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May 2011 Graduates!
A handful of Higher Education Leadership graduates walked across the stage during the Valdosta State University commencement ceremony on Friday, May 6. Pictured above (from left): Jordan Oyer, Shani McArthur, Dr. Patrick Biddix, Rachel Underwood, Abbey Muetzel, and Michael Smith.
Muetzel Serves VSU Admissions in Atlanta
Abbey Muetzel, '11, of Peachtree City, Ga., accepted a position with Valdosta State University as an admissions recruiter in the Atlanta area. The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership graduate previously worked at Valdosta State as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Life. Muetzel, a member of the Chi Omega - Psi Lambda Chapter, earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from VSU prior to her graduate work.
Muetzel considers herself a consumate Blazer fan. In 2008, university students named the warm undergraduate homecoming queen. She catches most every VSU football game, and enjoys sharing fond memories of Valdosta State with alumni and friends. Look for Muetzel at alumni functions in Atlanta as well as weekend sporting events at VSU.
Dobbs Named ACPA Ambassador
American College Personnel Association (ACPA) selected first-year VSU Graduate Student Ashley Dobbs to serve as an ACPA Ambassador during the organization's annual conference March 26-30, 2011, in Baltimore. Dobbs, a student in the Student Affairs Track, is also the president and founder of the Association of Graduate Students (AGS) at Valdosta State, which provides graduate students throughout campus with opportunities to network and collaborate.
ACPA Ambassadors volunteer six to 10 hours of service during the four-day convention as they greet association members, attend special events and encourage other graduate and doctoral students to get involved with the leading comprehensive student affairs association. For more information about APCA and its mission to advance student affairs and engage lifelong learning, go to www2.myacpa.org/.
Harrison-Bailey Advises Students at Georgia Military
Alicia R. Harrison-Bailey, '09, serves as an academic advisor for Criminal Justice, Education, Paralegal, and General Studies Majors at Georgia Military College - Valdosta Campus. Harrison-Bailey helps each of her advisees decide on a degree program that reflects his or her educational, professional, and personal goals.
The native of Attapulgus, Ga. said the holistic and diverse program provided her with theoretical considerations and on-the-job training.
"I absolutely love the Higher Education Program and recommend the it to anyone who is interested in Student Affairs," Harrison-Bailey said. "This program has allowed me to gain experiences and knowledge to do something I love — educate and shape students."
Peterson to Coach the Belmont Bruins
Carley Peterson, '10, was named the assistant women's basketball coach for Belmont Univerity in Nashville, Tenn. Prior to entering the Higher Education Leadership graduate program, Peterson finished out a four-year career as a Lady Blazer in 2008 with 1,133 points — the 23rd women's basketball player to reach the 1,000-point mark.
She garnered a number of honors during her time at VSU, including: Two-time First Team All-Gulf South Conference Player, 11th player in basketball history to receive the Kodak/State Farm WBCA Honorable Mention All-America. The 5'9" guard served as a graduate assistant for Lady Blazer coach Kiley Hill during her study of Higher Education Leadership.
Founded in 1951, Belmont University is a NCAA Division I institution with more than 5,000 students. The women's basketball team finished fourth in conference play during the 2009-10 season. Peterson said she is eager to apply the leadership skills she learned on the court and in the classroom to her role as assistant coach.
Keller Accepts Position at Alma Mater
Erin Keller, '10, is an admissions counselor at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., where she earned a Bachelor of Communications (minor in sociology) totaled nearly 400 points on the basketball court. The two-time first team All-State selection continued play as a forward/guard for the Lady Blazers during her first year in the higher education leadership program.
As an admissions counselor, Keller promotes Mercer to prospective students and aids current students in determining their career plans. Her coursework at VSU prepared her to connect with students on a personal level, assess opportunities for departmental growth, and perform administrative duties.
Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning. Founded by early 19th century Baptists, Mercer — while no longer formally affiliated with the Baptist denomination — boasts more than 8,000 students enrolled in 11 schools and colleges on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah, and at three Regional Academic Centers around the state.
Wessinger Named Academic Advisor
Georgia Wessinger, '10, accepted a position as academic advisor for College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Ga. Wessinger, who worked for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration while she earned her master's degree at VSU, said she will be responsible for creating an Academic Advising Center for undecided students. She plans to entroll in the higher education doctoral program at Georgia Southern University this summer.
Lloyd Accepts Position with ESPN
Lindsey Lloyd, '09, former director of Ticketing and Game Operations for VSU Athletics, has accepted a position as Motorsports Production Coordinator with ESPN. She began working from their headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut in mid-May. She had previously worked as a Production Assistant for ESPN NASCAR, NFL, CBS and Fox Sports.
The Valdosta State University Alumni Voice magazine featured Lloyd in the Spring 2010 edition. Read more about Lloyd's accomplishments at VOICE.
Robertson Named Assistant Director of Testing
Joshua Robertson, '09, was named Assistant Director of Testing at Valdosta State University. Robertson oversees many functions within the Office of Testing, which is responsible for administering standardized tests to VSU and area students for the purposes of admission and placement, certifications, and professional tests.