it fits financially, academically, socially, etc. Don’t attend a school just because all your friends are going there. It is your education, and you should make decisions based on what is best for you. With so many colleges out there, you will definitely find one that fits!”
6. It’s ok to research colleges and universities, take tours, and talk to others — but at some point, you have to take all the information and distill it down. What does your gut tell you? Again, ask the question, “Will this institution meet my needs?”

And always — ALWAYS — choose Lucky Charms. You won’t go wrong.

Sean Williamson is Director of Counseling Services for Piedmont University. Reach him at swilliamson@piedmont.edu.

The post Facing the Fear: Am I Choosing the Right College?  appeared first on Piedmont University.

Piedmont University will host its inaugural Student Startup Competition March 17-20 at the Demorest campus.

“Think ‘Shark Tank,’” said Art Department Chair Santanu Majumdar, who is organizing the competition, along with representatives from the Walker College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and University Advancement, referring to the popular reality TV show in which entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors.

“This is going to be a fun, fast-paced, exciting weekend during which students will network with one another and local professionals, pitch their business proposals, build their resumes, and gain valuable feedback that will help launch their ideas into the next phase of development.”

The Startup Competition schedule includes:

• March 17, 5-7 p.m. — Networking, Welcome Dinner, Mentor Introductions — Students will have the chance to form teams, brainstorm ideas, and mingle with competition mentors. Majumdar is currently recruiting mentors, who will work with students during the course of the competition to refine their startup ideas.
• March 18, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. — During the second day of the competition, students will work with mentors to finalize their startup pitches.
• March 19, 8 a.m.-noon — Students will work with mentors to finalize their pitch presentations.
• March 20, 5 p.m. — Students will make their final pitches to a panel of judges.

The winning Piedmont team may go on to compete at state-level startup competitions.

Community members and alumni interested in serving as a mentor or judge should contact Majumdar at smajumdar@piedmont.edu. Mentors and judges should have a business background.

Students may also contact Majumdar for more information.

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Piedmont University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters,

Happy new year! What an honor it is for me to start 2023 as president of this outstanding institution.

My wife, Kimberly, and I could not ask for a more beautiful setting for this next chapter of our lives or friendlier people to call our new neighbors and friends. Thank you for welcoming us and making Habersham County feel like home.

For all that Habersham has to offer, Kimberly and I are most impressed by Piedmont’s commitment to its students. In every facet of the Piedmont operation, it is clear that students come first — in every decision, initiative, and process. This student-centered culture factored greatly into our decision to join the Piedmont team. To the students, faculty, and staff: I am eager to work alongside you as we build upon Piedmont’s 125-year legacy of transformative education.

In the weeks since my appointment, I’ve spoken with several Habersham County leaders. With each conversation, I grow more excited for Piedmont’s future. This community recognizes the important role Piedmont plays both as a provider of higher education and a driver of economic development. Moreover, this community is invested in Piedmont’s continued growth — an incredible strategic advantage as we chart our path forward.

Students, employees, alumni, and members of the broader community are all seated at the same table. We are all working toward the same ends: to serve our students, to provide an exceptional educational experience, and to see this institution thrive. From this starting point, we can do anything — and we will, together.

As we look ahead to 2023 and beyond, I want to share with you a few of the reasons why you should be just as excited as I am for the future of Piedmont:

• In August 2022, Piedmont welcomed its largest-ever freshman class. I’ve heard on numerous occasions that Piedmont has long been “Georgia’s best-kept secret.” We are succeeding in our efforts to tell the Piedmont story, and we’re seeing the results of that work in our enrollment. 
• In fall 2022, Piedmont was recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education for high-impact practices that are positively affecting student retention, including study-abroad opportunities, internships, and Piedmont Symposium, an annual showcase of student research and creative inquiry. The Chronicle is a national leader in higher education journalism, with more than 2 million readers monthly.
• Also in fall 2022, U.S. News & World Report issued its annual rankings of colleges and universities. Piedmont climbed nine spots on the list of top regional universities, ranking No. 44 compared to No. 53 in 2021. Piedmont also ranked No. 20 — up 11 spots from 2021 — on the list of “Best Value Schools” among schools in the 12-state South Region. U.S. News’ rankings examine a variety of factors, including tuition, class size, and selectivity.
• Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and pending approval for candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Piedmont will launch a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2023. This degree will extend the educational pathway we created in 2021 with our Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The new master’s degree program will put tremendous professional opportunities within reach for our students — the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates jobs in the field will grow by more than 20 percent over the next decade. Piedmont has plans for a speech-language pathology clinic at the Demorest campus.
• This spring, Piedmont will begin recruiting educators for site-based hybrid programs in Cherokee, Forsyth, Houston, and Paulding counties. For years, Piedmont offered graduate degree programs at schools throughout the state, earning a reputation as “the standard in teacher education,” according to an alumnus who is now a high school principal. The pandemic forced us to shift those degree programs online. We have since developed an innovative iteration that combines on-site delivery with online components. Educators are excited — and so are we.
• In 2022, Piedmont joined eight other institutions to form the Collegiate Conference of the South. We’ve since clinched two conference championships, in women’s soccer and women’s cross-country. Congratulations to our student-athletes.

In the coming months, I look forward to meeting more of you. I will also share more about our vision for Piedmont. Expect regular communications from me via email, piedmont.edu, the Piedmont app, the university’s social media channels, and the local media.

For now, know that I am humbled and honored to serve as your president. Together, we will achieve great things for Piedmont University.  

All my best,

Marshall Criser

President, Piedmont University

The post New Year’s Message from Piedmont University President Marshall Criser appeared first on Piedmont University.

The first webinar, “Finishing the Semester Strong” will be held at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Topics to be covered in this webinar will include what the end of the semester entails, barriers to success for first-year students, how students can get help when they face challenges, and overall advice to guide students to a successful conclusion to the semester.

Speakers include Dr. Steve Jacobs, Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences; Ineke Dyer, Director of Student Support Services; and Sean Williamson, Director of Counseling Services.��

“The first semester presents a number of challenges for students acclimating to university life. We encourage parents and family members to sign up for this informative webinar so that they may be aware of some of the key issues impacting their students at this point in the semester,” Jacobs said. “Moreover, we would like parents and family members to know where their students may find help that is available should they need it. We share the common goal of ensuring that students are set up well for a successful conclusion to the fall semester.”

While this webinar is designed for parents and families of first-year students, all are welcome to register. The webinar will be on-demand, and registration will continue even after it concludes. Those who register will receive a link to view the webinar at their convenience.

Sign up for the webinar at .

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