Category Archives: Accepted Students

Reinhardt Highlights During United Methodist Conference

Reinhardt Highlights during Annual Conference
for North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church

Reinhardt Students Take the Stage at Annual Conference

Alex Mahan '15 spoke to the conference about a project she and her classmates supported through the McCamish School of Business at Reinhardt for Alex Mahan ’15 spoke to the conference about a project she and her classmates supported through the McCamish School of Business at Reinhardt for “Imagine No Malaria,” a mission emphasis by the United Methodist Church to bring an end to death and suffering from malaria. The Spring 2015 Business 498 Nonprofit Marketing Strategies class was led by Dr. Dana Hall, an assistant professor of business at Reinhardt and a member of Canton First United Methodist Church.

Their class’ goal was to raise awareness and raise $1,000. The students gained real world experience and in the process, raised a total of $1,060.15 this semester.

Hall commended the students for their hard work.  “One hundred percent of this goes directly to mission (thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  Ten dollars saves a life, so the efforts of these eight fine young men and women mean that 106 lives are saved.”

The other students who took part in the class were:

  • Michael Coleman
  • Blake Hallman
  • Christian Hill
  • Abel Ramirez
  • Calvin Robertson
  • DJ Sellers
  • Carley Shoemaker

For more on this, please check back later this week.

Keren Morales, an upcoming sophomore and Common Ground worship leader at Reinhardt, was a part of the worship band for Annual Conference.

Musical Talents Shared

Keren Morales, an upcoming sophomore and Common Ground worship leader at Reinhardt, was a part of the worship band for Annual Conference.

Reinhardt’s New President Dr. Kina S. Mallard Blessed by Prayer

Bishop B. Michael Watson led the conference in prayer for Reinhardt President Dr. Kina S. Mallard and her leadership of Reinhardt University.

Reinhardt administrators and staff helped publicize Reinhardt during the 2015 Annual Conference for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church in Athens, Ga., in June 2015. The conference brings together clergy and church members from all 875 United Methodist churches across North Georgia.   At the request of Reinhardt alumnus Mathew A. Pinson ’05, who is conference lay leader, Bishop B. Michael Watson led the conference in prayer for Mallard and her leadership of Reinhardt University.  Read the text of Dr. Mallard’s speech >

Reinhardt Dinner for Alumni and Friends Draws Record Crowd

Almost 100 Reinhardt United Methodist and Athens-area alumni, along with friends and future students, like Ariel and Marybeth (pictured at right) attended a BBQ dinner hosted by the University to introduce President Dr. Kina Mallard.  The event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn across from the Classic Center. 

Alumni and friends get an opportunity to reconnect during the Reinhardt dinner. Dr. Mallard answers a question from Tonya Murphy, the president of the Conference United Methodist Women and the parent of an incoming freshman.
Alumni and friends get an opportunity to reconnect during the Reinhardt dinner. Dr. Mallard answers a question from Tonya Murphy, the president of the Conference United Methodist Women and the parent of an incoming freshman.

Mallard Gives Keynote Speech at Laity Luncheon

Dr. Mallard also had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Laity Luncheon during Annual Conference. Approximately 775 church members from across North Georgia were in attendance. She also submitted her talk for publication in the conference journal.

Dr. Mallard also had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Laity Luncheon during Annual Conference. Approximately 775 church members from across North Georgia were in attendance.

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Future Eagles “Soar” at Reinhardt’s Orientation Weekends

Mallard with students.
O-groups
Public Safety

“Nearly 200 students and over 300 parents from as close as Canton, Ga. and as far as Winter Haven, Florida took part in the University’s most recent Orientation weekend, and we are expecting another 150+ students and 300 more parents during orientation sessions in July,” said Dr. Walter May, assistant dean of students.

Excitement and Energy on Campus

Dr. Roger Lee, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that “New Student Orientation at Reinhardt University brings all the excitement and energy to our campus family. Entering students and parents connect with new friends as we all focus on new learning opportunities and exciting futures.”

Seeking Support Opportunities and Exploring Campus Life

Steven Vosika ‘15, coordinator of involvement and orientation, further described New Student Orientation (NSO) as “a comprehensive one of a kind experience for freshmen, transfer, and dual enrollment student populations which introduces them to their first real taste of life as an Eagle. Our diverse and passionate Orientation Leaders and Student Leaders from across campus help each incoming student to experience a stress-free transition to college through educational sessions on campus life, safety, academic success, and financial success on their path as an Eagle. This time allows for us to support incoming students with opportunities to explore campus life and for incoming students to build long-lasting personal relationship with other students.”

Orientation: SOAR and Eagle Bound

Orientation at Reinhardt University is a two-part process: SOAR and Eagle Bound. SOAR is a series of one-day sessions during June and July where students learn about studying and living at Reinhardt as well as getting advised and registering for their first semester classes. Eagle Bound is an action-packed two day experience for new students the weekend before fall classes start in August.

During SOAR, new students and their families spend the first part of the morning taking their Student ID pictures, learning about housing, signing up for post-office boxes, and meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid representative.

Following the welcome ceremony, students break off into small O-groups facilitated by a Reinhardt Orientation Leader to learn more about the college experience and how to find their niche at RU.

Vosika explained, “While in these small O-groups, students take part in interactive activities that energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, make the students feel comfortable and encouraged to seek involvement within the RU community.”

Bonding Experiences and Building Relationships

“One of my favorite parts about orientation is breaking off into our “O-groups” I like being able to get to know everyone through our ice breakers. The ice breakers help the group make connections and friends. It also helps the leaders get to know each student. Since the students are in their O-group for most of the day, it helps them get a better feel for the campus and also bond with the group” said Katie Purcell ‘17, orientation leader.

Following lunch, while students are finalizing their fall semester classes, Lee, along with Peggy Feehery, director of career services, and Derek Struchtemeyer, director of counseling, lead an interactive discussion with parents about the student experience. This session addresses issues facing today’s college students and suggest tips for how to best navigate the college transition. You’ll learn how to help your student know what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the resource and opportunity that RU has to offer.

To find out more about New Student Orientation, visit www.reinhardt.edu/orientation 

Reinhardt Highlights During United Methodist Conference

Reinhardt Highlights during Annual Conference
for North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church

Reinhardt Students Take the Stage at Annual Conference

Alex Mahan '15 spoke to the conference about a project she and her classmates supported through the McCamish School of Business at Reinhardt for Alex Mahan ’15 spoke to the conference about a project she and her classmates supported through the McCamish School of Business at Reinhardt for “Imagine No Malaria,” a mission emphasis by the United Methodist Church to bring an end to death and suffering from malaria. The Spring 2015 Business 498 Nonprofit Marketing Strategies class was led by Dr. Dana Hall, an assistant professor of business at Reinhardt and a member of Canton First United Methodist Church.

Their class’ goal was to raise awareness and raise $1,000. The students gained real world experience and in the process, raised a total of $1,060.15 this semester.

Hall commended the students for their hard work.  “One hundred percent of this goes directly to mission (thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  Ten dollars saves a life, so the efforts of these eight fine young men and women mean that 106 lives are saved.”

The other students who took part in the class were:

  • Michael Coleman
  • Blake Hallman
  • Christian Hill
  • Abel Ramirez
  • Calvin Robertson
  • DJ Sellers
  • Carley Shoemaker

For more on this, please check back later this week.

Keren Morales, an upcoming sophomore and Common Ground worship leader at Reinhardt, was a part of the worship band for Annual Conference.

Musical Talents Shared

Keren Morales, an upcoming sophomore and Common Ground worship leader at Reinhardt, was a part of the worship band for Annual Conference.

Reinhardt’s New President Dr. Kina S. Mallard Blessed by Prayer

Bishop B. Michael Watson led the conference in prayer for Reinhardt President Dr. Kina S. Mallard and her leadership of Reinhardt University.

Reinhardt administrators and staff helped publicize Reinhardt during the 2015 Annual Conference for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church in Athens, Ga., in June 2015. The conference brings together clergy and church members from all 875 United Methodist churches across North Georgia.   At the request of Reinhardt alumnus Mathew A. Pinson ’05, who is conference lay leader, Bishop B. Michael Watson led the conference in prayer for Mallard and her leadership of Reinhardt University.  Read the text of Dr. Mallard’s speech >

Reinhardt Dinner for Alumni and Friends Draws Record Crowd

Almost 100 Reinhardt United Methodist and Athens-area alumni, along with friends and future students, like Ariel and Marybeth (pictured at right) attended a BBQ dinner hosted by the University to introduce President Dr. Kina Mallard.  The event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn across from the Classic Center. 

Alumni and friends get an opportunity to reconnect during the Reinhardt dinner. Dr. Mallard answers a question from Tonya Murphy, the president of the Conference United Methodist Women and the parent of an incoming freshman.
Alumni and friends get an opportunity to reconnect during the Reinhardt dinner. Dr. Mallard answers a question from Tonya Murphy, the president of the Conference United Methodist Women and the parent of an incoming freshman.

Mallard Gives Keynote Speech at Laity Luncheon

Dr. Mallard also had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Laity Luncheon during Annual Conference. Approximately 775 church members from across North Georgia were in attendance. She also submitted her talk for publication in the conference journal.

Dr. Mallard also had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Laity Luncheon during Annual Conference. Approximately 775 church members from across North Georgia were in attendance.

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Future Eagles “Soar” at Reinhardt’s Orientation Weekends

Mallard with students.
O-groups
Public Safety

“Nearly 200 students and over 300 parents from as close as Canton, Ga. and as far as Winter Haven, Florida took part in the University’s most recent Orientation weekend, and we are expecting another 150+ students and 300 more parents during orientation sessions in July,” said Dr. Walter May, assistant dean of students.

Excitement and Energy on Campus

Dr. Roger Lee, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that “New Student Orientation at Reinhardt University brings all the excitement and energy to our campus family. Entering students and parents connect with new friends as we all focus on new learning opportunities and exciting futures.”

Seeking Support Opportunities and Exploring Campus Life

Steven Vosika ‘15, coordinator of involvement and orientation, further described New Student Orientation (NSO) as “a comprehensive one of a kind experience for freshmen, transfer, and dual enrollment student populations which introduces them to their first real taste of life as an Eagle. Our diverse and passionate Orientation Leaders and Student Leaders from across campus help each incoming student to experience a stress-free transition to college through educational sessions on campus life, safety, academic success, and financial success on their path as an Eagle. This time allows for us to support incoming students with opportunities to explore campus life and for incoming students to build long-lasting personal relationship with other students.”

Orientation: SOAR and Eagle Bound

Orientation at Reinhardt University is a two-part process: SOAR and Eagle Bound. SOAR is a series of one-day sessions during June and July where students learn about studying and living at Reinhardt as well as getting advised and registering for their first semester classes. Eagle Bound is an action-packed two day experience for new students the weekend before fall classes start in August.

During SOAR, new students and their families spend the first part of the morning taking their Student ID pictures, learning about housing, signing up for post-office boxes, and meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid representative.

Following the welcome ceremony, students break off into small O-groups facilitated by a Reinhardt Orientation Leader to learn more about the college experience and how to find their niche at RU.

Vosika explained, “While in these small O-groups, students take part in interactive activities that energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, make the students feel comfortable and encouraged to seek involvement within the RU community.”

Bonding Experiences and Building Relationships

“One of my favorite parts about orientation is breaking off into our “O-groups” I like being able to get to know everyone through our ice breakers. The ice breakers help the group make connections and friends. It also helps the leaders get to know each student. Since the students are in their O-group for most of the day, it helps them get a better feel for the campus and also bond with the group” said Katie Purcell ‘17, orientation leader.

Following lunch, while students are finalizing their fall semester classes, Lee, along with Peggy Feehery, director of career services, and Derek Struchtemeyer, director of counseling, lead an interactive discussion with parents about the student experience. This session addresses issues facing today’s college students and suggest tips for how to best navigate the college transition. You’ll learn how to help your student know what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the resource and opportunity that RU has to offer.

To find out more about New Student Orientation, visit www.reinhardt.edu/orientation 

President Isherwood Announces His Departure Effective June 30, 2015

University President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood Announces His Departure from Reinhardt Effective June 30, 2015

Dr. Thomas IsherwoodOn March 18, 2014, Reinhardt’s 19th president, Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, announced he would be leaving the University on June 30, 2015. He was selected as Reinhardt’s president by the institution’s Board of Trustees on April 2, 2002, and he had served in the office since July 1, 2002.

Guiding the University in a positive direction for continued success.

After discussing his decision with the Executive Committee of Reinhardt’s Board of Trustees, he informed the entire board, as well as faculty and staff, via email. “I am very proud of the work we have done together, and I will always be thankful that you have given me the opportunity to serve you and our students,” he said. “Next year will be my 13th at Reinhardt, and I believe it is a good time for change. In 2015 we will be completing our second meaningful five-year plan, and I believe the University is in a positive position for even more success. I am very confident that the announcement of this leadership opportunity will draw interest from excellent and qualified people across the United States.”

“…a focused and effective leader for Reinhardt.”

Board of Trustees Chair William G. Hasty, Jr. commended Isherwood for the job he has done as president. “Tom Isherwood has been a focused and effective leader for Reinhardt,” Hasty said. “During his tenure, even though the economy has made success very difficult to achieve for small private institutions of higher education, Reinhardt has enjoyed increased enrollment, program expansion and loyal financial support. I look forward to continuing this positive momentum as we prepare for a change in senior leadership.”

A presidential search is often a year-long process, which was part of Isherwood’s rationale for an early announcement. “The search for new leadership is one of the most exciting times in the life of an institution,” Isherwood said. “I want to give the Board full advantage of an early announcement so that they have time to engage the entire Reinhardt community in this process. I am confident that the trustees will exercise this responsibility with wisdom and grace.”

Reinhardt has experienced significant growth under Isherwood’s leadership.

Since Isherwood’s arrival, Reinhardt has experienced much growth. Reinhardt’s student body has grown from 1083 to 1402, fund raising has brought in approximately $42.7 million, and at least 20 buildings or facilities have been built or significantly renovated. Academic program offerings have expanded from 17 to 41, the number of full-time faculty has grown from 54 to 80, and the number of intercollegiate sports has grown from 10 to 17. Graduate degree, online programs and a Police Academy have been added, and in 2010, the institution name was changed from Reinhardt College to Reinhardt University.

“When I arrived, Reinhardt did not yet have the program diversity we needed,” Isherwood said. “Our program growth, as well as our offerings for working adults and graduate students, was prompted by faculty creativity and hard work. As we have added faculty, we have looked for caring instructors with solid credentials, creativity and experience – professionals who emphasize a commitment to teaching, mentoring, community service and scholarship. We also invested in the performing arts, athletics and the sciences. Our fund raising successes have made all this expansion possible.”

“I have been humbled and honored to be president.”

Isherwood doesn’t like the word “retire” and doesn’t plan to coast during his remaining months as Reinhardt president. Isherwood and his wife, Bettye Jo, have a home in Big Canoe, Ga., and they plan to remain in the area. “We will continue to be involved in our community,” he said. “We have made wonderful friends and have found Big Canoe to be an exciting and welcoming place to live.”

In his email to faculty and staff he stated, “While we will have time in the next year to reminisce, we will also have a great and busy year as we together prepare the University for the future. I have been humbled and honored to be president of this wonderful place and to serve with you. I plan to leave with energy and enthusiasm.”

Admissions Web Section Earns Top Ranking


Reinhardt Admissions Web Section Ranked Top in the Nation

medallionReinhardt is pleased to announce that its Office of Admission’s section on the University’s website is among the most highly rated in the country, scoring in the top 100 of all admissions sites rated. The section was recognized in the 15th annual My College Options® Enrollment Power Index® (EPI), an analysis of the admissions websites of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities. 

“We are proud to have our admissions web section recognized by My College Options as one of the leading web sections in the nation,” said Julie Fleming, director of admission. “We developed our web pages with the knowledge that potential students would be looking here for critical admissions information.”

admissions webTop 3 Admissions Topics Important to Students

Since the technology for admissions websites is constantly changing, so are the expectations of the prospective students who visit looking for information. This year’s research revealed three items that are rising in importance to students:

• List of academic programs/majors
• Financial aid information
• Ability to contact admissions via Facebook

“The website continues to be our top source for students entering our system,” Fleming said. “For fall 2013, we had 44.4% of our new class have the website as their first source—this includes completing our on-line application.”

Categories Assessed for Web Section/Site Rankings

MyCollegeOptions.org is the nation’s largest online college planning program. Every summer its staff of college admissions and internet experts conducts a research-based analysis that measures how well college and university websites provide information to prospective students to assist them through the application process. Of the post-secondary institutions whose sites were graded, less than 45% earned a score of A or B.  

The study grades institutions on a 100 point scale, including functionality, design and technology components. The criteria for the study is reviewed and updated annually by internal experts as well as current high school students. Statistical tests are used to determine the specific EPI criteria to be used and their relative importance to students in college planning. This year’s study examined 36 criteria in four main categories:

• Ability to Find Desired Information
• Personal Contact with Admissions Staff and Students
• Online Interactive Tools
• Website Design and Navigation

Additional information on the EPI study is available at www.nrccua.org/epi-report.

About My College Options

My College Options® is the nation’s largest college planning program and is operated by the National Research Center for College & University Admissions™.  For over 40 years, this non-profit educational research organization, based in Lee’s Summit, MO, has served as the primary link between high school students and colleges, universities, and the resources they need to succeed. Visit www.mycollegeoptions.org.