Welcome! We can't wait to meet you!
Georgia Sanders
Director of Retention
Why did you choose EGSC?
I attended EGSC as a non-traditional GED recipient and was able to receive the guidance
needed to complete my first degree. The small campus and caring staff made my time
here enjoyable, so I decided that I wanted to be a part of the EGSC family. I am grateful
to have the same opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others as well.
How do you serve students?
I have the privilege of being a mediator for our students and the academic resources
we have available at EGSC. I am a listening ear, reminder of your goals, and natural
motivator. Our amazing staff within the ACE are ready and willing to assist you in
reaching your academic goals. My office is located in the Luck Flanders Gambrell building
and I look forward to meeting you.
What advice would you give to students?
Your life is a collection of the choices you make each day. While each choice plays
a part, you are more than your choices. When you make a bad choice, you must forgive
yourself, refocus, and move forward. Always remember that it is not how you start
out, but how you finish.
Casey Dowling
Assistant Director of Student Success
Why did you choose EGSC?
I chose EGSC because of the family feel. Even though I didn’t grow up in Georgia,
the students, faculty, and staff at EGSC have made me feel at home here and continue
to treat me like family. The connections that can be made at EGSC are like none other.
You are truly a member of the family, no matter where you come from, at EGSC.
How do you serve students?
As the Assistant Director of Student Success, I am your cheerleader and advocate.
I am here to help you achieve your goals, overcome obstacles, and support you as you
embark on your journey as a college student. My goal is to help you feel mattered,
respected, connected, and build relationships.
What advice would you give to students?
Don’t give up! Life can be tough at times, but there is always someone there to help
you along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! “If you fail to plan, you plan
to fail.”- Taylor Swift
Jeff Waller
ACE-Swainsboro Coordinator
Why did you choose EGSC?
I chose EGSC because I believe strongly in the college’s access mission. I was also
drawn to EGSC’s small-campus environment and family-like atmosphere, which I believe
are important aspects that enhance the college’s ability to serve our students on
a more personal level.
How do you serve students?
One the most important duties I have as the coordinator of the ACE Swainsboro is to
pair the student seeking help with the right tutor. The ACE has an outstanding group
of tutors who have the skill sets to help students succeed at EGSC.
What advice would you give to students?
We all need a little help at times. You are in college to learn, so do not be afraid
to ask a staff member in the ACE for help.
Susan Howell
Student Success Coach
Why did you choose EGSC?
I chose East Georgia State College because it is within Georgia counties with rural
towns and communities and the college grounds and buildings are beautiful. Also, East
Georgia State College offers students the opportunity to become ready to successfully
achieve a college education which can dramatically transform their adult life. There
are so many levels of inspiration here.
How do you serve students?
As the student success coach, I help students develop skills, behaviors and habits
that contribute to success in college. These includes academic and career goal setting,
learning strategies, time management and organization, self-regulation, and self-efficacy.
What advice would you give to students?
Don’t stop shining because someone is intimidated by your light.
Yvette Mercer
Student Success Coach
Why did you choose EGSC?
I chose EGSC because of the sense of community it offers and the opportunity it provides
me to mentor, guide, and uplift young professionals as they develop into their full
potential both personally and professionally.
How do you serve students?
I am a student advocate who anticipates academic and career needs while offering real-world
solutions for study organization, time management, and college success. I also collaborate
with faculty and staff, connect students with resources, and create strategies that
balance student life and enhance the overall EGSC experience.
What advice would you give to students?
As part of your educational journey, time management, goal setting, and work ethic
are all very important. Be patient, prioritize your workload, realize possibilities,
and create a conducive environment, while remembering to have an enjoyable experience.
Key McBride
Student Success Coach
Why did you choose EGSC?
I am an alum of EGSC (East Georgia State College). It is here where doors begin to open, where you will find a sense of self and a purpose. The faculty and staff are warm, caring, and will go beyond to help you be successful in your college journey. After working with K-12 students in many different capacities for almost 10 years, I now want to help those on the collegiate level achieve success in obtaining the knowledge that can never be taken away.
How do you serve students?
I help students determine personal goals, develop individualized plans, and implement
strategies that promote success, which include: time management, finding balance, motivation, organization, note taking, test preparation
and anxiety, finding direction, and utilizing campus resources
What advice would you give to students?
- Go to class, because you cannot learn if you are not in class, whether online or in person!
- Build relationships with your peers and professors; then you will not be afraid to ask questions!
- Give everything you do your all with passion, fidelity, and purpose!
Mike Luzzi
ACE-Statesboro Coordinator
Why did you choose EGSC?
Walmart wasn’t hiring, so. . . seriously, I wanted the opportunity to share my knowledge
and experience with students who are just beginning to enter a new phase in their
lives which can be overwhelming to them. In the A.C.E., we not only offer students
a place to get help, we provide the students with a safe space where they can come
to discuss their concerns and frustrations. Through this opportunity, they can “clear
the air” and move onto the next task they face more focused and ready for the next
challenge.
How do you serve our students?
I’m here to point them in the right direction when they come looking for help, and
I’ll gladly work directly with students to assist them in improving their understanding
and mastery of their course material.
What advice would you give to students?
If your car has a mechanical problem and you have to pull over to the side of the
road, do you hide behind your car so no one will know you don’t know how to fix it,
or do you call a tow truck and a mechanic to get help? At EGSC, the A.C.E. is your
“tow truck” and the tutors and professors in the “A.C.E. Academy” are “the mechanics”
you need, so “don’t hide behind your ‘car,’” but come get the help you need when you
need it!
Tayla Brown
Student Success Coach
Why did you choose EGSC?
My journey at EGSC began as a Dual Enrollment student. I wanted the chance to try
out college in a smaller environment before going to a larger university so I could
build up my knowledge of how college functions and how to adapt to things like the
different expectations from new classes and instructors. I received many opportunities
from EGSC regarding employment and love working here because I get to work with individuals
in the same position that I was once in.
How do you serve students?
I am the student success coach for the Augusta campus. I assist students with any
struggles that they may be going through like confidence, study skills, time management
issues, etc. I am also an advocate for mental health and connect students with those
resources.
What advice would you give to students?
Be as transparent with faculty and staff that you feel comfortable with to get the
support, direction, and resources that you need.
Vicky Lieu
ACE-Augusta Coordinator
How do you serve our students?
I get to help students that need tutoring for academic classes and help them connect
with a tutor to further assist them with their academic classes. The ACE has amazing
tutors to help all students with their academic needs.
What advice would you give to students?
Take care of yourself first and never hesitate to ask for help.
