CTL Newsletter

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Georgia College & State University is excited to introduce Elevate to Celebrate, our bimonthly newsletter dedicated to recognizing and honoring the incredible instructors at GCSU.

In each issue, we’ll highlight faculty achievements, innovative teaching practices, and the impactful work happening across campus. We believe that celebrating excellence in teaching fosters a strong academic community and inspires continued growth.

Stay tuned for stories of dedication, creativity, and collaboration. We invite you to join us in uplifting and applauding the faculty who make GCSU a place of transformative learning!

Dr. Adel Almasarwah in the classroom with his students during class for Accounting Principles II.

Dr. Adel Almasarwah, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Georgia College & State University, brings a world of experience into his classroom. Having taught in six countries and worked in both industry and academia, Dr. Almasarwah helps students see accounting not just as numbers, but as a global language with real-world impact.

He’s been frequently recognized through the university’s Thank-a-Teacher program—and for good reason. “You have to consider the student as your child,” he says. “Otherwise, it becomes a transaction. Learning is about relationships.”

Originally trained in Jordan, Dr. Almasarwah completed advanced degrees in UK, Canada and the U.S. He uses that diverse experience to help students compare U.S. GAAP with international standards like IFRS. From real-world tax comparisons to industry practices abroad, his classroom examples make the material relatable and relevant.

He’s also committed to helping students apply their learning. Whether it’s connecting them with local companies for internships or encouraging volunteer experience, he believes hands-on learning is key. “Even a few hours a week can make a difference,” he says.

Known for being both compassionate and clear about expectations, Dr. Almasarwah offers flexibility when students face challenges—while maintaining high academic standards. He calls this his “tight and relax” approach: firm when needed, but always human.

Since joining Georgia College, Dr. Almasarwah has published 12 peer-reviewed articles and recently received a faculty award for excellence in scholarship. But it’s the impact on his students that motivates him most: “I just want them to feel ready—and to know I’m here to help them.”

Dr. Sallie Coke with the students who traveled with her to Honduras for her Fall 2024 study abroad course, along with the medical team of Honduran nurses and the local doctor who travel with them each year.

Dr. Sallie Coke, Professor of Nursing at Georgia College & State University, has made a lasting impact on students through her signature teaching style—storytelling. Acknowledged multiple times through the Thank-a-Teacher program, she brings complex concepts to life with a deeply personal and memorable approach rooted in her family legacy.

“I come from a long line of storytellers,” she shares. “My grandmother, born in 1883, lived to be 106. Storytelling was how she taught and entertained—and I listened, fascinated.” That early exposure shaped the way Dr. Coke would later engage students, especially when she was first asked to teach neonatal resuscitation. “I couldn’t just read the slides,” she says. “I had to tell stories. Next thing I knew, students were asking me to teach all kinds of topics.”

Her method isn’t about memorizing or rigid slideshows—it’s about connection. “My students tell me, ‘I hear your voice in my head’ when they’re taking their certification exams,” she says with a smile. “That’s how I know it’s working.”

Dr. Coke also encourages learning beyond the classroom, leading clinical trips to Honduras where students apply their skills in real-world, high-impact environments. Many have never traveled abroad before, and the experience becomes transformative. “By the time we leave, they’ve gained confidence, competence, and a whole new perspective,” she says.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Coke recharges through a unique annual tradition—learning a new hobby. From leatherworking to woodworking, quilting to gardening, her creative pursuits are as hands-on and inspiring as her teaching. “I teach myself. I’ll watch YouTube, follow a pattern, then make it my own.”

Whether it’s stitching leather into a purse or helping students find their footing in a foreign country, Dr. Coke’s approach centers on authenticity, compassion, and growth. “The most important quality in teaching?” she says, “Being open. Sharing your mistakes. Showing students what to do when something doesn’t go as planned.” Through storytelling, mentorship, and lived experience, Dr. Coke offers students something invaluable: the confidence to try, the courage to grow, and the knowledge that learning is never confined to a slide.

Dr. Coke with a group of students after playing "football," a.k.a. soccer, in Honduras. Dr. Coke shared that she is known for cheating while playing sports!

The students participating in Dr. Coke's Fall 2024 study abroad course in Honduras, along with their local guide.

Mr. Jeffrey MacLachlan shared a photo of himself with his Honors Engaging Texts class. They try to get some sunlight when discussing the weighty topics in Anna Karenina.

Mr. Jeffrey MacLachlan, Senior Lecturer in English, has built his teaching practice at Georgia College on a simple but profound foundation: treat every student with respect. That principle took root early in his career, when a student praised him—not for his experience, but for how equally he treated everyone. “You treated everyone the same,” she said. It’s a comment that continues to guide him.

Jeffrey believes that inclusive classrooms begin with consistency and care. He ensures students understand expectations by embedding structured workshop days into every assignment cycle. This gives students time to revise with feedback and builds transparency into the learning process.

Equally important, he brings enthusiasm to each class. “If the instructor isn’t welcoming, students may disconnect before they ever engage with the material,” he notes. For Jeffrey, showing up with energy is part of the job.

He often uses sports metaphors to motivate his students, drawing on his passion for football to normalize the revision process. Like athletes preparing for game day, he encourages students to view rough drafts as necessary parts of the journey—not something to be ashamed of.

Outside the classroom, Jeffrey prioritizes family, fitness, and the occasional bookstore splurge. He’s quick to credit the joy of unclehood and the comfort of routine as key to maintaining balance.

His approach is grounded in empathy, sharpened by experience, and sustained by student connection—qualities that explain why so many students took the time to say thank you.

When Heather Cox stepped into her first college classroom as a student, she never imagined how profoundly it would shape the educator she would become. Now serving as a part-time lecturer and part-time Academic Coordinator of the GC THRIVE Program at Georgia College & State University, following her 31-year career working with elementary and middle school students having moderate to profound disabilities, Heather brings heart, intention, and joy into every student interaction.

A defining moment in her career came when she realized that for some students, her classroom might be the best part of their day. From that point forward, her mission became clear: to make every student feel valued, seen, and supported. “I see their potential when some see only their disabilities,” she says. “They deserve every experience and opportunity, and I want to give them the very best.”

Heather has never shied away from advocacy. One initiative she’s especially proud of is the Braves Buddies program at the Baldwin County Schools, which partnered special education students with football players to build community and inclusion. That same passion now guides her work with the GC THRIVE Program, where she supports both students with disabilities and future special educators. She also frequently returns to her former classrooms, continuing to invest in the next generation.

Her teaching philosophy? It's on her door: “Relationships Before Rigor.” She begins each class with a student’s favorite song and a simple but powerful slide: “This song is brought to you by…” It’s just one way she shows her students they matter—not just as learners, but as people. Birthday cupcakes, snack bins, and open-door policies are other staples of her compassionate approach.

Heather is also a trailblazer. “I was a first-generation college graduate [in] my extended family,” she shares. “My education made a WORLD of difference not only in my life but in the lives of my children, so I ALWAYS encourage students to get and finish their education. I know firsthand the difference it can make in your life and for future generations.”

Heather believes that strong communication, approachability, and genuine care are what students need most—from being heard to being helped. “We’re not just preparing students for tests,” she says. “We’re preparing them for life after graduation. They need to know how to connect with others and find their niche.”

Outside of work, Heather finds joy and balance in her faith, her new home, time with her grandbabies, and well-loved books. Her “Why” folder, full of notes and photos from students and families she’s impacted, serves as a tangible reminder of her calling.

Her guiding principles? “Never feel like you’re done. Keep learning. Keep growing. And always put relationships first.”

Dr. Brad Fowler.

When students recognize Dr. Brad Fowler through the Thank-a-Teacher program, they often highlight how supported they feel—and how real the learning becomes. As an Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems, Dr. Fowler helps students connect academic content to real-world applications in meaningful ways.

Dr. Fowler values flexibility and empathy in his teaching. He knows students don’t always arrive ready to thrive, but that doesn’t define their potential. “Just because they’re not great students today doesn’t mean they won’t be tomorrow,” he explains. This belief guides his commitment to meeting students where they are.

What Dr. Fowler loves most about teaching is the unpredictability of the classroom. “You never know where it’s going to go and when,” he says. Drawing on his background in jazz studies, he brings a spirit of improvisation to the room: “Someone contributes something, and it takes us on a path we weren’t expecting—and sometimes that path is amazing. It makes for a really dynamic learning experience.”

He actively seeks those moments. “I try to engage and find opportunities for improvisation and things that are fun. But at the end of the day, it’s about the students learning.” For Dr. Fowler, teaching means not just sharing content, but making connections and meeting students’ needs.

He also believes in the power of structure and transparency. Clear expectations, organized syllabi, and consistent communication remove barriers and allow students to focus on learning. “We offer an opportunity. Hopefully, if we try hard enough, we catch a few more students who choose to take that journey with us.”

For Dr. Fowler, great teaching is a mix of planning, spontaneity, and purpose—meeting students in the moment while helping them prepare for what’s ahead.

Dr. Brad Fowler was the percussionist for the Spring 2025 performance of Onegin at GCSU.

Faculty, staff, and university colleague awardees with President Cox.

Congratulations to all the 2025 Celebration of Excellence Award winners! We were proud to celebrate all the deserving faculty, staff, and university colleagues recognized for their commitment to teaching, service, scholarship, and more.

Congratulations to the recipients of Affordable Learning Georgia's most recent grant cycle!

Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG) has awarded over $471,000 in Affordable Materials Grants to various projects across the University System of Georgia. These initiatives are set to save students an estimated $842,000 per year, making education more accessible and affordable.

Highlighted Recipients from Georgia College & State University:

• Katie Simon: Transformation Grant for ENGL 2110 - $15,000
• Christine Mutiti: Continuous Improvement Grant for ENSC 1000 - $10,000

We commend these educators for their dedication to enhancing learning experiences and reducing costs for students. Their efforts contribute significantly to the mission of Affordable Learning Georgia.

This column in the CTL newsletter is devoted to celebrating faculty success over the past academic year. This month, we are pleased to feature Dr. Cynthia Alby, Professor of Teacher Education, Faculty Director of GC Journeys, and co-author of Learning that Matters: A Field Guide to Course Design for Transformative Education.

What is your role here at Georgia College & State University?

My primary role at Georgia College is Professor of Teacher Education. I teach first year/on-campus and graduate/online courses, but I also love working with faculty across campus on issues they are facing or changes they want to make to their courses.

What award did you receive this year?

The Flisch-Harris Award recognizes leadership in the cause of a liberal education. The award is named jointly for Julia Anna Flisch and Dr. Robin O. Harris. Flisch (1861–1941) served on the faculty of Georgia College (then Georgia Normal & Industrial College) from 1891 to 1905 and was a distinguished journalist and advocate for public education. Robin O. Harris (’91, ’93) is professor emerita and was inducted into Circle membership in 2003. She taught history and sociology at Georgia College from 1994 until 2011 and served as director of experiential learning for five years. Under Harris’s leadership, Georgia College established its academic leadership programs and the Georgia Education Mentorship Program, in partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

What does receiving this award mean to you?

What made this award most special to me was the fact that I am a longtime admirer of Robin Harris, and receiving an award with her name on it means the world to me. Also, while I have occasionally served in an official leadership role, the vast majority of my career I have not, and I like the idea that “leadership from within” is something people notice and recognize. Leadership can look a lot of different ways.

What advice would you give to other faculty who might be interested in applying for a similar award?

I didn’t apply for this award; I suppose someone must have nominated me? But I can say that anytime you are applying for an award, I recommend that you talk with others who know you well. Often colleagues can recognize strengths and point out aspects of your work that relate to that award that you didn’t think of yourself. And have Dana Gorzelany-Mostak help you out; she has insights into the awards process that few other have.

We would like to use this space in the newsletter to share stories about faculty success. Do you have an accomplishment that you would like to have featured in our newsletter? If so, please reach out to us at ctl@gcsu.edu.

Check out Dr. Alby's book, Learning that Matters: A Field Guide to Course Design for Transformative Education!

As we near the end of Spring semester, we would like to share some exciting IT updates with you:

• As of April 1st, IT welcomes Eric Griffeth as GCSU's new Physical Security Systems Administrator. This position will work to coordinate physical security systems (security cameras, electronic door controls, blue light call boxes, etc.) for the university, oversee daily operations, facilitate communication among departments, and maintain standards for security equipment, software, and policies.
• Wireless Implementation during GCSU Spring Break (March 17-20): The deployment of 64 Meraki access points across GCSU's campus represents a transformative enhancement to the university's network infrastructure. By strategically installing enterprise-grade Wi-Fi technology throughout high-traffic areas like the Wellness Center and on campus, we've dramatically improved connectivity, speed, and reliability for the entire campus community. This comprehensive coverage now supports simultaneous connections while maintaining optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive activities such as online learning, research, and digital collaboration. The modernized system not only addresses current connectivity demands but establishes a foundation for emerging educational technologies and IoT implementations.
  

Remember, IT is always happy to help! Contact us in any of the following ways:

• Submit a self-service ticket by going to https://askit.gcsu.edu. You can also get to the website by using the "AskIT" tab at the top left of https://my.gcsu.edu.
• Call the IT Help Desk at 478-445-7378.
• Send an email to AskIT@gcsu.edu and include a description of your issue.
• Drop by the IT Help Desk located on the bottom floor of the Library.

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