NGCSU President Hansford to retire in 2005

DAHLONEGA – After five years leading North Georgia College & State University, President Nathaniel Hansford has announced that he will retire in early 2005.

	Frances and Nathaniel Hansford

“I have now served as president of North Georgia College & State University for five most enjoyable and productive years,” Hansford said. “We have come a long way.”

The president explained: “The university does face some long-term challenges that require a commitment of leadership for several years into the future. After much deliberation, I have reached the conclusion that I am unable to commit for another five-year period.”

Former Chancellor Stephen Portch of the University System of Georgia, named Hansford the university’s 19^th president on July 1, 1999. Founded in 1873, NGCSU is the Military College of Georgia and one of only six Senior Military Colleges in the nation. 

Chancellor Thomas Meredith of the University System of Georgia accepted Hansford’s notice of his retirement plans saying, “President Hansford is one of the outstanding presidents in the University System of Georgia, and he will be sorely missed. Under his leadership, North Georgia College & State University has become one of the premier institutions in our system.”

The chancellor said that the USG staff and the Board of Regents will begin the national presidential search process in the near future to replace North Georgia’s president.

“North Georgia is a special and unique institution, and I am proud to have been a part of it,” Hansford said. “It has been my goal to strengthen the foundation of the university, to enrich its singular educational environment and help prepare it for the future.”

During Hansford’s tenure at NGCSU, he has brought about a number of changes to the university, including:

• Leadership Initiative – With funding from the Board of Regents and Georgia’s General Assembly, Hansford obtained matching funds to establish a Special Leadership/Military Initiative office on campus, establish the state’s first Leadership Minor for students in the Corps of Cadets, as well as students in all academic areas of campus.

“This leadership training across the campus, I believe, has helped to unify our students and our faculty in support of our core leadership and military mission,” Hansford said.

• Corps of Cadets advanced – When Hansford took office, the corps numbered about 450 cadets in the fall term. That number grew to more than 600 cadets participating in the nationally recognized military program as of fall 2003, with possibly 700 cadets for the next academic year.

“We look forward to the Corps of Cadets and our ROTC program moving into the new Military Leadership Center building, which will open this fall,” Hansford said.

• Graduation and Retention Rates – North Georgia’s record in retaining students after they enter the university to their graduation within six years is the best of Georgia’s 13 state universities.

“No other state university in the University System of Georgia ranks higher than North Georgia in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of colleges and universities,” the president said. “We have been able to maintain our academic standards even in light of significant budget cuts and reductions in resources.”

• Increased private funding – During the president’s years at North Georgia, there has been a 50 percent increase in the number of alumni donors to the institution, a threefold increase in unrestricted gifts, and annual operating support for the university from the NGCSU Foundation has doubled.

• Expanded campus – Under Hansford’s leadership, the size of the main campus has more than doubled, thanks to strategic purchases of more than 200 acres of nearby land by the NGCSU Foundation plus advance planning for the university’s future growth. The baseball and softball complex has been improved. A new plant operations building will provide support and infrastructure for the university’s future.

• Health & Natural Sciences Building – Opened in 2002, the new campus building is among the finest science facilities in the nation.

• John H. Owen Hall – The university’s first privately funded residence hall opened August 2002 at a cost of more than $11 million, funded through the NGCSU Foundation.

• Enrollment growth – From a student population of 3,525 in 1999 to 4,517 in 2003 year, enrollment increased by 28 percent in four years.

• Strategic Planning – in 2003, Hansford formed and headed a campuswide committee to create a five-year strategic plan that officially took effect in January 2004. The long-term plan incorporated input from the campus, community, alumni and contributors to the university in planning future directions for NGCSU.

• Off-campus programs – Under Hansford’s leadership, the university’s academic programs offered at Gainesville College have been increased and strengthened, and North Georgia classes are now offered in Cumming, Ga., for the convenience of residents of Forsyth County and nearby communities.

• Direct support organizations have grown – The NGCSU Alumni Association and the NGCSU Foundation have expanded in recent years. The NGCSU Athletic Association has been reorganized and invigorated during the past few months.

“One of the highlights of my tenure as president has been the formation of the NGCSU Parents Association,” said Hansford, adding that he plans to present a special award to this organization during Parents-Alumni Weekend in April.

Prior to coming to North Georgia, Hansford was the dean of the School of Law at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, beginning in 1986.

A native of Georgia, Hansford practiced law in Dalton, Ga., from 1973 to 1975. During 1997-98, he served as a visiting professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Hansford also served twice as a visiting professor at UGA and as a visiting professor at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. In 1982, Hansford was selected by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association to receive its Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award.

Hansford was commissioned a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and spent three years in the Army, including one year in Korea. He currently holds the rank of colonel in the Inactive Army Reserves.

Hansford earned his B.S. Ed. Degree (cum laude) in 1965 and his law degree in 1968, both from the University of Georgia. He received his LL.M. degree in 1980 from the University of Michigan. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and ODK.

For many years, he has served on the board of directors of Cohutta Bank of Chatsworth, Ga., and Synovus Financial Corp. of Columbus, Ga.

Hansford is married to the former Frances Fincher of Chatsworth, Ga., and they have two children. Both President and Mrs. Hansford have been active in the Dahlonega community and in Lumpkin County.

NGCSU Vice President Phil Buckhiester retiring

DAHLONEGA—After 31 years in the University System of Georgia and 28 years at North Georgia College & State University, Phil Buckhiester, the NGCSU vice president for Academic Affairs, is retiring and leaving the state.

Phil and Becky Buckhiester

In July, Buckhiester will become the vice president for Academic Affairs at Tri-County Technical College, an institution of approximately 5,000 students in Pendleton, S.C.

“Phil has devoted his career to North Georgia and it is a much better university because of his outstanding service,” said NGCSU President Nathaniel Hansford. “I cannot adequately express to him my sincere appreciation for his invaluable aid to me personally and his dedication to the University.”

The president added, “Phil and Becky are dear friends to many people at NGCSU and in Dahlonega, and they will be greatly missed.” 

Buckhiester said that after so many years in Dahlonega, he and his wife Becky had a difficult time deciding whether to relocate.

“After several weeks of processing, searching, collecting information, and prayer, we finally concluded that this move is one we are supposed to make,” he said. “The friendships at North Georgia and in the community are very special to us.

“We’ve been extremely fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of the North Georgia family and of such a caring community for so long. We’re looking forward to the new professional and personal experiences that await us, and to living in an area where we spent the first five years of our married life.”

He explained that the move will put them closer to some members of their families, including his parents, who live in Piedmont, S.C.

From a faculty position at Valdosta State in 1976, Buckhiester came to North Georgia to teach and head the Department of Mathematics. In 1982, the department expanded to include Computer Science, and he continued to serve as department head until 1984 and again in 1987-1988, in addition to teaching. He directed North Georgia’s Academic Advisement Center from 1989 until 1995, when he was named associate vice president for Academic Affairs. In 1998, he became acting vice president for Academic Affairs and was selected to fill that position permanently in 1999, and has served in that capacity until now.

Buckhiester earned his bachelor’s of science degree in applied mathematics from Clemson University in 1969. In 1973, he received his doctorate in mathematics from Clemson.

Among his honors received at North Georgia are the 1998 Phi Kappa Phi Promotion of Excellence in Higher Education Award, the 1994 President’s Outstanding Service Award, the 1984 NGC Alumni Distinguished Professor Award, and he was named to Omicron Delta Kappa in 1990. He is active in numerous statewide and national professional organizations. During his career, Buckhiester received teaching and research funding from about nine grants, including some from the Eisenhower Education Act and some from Title II.

Buckhiester’s professional activities and publications are extensive, as is the list of university committees on which he’s served.

In addition, both Phil and Becky Buckhiester have been actively involved in the local community, including membership in the Dahlonega Baptist Church and in “Remember When,” a band that has given benefit performances over the years for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Holly Theater, NOA’s Ark and the Folkways Center.

Students travel abroad to England

ENGLAND TOUR: (l to r) NGCSU Professor Clayton Grant with Cambridge Mayor David White and Professor Emeritus H. Lawrence Dennis. The professors and 23 college students enjoyed the British culture while studying abroad.

DAHLONEGA— Business administration students from North Georgia College & State University visited England over spring break, March 15-19, and were treated to a special visit to Cambridge University and the city of Cambridge.

"The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of the City of Cambridge Councilor David White" hosted the students in the mayor's chamber at Cambridge City Hall as well as hosting lunch at Cambridge University's Selwyn College. White talked to the 23 North Georgia students about the history of the university and the area.

"The purpose of the trip was to expose NGCSU students to legal and educational differences from that of the United States as well as exposure to foreign cultural events, foreign businesses, foreign currency and transportation systems," said Clayton Grant, head of the NGCSU Department of Business Administration.    

Mayor White, a trustee at Selwyn College, has hosted North Georgia students for the past 10 years. Faculty members accompanying the students were Grant and Professor Emeritus H. Lawrence Dennis, along with his wife Margy Dennis.

The students are in Grant's International Business course, which met several times before visiting England. While in the country, the class visited an international law firm, the town of Coventry, the Jaguar car factory, ICI paint factory, The Bank of England and several historical sites.

(Front row, l to r) Erica Magoon, Colleen Carey, Mary Treleven, Katie Millen, Tasha Shubert, Mary Beth Cooper, Abby Crowley, Barbre Skwira and Shane Tucker (Second row, l to r) Beau Skaggs, Patrick Grella, Nathaniel Reed, Jessica Reuschle, Melissa Mountz, Sara Mayfield, Audrey Rainey, Sommer Green, Susan Creasy, Kristin Young, Amanda Floyd, Gena Smith, Charles Raines and Samantha Chadwick (Back row, l to r) Professor Clayton Grant, Cambridge Mayor David White and Professor Emeritus Lawrence Dennis.

Scholarship recipients recognized at state capitol

DAHLONEGA—College-bound students were honored at the Georgia Capitol on March 24 for receiving the Georgia Military Scholarship, which pays the full cost of the 39 students’ education for four years at North Georgia College & State University.

Gov. Sonny Perdue (center front) with the GMS recipients

Gov. Sonny Perdue individually congratulated the future university students, who will enter NGCSU in August. State legislators were also on hand to meet with the students they nominated for the scholarship.

The recipients and their families attended a luncheon in their honor where Georgia Army National Guard Brig. Gen. William Nesbitt, NGCSU President Nathaniel Hansford and other NGCSU and state officials spoke.    

The Georgia Military Scholarship, offered exclusively through NGCSU, is awarded annually to 39 students who commit to serve in the Georgia Army National Guard while in college and serve four years as a National Guard officer after receiving a degree.

The all-inclusive state scholarship covers all college costs - room, board, tuition, and fees - and is the only such scholarship in Georgia. Army benefits the scholarship recipients receive include the Montgomery G.I. Bill, National Guard duty pay and officer contract pay.  

For more information on the Georgia Military Scholarship, contact NGCSU at 706/867-2804.    

The following students are recipients of the 2004 Georgia Military Scholarship. Each recipient is listed with the Georgia General Assembly member who nominated him or her for the scholarship:

STUDENTS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY COUNTY:

META educates Hispanics on college

	GOAL-SEEKING: The META Initiative helps Hispanics to reach educational goals. NGCSU coordinator Cindy Teston, standing, speaks with a Hispanic family visiting campus.

DAHLONEGA — North Georgia College & State University hosted more than 150 visitors on campus on March 4 – primarily Hall County Hispanic middle-school children and their parents and siblings – who learned about college life and the admissions process.

They were greeted by a large banner that read “Bienvenidos META Estudiantes y Padres,” or “Welcome, META Students and Parents,” in the campus Dining Hall.

The word “meta” in Spanish means “goal.” The acronym for the NGCSU program stands for “Mejórate – improve yourself; Edúcate – educate yourself; Trabaja – work; and Alcanza tu sueño – reach your dream.”

During dinner, the parents and middle-school students listened to speakers who emphasized the importance of good study habits, academic achievement and school involvement as indispensable ingredients for pursuing admission into college. The presentations were followed by a lively question-and-answer session.

“We had volunteers from the NGCSU Spanish Honors Club who led bus tours and translated some of the presentations throughout the evening,” said Cindy Teston, NGCSU coordinator of the META Initiative Program. “Their enthusiastic dialogue and keen ability really helped the children and parents have a meaningful experience.”

Carmen Mas, the NGCSU META co-director, welcomes Hispanic students and parents to campus. The META Initiative helps Hispanics to reach educational goals.

The Hispanic families learned about admissions requirements, the college prep curriculum, and the University System of Georgia. Carmen Mas, META co-director, and Margarita Muñoz, representing the Office of Hispanic Outreach and Development at Gainesville College, discussed college-financing options, including the Goizueta Foundation scholarship program.

NGCSU Education Dean Bob Michael, several of the tutors from the META program, META coordinators and school administrators also participated in the event.

Through META, the university has worked with children from three area schools – East Hall Middle School, Chestatee Middle School, and Gainesville City Middle School – for more than a year, through after-school programs established in 2002 to enhance Hispanic students’ academic skills. In addition, the students’ parents receive literacy classes and orientation programs that encourage their involvement in their children’s education.

The META Initiative Program at NGCSU is made possible through the Goizueta Grant, one of the largest grants ever received by the university. It also provides qualified college-age Hispanic students with university scholarships.

For more information on the program, contact Cindy Teston at clteston@ngcsu.edu or 706/864-2751.

Driving Miss Daisy coming to North Georgia

DAHLONEGA – Alfred Uhry's 1988 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Driving Miss Daisy is the next production of the Student Theatre Guild of North Georgia College & State University. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be presented in the Hoag Student Center Auditorium March 31- April 3 at 7:30 p.m. and April 4 at 2 p.m.

Set in and around Atlanta during 1948-1973, Driving Miss Daisy examines attitudinal changes regarding racism and old age. The play focuses on Daisy Werthan, a difficult Southern Jewish widow and her relationship with Hoke, Miss Daisy's aging but dignified black chauffeur. Adding perspective and humor to their relationship is Boolie Werthan, her loving and patient son.

Dr. Kevin M. Mace, who has previously staged One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and A Shot in the Dark for NGCSU's Student Theatre Guild, says he could not be happier with his cast.

Linda Orwig, who teaches speech communications in the Fine Arts Department at NGCSU, gives a sweet, yet fiery performance as Miss Daisy, Mace said. Linda's understanding of Miss Daisy's pride as a respected Atlanta schoolteacher and her fear in growing older can be strongly felt in every scene of the play.
Mace added that Hoke, played by Don Mays, who works for the universitys Physical Plant, is dignity personified, and Cumming native and sophomore Joe Kleid hilariously captures Boolie's love and sometimes annoyance with an obstinate mother.

Student Theatre Guild's production of Driving Miss Daisy, said Mace, promises laughter and tears, with both combined more often than not.

For more information, contact Mace at 706-867-2760 or kmace@ngcsu.edu . The Hoag Auditorium is located just off of College Circle about a block from Dahlonegas historic district and town square. Free parking is available in campus parking lots off of Chestatee Street for the evening and matinee performances.

Workshops for nonprofit organizations offered by NGCSU

DAHLONEGA – Charitable and community organizations have an opportunity for specialized training for their members in fund raising, financial sustainability and building stronger boards.

Continuing Education at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega is offering workshops for nonprofit organizations beginning March 23 and continuing through early May. The workshops are designed for nonprofit board members, executive directors, financial officers and other key personnel to address areas of need.

Professional Fund Raising, the first workshop, will be taught March 23, 25, 30 and April 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. Illene Roggensack, a consultant specializing in nonprofit organizations will teach the elements of fundraising, ethical considerations, working with board members, volunteers and staff, and other components of successful fundraising.

Strategies for Financial Sustainability, offered April 13, 15, 20 and 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. will cover organizational missions and financial needs, assets, strategies to enhance revenue, endowment campaigns, long-term financial plans, and other issues. Participants will learn practical strategies to ensure the long-term financial health of their organization. Bob Thomas, the director of the Leadership Initiative at NGCSU and a consultant on financial sustainability, is the instructor.

Building Stronger Nonprofit Boards will be taught by Janice Ward, director of North Georgia Community Foundations North Georgia Nonprofit Network, on May 4, 6, 11 and 13, 2 to 5 p.m. Her workshop will cover how boards are developed, their legal governance roles, and how board members and staff can help the organization fulfill its mission.

All sessions will take place in the Stewart Center for Continuing Education, near the main gate of the NGCSU campus on Chestatee Street in Dahlonega, and registration is required. For more information, e-mail conted@ngcsu.edu or telephone 706-867-2814.

Shepard to speak on anti-violence on March 25

DAHLONEGA – Judy Shepard, mother to Matthew Shepard, a gay teenager brutally beaten and killed in 1998, will speak at North Georgia College & State University on March 25 on anti-violence and how to make communities safer. The 7 p.m. event will take place in the Memorial Hall Gym, with a reception afterward in the Dining Hall, and it is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Donna Waddell at 706-864-1652.

 

This page last modified on: Friday, 05 November 2004 16:38:30 -0500 by University Relations    

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