Category Archives: Advancement

Welcome New Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration and Advancement

Welcome New Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration and Advancement

Norton and LeopardTwo new vice presidents have been appointed to serve on the administration of Reinhardt University. David Leopard is the Vice President for Finance and Administration; He replaced Robert G. “Bob” McKinnon, who served in the position from March 2008 until his retirement this in March 2015. Timothy A. “Tim” Norton is the Vice President for Advancement; Norton filled the position of JoEllen Bell Wilson ’61, who retired from Reinhardt after serving in many roles for 33 years (July 1982-2015).

“Mr. Norton and Mr. Leopard bring years of experience to their respective positions and will be joining an already strong leadership team,” said Dr. Kina Mallard, president. “The future of Reinhardt is bright. With our excellent leaders, faculty and staff, we are ready to soar into the future as we continue shaping lives and building futures.”

David Leopard – Vice President for Finance and Administration

Leopard previously served as vice president of finance and administration at Young Harris College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia State University and was licensed as a CPA in 1984.

“With many years of non-profit experience in higher education and the arts, I am looking forward to working with the other members of the Leadership Team to guide the development of distinctive programs and degrees that will make Reinhardt competitive for many years to come,” Leopard said. “As a financial executive that understands the importance of branding and product perception, I will push for our campuses and facilities to represent Reinhardt in a manner that is appealing to potential students and their families.

“We will also work to develop and have a deeper understanding of our business model and how that will be critical in developing the next strategic plan for the University,” he continued. “There are numerous challenges facing higher education in the next 20 years. It is crucial that we position the University to meet those challenges and emerge stronger, both financially and operationally.”

Tim Norton – Vice President for Advancement

Norton has served the last four years as chief advancement officer for Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Johnson City, Tenn. In this position, he provided leadership for communications/public relations, philanthropy/development, volunteer recruitment and deployment and information technology. At ASP, he built and implemented the online giving program, developed and implemented the planned giving program, and established a rigorous program of private foundation and government grant research, proposal preparation/presentation.

Prior to ASP, Norton served as interim vice president for advancement at Carson-Newman University, Development Director for The Christian Index in Atlanta, Associate Vice President for Development at Palm Beach Atlantic College, and Associate Director for Marketing and Development for the Home Mission Board in Atlanta.

“Having worked in fundraising for colleges & universities and non-profits for over 30 years, my greatest gift is as a relationship builder,” Norton said. “I look forward to building mutually beneficial relationships in support of students, alumni, faculty, and programs that will, in turn, benefit Reinhardt, our immediate community, and the world.

“I have always believed–and experienced this to be true–that people are willing to invest their hard-earned dollars in a place like Reinhardt University when they understand the mission, are offered a compelling case for support, are asked to do what they are able to do as financial supporters, and are appreciated and recognized for giving,” he said. “This is what I hope to do, together, as we move Reinhardt University forward as a place of life-transforming experiences for all those who live, work, serve and visit here.”

Cherokee Retired Educators Association Gives Scholarship Donation

Cherokee Retired Educators Association Gives Scholarship Donation to Benefit Education Students

CREA Donation

Teachers of the past help teachers of the future! The Cherokee Retired Educators Association presented Reinhardt with a $2,000 check to provide scholarships for students majoring in education. Dr. Kina Mallard, Reinhardt president (center), accepted the generous donation from Marlene Harrington, CREA president, along with Karen Hawley (from right), president-elect; Kathy Brown, membership officer; and Jean Cantrell, treasurer.

Faculty Members Honored for Dedication with Presentation of Annual Awards

anderson

Anderson

thomas lee

Thomas-Lee

Davis

Davis

mcnally

McNally

Mullins

Mullins

Reinhardt University Honors Faculty Dedication with Presentation of Five Awards; Students Present Faculty Mentor Award

At the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, University administrators underscored the crucial role that faculty play in making Reinhardt a true community of challenge and care. Among the outstanding faculty honored at the meeting were Dr. Matt Anderson, Dr. Paula-Thomas Lee, Jym Davis, Robin McNally, and Joe Mullins, and Dr. Catherine Emanuel was recognized during Honor’s Day.

Jane England Faculty Award for Excellence – Dr. Matt Anderson

Dr. Matt Anderson, instructor of music and a resident of Cumming, Ga., was honored with the Jane England Faculty Award for Excellence. The $500 award is named for a long-time Reinhardt faculty member who retired in May 2001 and passed away in January 2007. England was a professor of history and political science for 31 years at Reinhardt. She also served in numerous leadership roles, including advisor to the student newspaper and faculty chair. Upon her retirement, Reinhardt established this annual faculty award, along with a scholarship fund, in her honor. Anderson has been a faculty member at Reinhardt for almost three years.

Faculty Research and Scholarship Award – Dr. Paula Thomas-Lee

Dr. Paula Thomas-Lee, assistant professor of music, received a Faculty Research and Scholarship Award for her contributions to the artistic community. Thomas-Lee, a resident of Woodstock, Ga., has taught at Reinhardt for more than seven years.

“It was such a tremendous honor to receive this award for research,” said Thomas-Lee. “Conducting research is something that I find incredibly exciting! I think as educators we should always strive to look for ways to be more effective and applicable to our students. By researching on varying topics in the field of music education, I think I’ve become a stronger and more influential educator.”

Faculty Artistic Award – Jym Davis

Honored with the Faculty Artistic Award was Jym Davis, associate professor of art and a resident of Canton, Ga., who has taught at the University for more than eight years.

“Receiving the Faculty Art Award was a tremendous honor,” Davis said. “It was nice to have my art recognized and to hear so many encouraging words from my colleagues at Reinhardt University. There is a tremendous amount of creative energy at Reinhardt so it was nice to receive recognition from my peers.”

United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award – Robin McNally

Robin McNally, assistant professor of mathematics, received the prestigious United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award. McNally, a resident Acworth, Ga., has taught at Reinhardt for more than 21 years.

“I am very honored to have received this meaningful award,” said McNally. “I have been blessed for the last 20 years working with wonderful faculty members, amazing students and outstanding staff/administration at Reinhardt University.”

Funded by the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, the Exemplary Teacher Award is given annually to a Reinhardt faculty member to recognize excellence in teaching, commitment to value-centered education and service to students at the University.

Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award – Joe Mullins

Honored with the Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award was Joe Mullins, assistant professor of sport studies. Mullins, who is a resident of Jasper, Ga., has taught at the University for almost three years.

“I was excited to be nominated for the Vulcan award because the nominations come from students and faculty,” Mullins said. “I love to teach, and I am truly blessed to get to work with wonderful students and faculty every day. I was surprised to win the award and thankful to be recognized for something I love to do.”

Established in 1991, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Awards annually honor an outstanding professor on selected member campuses of the Georgia Independent College Association. The award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in the other areas of campus life. The recipients are faculty who assist the institutions in nurturing an academic climate which fosters teaching and who provide leadership to enhance the campus community.

Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award – Dr. Catherine Emanuel

The Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award was presented during Honors Day by Student Government Association President Alexander Bryant. Catherine Emanuel, director of the Center for Student Success, was selected by the students to receive this award.

“I certainly wasn’t expected this award, but it’s nice to have students acknowledge my efforts,” said Emanuel, a resident of Marietta, Ga. and faculty member for more than six years. “I feel very honored to have been recognized.”

The Elizabeth Moss Bailey Faculty Mentor Award was created in 2003 by the College’s Student Government Association (SGA) as an opportunity for recognizing a faculty member that renders outstanding mentorship to students. The SGA takes nominations for the honor from students, and then the members of the Student Senate vote on the faculty recipient. The award is named for Elizabeth Moss Bailey ’28, a distinguished alumna and former professor and dean of women who helped create the work-study program at the College.

4/10 – Year of India Symposium: Hinduism in Metro Atlanta

Year of India Symposium: Hinduism in Metro Atlanta

You are invited to attend our Year of India Symposium: Hinduism in Metro Atlanta, Friday, April 10 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

8-9 a.m.: Registration

9-9:50 a.m.: Lecture – Dr. Steven Ramey University of Alabama, associate professor religions of Asia, Diaspora Indian Religions and Global Identities, Indian Identities in the US South

10-10:50 a.m.: Presentations – Brother Shankara, spiritual director and resident minister of Vedanta Center of Atlanta; and Mr. Manhar Valand, vice president of the Chinmaya Mission Atlanta

11-11:50 a.m.: Panel Discussion by Presenters

12 p.m.: Traditional Indian Lunch – catered lunch is free for the first 30 who register online (see below for link)

*All sessions held in the Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center

Online Registration

Generous Gift from Tarpley Estate to Fund Scholarships and Stage Arts Center

Reinhardt Will Use Generous Gift from Tarpley Estate to Fund Student Scholarships and Stage Arts Center

The estate gift of Mrs. Mozelle Tarpley was recently voted by the Reinhardt Board of Trustees to be restricted to serve the University’s theatre program. The gift will continue to draw interest that will be awarded at 5% for student scholarships until an additional amount is raised to construct a theatre building. The Stage Arts Center, as it’s also known, will be named for Fred and Mozelle Tarpley.

“The Tarpley name has long been associated with Reinhardt University,” said Billy Hasty, Jr. ’67, board chairman. “Family members live in Waleska, home of the University, and others have lived in other parts of the state. Regardless, the Tarpley family has remained committed to Reinhardt with gifts and support.

“Reinhardt has again been blessed by the Tarpley famly with a gift from the estate of Mrs. Mozelle Tarpley. The family recently gave $1,670,500 as an unrestricted gift; however, the University has elected to restrict the gift to its thriving theatre program. We are very grateful to the Tarpley family and their dedication to Reinhardt.”

A Passion for Education.

Education was woven into the fabric of the Tarpleys’ lives. He began his career as a teacher, and she devoted her life to the profession. Both attended Reinhardt in the late 30s. During their time at Reinhardt, the Tarpleys worked hard to achieve their goals, and both worked on campus to help their parents with tuition costs and give back to the college for the education they received.

After graduating from Reinhardt, Mr. Tarpley taught at Oak Grove Junior High School. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving aboard a ship in the Amphibian Fleet in the Pacific and invaded Okinawa during WWII. Mrs. Tarpley entered the teaching profession at Eton Elementary School while she waited for Mr. Tarpley to return from war.

The couple married on June 1, 1946, after the war ended, and moved to Dalton, Ga. Mrs. Tarpley continued her teaching career in the Dalton City School system, and Mr. Tarpley entered the banking field at First National Bank of Dalton. After 40 years in banking, Mr. Tarpley retired as a group vice president.

In 1998, the Tarpleys also gave Reinhardt a $1 million gift to fund a new academic building on campus—the Fred H. and Mozelle Bates Tarpley Education Center.

Leaving a Legacy.

“As an alumnus of Reinhardt, I appreciate loyal alumni, with a continuing interest in and support of their alma mater,” said Ken White ’61, board member. “Mr. and Mrs. Tarpley not only made the naming gift for the Tarpley Education Center at Reinhardt in 1998 , they left a legacy through this most generous planned gift that will help transform the lives of many young people.”

David Nisbet, assistant professor of theatre, added to White’s sentiments. “The theatre program would like to thank the Reinhardt Board of Trustees for seeing our need and taking decisive action to meet it. We are looking forward to the day when we have a dedicated space for our students to learn their craft and the public can enjoy even higher quality productions.”

A DAY Receives Donation from Georgia Power

A DAY Receives $3,000 Donation from Georgia Power

Georgia Power donates to A DAY.Rod Drake, area manager for Georgia Power, presents a $3,000 check to Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, Reinhardt president, and Dale Scarlett Morrissey ’76 ’99, director of fund raising campaigns and church relations. The goal for this year’s A DAY campaign is $100,000, and currently $61,315 has been raised toward this goal.

“Reinhardt appreciates the support from businesses like Georgia Power,” said Morrissey. “This allows students to benefit with scholarships from the monies raised. Without these types of donations and support it would not be possible for many of our students to continue their educational endeavors. The satisfaction is knowing that you have helped a student with their educational goal.”

A DAY Background

Created in 1988, the A DAY for Reinhardt campaign is an annual effort to provide support for Cherokee County students attending Reinhardt University. A DAY helps to fund the University’s Cherokee County Grant Program. This grant gives eligible students the opportunity to receive as much as $8,000 during their four years at the University. Since A DAY’s inception, more than $3 million in Cherokee County grants have been awarded to local deserving students. For more information about A DAY, visit www.reinhardt.edu/advancement

Alumna Takes Reins of Fund Raising & Church Relations

Alumna Dale Scarlett Morrissey ’76 ’99 Returns to her Alma Mater to Take the Reins of Reinhardt’s Fund Raising and Church Relations; Barbara Manous Retires from Her Role of 18 Years

Dale MorrisseyA Reinhardt alumna of more than 30 years returned to her alma mater last week in a different role. Dale Scarlett Morrissey ’76 ’99 is now the Director of Fund Raising Campaigns and Church Relations. She assumes the role from long-standing staff member Barbara Manous who served Reinhardt for more than 18 years.

“Reinhardt has always been close to my heart,” said Morrissey. “After high school graduation, I enrolled at Reinhardt and have been involved ever since.

“I worked [at Reinhardt] during college in the business office. I handled the student bank; I guess that is where my banking career started! Doris Jones in the business office was my mentor, and it will be a pleasure to see her once again on campus.”

Serving more than 37 years in the banking industry, Morrissey most recently held the position of vice president/branch manager at Hamilton State Bank (fka Cherokee Bank). Prior to that, she served in various capacities with Community and Southern Bank (fka First Cherokee State Bank), including business development officer, branch manager and security officer.

Rooted in Reinhardt.

Morrissey’s path first came back to Reinhardt later in her career when she managed a bank across the street from Reinhardt. “I was so close to the University that I decided to complete my college education, and earned a bachelor of science in business administration in 1999.”

Working with Reinhardt’s A Day Committee and Alumni Board of Governors allowed Morrissey to keep close ties to Reinhardt through the years. From 2005-07, she served as Board President, and from 2014-15, she was the A DAY chair.

“When approached about the possible position at Reinhardt, I felt it was a good time for a career change,” said Morrissey. “Banking was part of my life for so long, and I feel my roots at Reinhardt helped me obtain the success stories that I have.

Born in Pickens County, Morrissey currently resides in Cherokee County. Married to “Coach” Todd Morrissey, who teaches and coaches at Sequoyah High School, together they have three adult children, Noah, Nicholas and Nicole, and two grandchildren. They are members of Hickory Flat Methodist Church.

“…big shoes to fill!”

Morrissey and Manous“I look forward to giving back to Reinhardt and connecting to those in the community that have not yet been introduced to such a unique University. It is a special place, and I am excited about this new opportunity. Barbara has done an exceptional job at Reinhardt and will be missed. I have some big shoes to fill!”

Morrissey takes on the role from 18-year staff member Barbara Manous. “I have enjoyed my years at Reinhardt, and dearly loved my job,” said Manous. “I especially enjoyed my association with faculty and staff, and members of the community.”

While at Reinhardt, Manous was responsible for three golf tournament fundraisers and A DAY for Reinhardt, all of which comprise one quarter of the University’s Annual Fund. Throughout her years at Reinhardt, Manous raised more than $4.9 million for the Annual Fund.

Leaving a legacy; Leading a new generation.

“Reinhardt has been blessed to have Barbara Manous lead the Fund Raising Team for many years,” said JoEllen Wilson, vice president of advancement. “She has legions of friends here at Reinhardt and in this community. We plan to call on her often in the future.

“I do not believe we could have found a more capable person to step into the fund raising role than Dale,” Wilson continued. “As an alumna, she knows the University, and her contacts in the community are unmeasurable. I enjoy working with both these professional, charming women.”

Naylor 2014-15 GMTA Teacher of the Year

Music Faculty Member Chosen as Georgia Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year for 2014-15

susan naylorSusan Naylor, associate professor of music, was selected as the Georgia Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. The award was presented to her at the GMTA State Conference at Clayton State University on Nov. 7, 2014. Her name and supporting documentation will be submitted to the selection committee of Music Teachers National Association as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year, to be announced in March, 2015.

Each year, nominations for Teacher of the Year are submitted by members of GMTA with supporting documentation and letters of recommendation from fellow teachers and former students of the nominee. A panel of judges consisting of former GMTA Teachers of the Year then make the selection. Ms. Naylor was nominated by Linda Lokey from Cherokee Music Teachers Association, and letters of support came from her colleagues Dr. Dennis McIntire and Dr. Paula Thomas-Lee, and students Lily Freeman Bowman, Ashley Craig-Diaz, and Jessica Little Conklin. Judges were LaNelle Nash of Roswell, Dr. Martha Thomas of Athens, and David Watkins of Atlanta.

As part of the honor of being chosen Teacher of the Year, Ms. Naylor submits Teaching Tips that are distributed to the members of GMTA at the State Conference and can be found, along with her bio, on the GMTA website at http://www.georgiamta.org/memberHonors-TOTY.php.

Naylor Background

In 1991, Ms. Naylor received lifetime National University Faculty Certification from Music Teachers National Association. She has been an active member of that organization since 1975, holding offices in the Cobb County and Cherokee Local Associations, serving on the National Certification Board, and as President of Georgia Music Teachers Association, 2000-02. She served as Collegiate Chapters Chair for GMTA from 2012 to 2014 and currently serves as Master Class Chair for Cherokee MTA. At the GMTA State Conference in November of 2002 she presented a lecture entitled “THIS Is Your Brain on Music”, and performed in the world premiere of “Psalm 70” by Dr. John Morgan.

Under her direction, the Student Recital Series and the Faculty and Guest Artist Series were established at Reinhardt University in 1976. In 1984, she coordinated the founding of Cherokee Music Teachers Association. In 1993, she organized the MTNA Collegiate Chapter, Naturally Sharp, at Reinhardt University, an active group of music students who attend the GMTA State Conference each year and participate in other college and community activities. She continues to serve as the Advisor for this organization. In 2009, she established the Reinhardt University Instrumental Concerto Competition which gives winning students a chance to perform on a solo instrument with the Reinhardt University Symphony Orchestra on its spring concert.

Ms. Naylor has continued to perform extensively as a solo and ensemble musician in “classical” and religious concerts, and has continued her education through participation in workshops, seminars, master classes and state and national conferences, often serving as a presenter. She is in demand as an adjudicator for music auditions, festivals and competitions and her students have excelled in local and state competitions, winning awards and scholarships for the past thirty-eight years.

She has been actively involved in the Cherokee County Arts Council since its inception, having served twice on the Board of Directors of that organization. She has served as church pianist at various churches since she was 13 years old and currently plays the piano at Lake Arrowhead Church in Waleska, Ga.

Reinhardt Shares During the Holidays

Reinhardt Shares During the Holidays

Giving Tree

Giving Tree organizers and school representatives included (back row, from right): Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, Reinhardt president; Dottie Townsend, secretary at R.M. Moore Elementary School; Janna Moore, exeuctive assistant to the Reinhardt VP of advancement; and Jon Costales, counselor at R.M. Moore Elementary School; (front row, from right) R.M. Moore Elementary Students Juliana Brown, Caitlyn Cain, Parker Townsend and Quinn Costales.

GIVING to those in need.

Again this year, Reinhardt worked with R.M. Moore Elementary School, our partner in education, to help children in our community who are in need this holiday season through a program called “The Giving Tree.”

A small tree was placed in the President’s Lobby with 44 angel-shaped tags. This year we helped 4 families, a total of 11 kids, ranging from ages 3-13 years old.

We were able to provide a very special Christmas for these families! 

CONTRIBUTING to a good cause.

Thank you to all of Reinhardt’s faculty and staff who made contributions to the Reinhardt Family Scholarship. Because of you, we’ll be able award more than $16,500 for spring semester scholarships.

The scholarship is completely funded with contributions made by Reinhardt faculty and staff. Students like vocal performance major Unita Harris (left) depend on this scholarship to fund their education.

If you would like to contribute to the scholarship, please contact Linda Peckman in the Office of Annual Giving at x5513 or LGP@reinhardt.edu.

DONATING to help the less fortunate.

The young men and women of Mu Phi Epsilon, International Music Fraternity, have adopted an Atlanta family in need. Their goal was to collect donations and other goods to aid in giving this family a special Christmas. They hosted an Italian Dinner in early December to raise funds to give to the family. This particular family has one infant son, and they were seeking assistance in providing some needed items for the holiday season. 

SPREADING Christmas cheer.

Reinhardt’s Christmas tree in the R.T. Jones Memorial Library Festival of Trees is one that will bring you tidings of comfort and joy. Visit during regular library hours to see this special tree!

See “Images of the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea” through 2/1

“Images of the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea” Exhibit on Display at Reinhardt University through Feb. 1.

A unique photo exhibit is on display now through Feb. 1 at Reinhardt University. “Images of the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea,” from the private collection of Gordon Rich Elwell, will be featured in Reinhardt’s Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center for the next two months. The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal library operating hours.

History of the Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea

After the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, Union forces moved back into Tennessee and settled in Chattanooga. With Confederate forces holding the heights around Chattanooga, the two armies were in a stalemate until Union forces began an offensive in November 1863. The Confederate forces were pushed back into Georgia, and both armies remained in their respective positions throughout the winter.

Under the leadership of Major General William T. Sherman, the Union army began a series of flanking movements in May 1864 in an effort to move south and capture Atlanta. The Confederates, first under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston and later under Lt. General John Bell Hood, attempted to thwart the Union army’s advance by engaging in a series of battles in northwest Georgia.

After a long summer of fighting and a siege of the city, Atlanta was abandoned by the Confederates and fell to Sherman on September 2, 1864. After a two month occupation of the city, Sherman’s forces divided into two columns and headed toward Savannah. The path of destruction left by the Union troops was an effort to destroy material and moral support for the Confederate cause.

In December 1864, Savannah surrendered to Sherman without a fight. Union victories in the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea were instrumental in the re-election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States and to the downfall of the Confederacy.

Exhibit Details

The images depicted in this exhibit include battles scenes from Chickamauga to the fall of Atlanta, the everyday camp life for the soldiers, and the effects of the war upon civilians. Some of the works were sketched by eyewitnesses to the events, some were created in the immediate post-war years, and some are modern depictions. Many of the images are from rare publications.

“During this sesquicentennial [150th anniversary] of these events, we hope that this exhibit will encourage you to explore in more depth the events, the impact, and the legacy that the Atlanta Campaign had on northwest Georgia,” said Joel Langford, director of the library. “We are grateful to Canton resident Gordon Rich Elwell for sharing these images from his collection. We also acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Kenneth Wheeler, Reinhardt professor of history, and Jamie Thomas, library assistant, in the selection of the images.”

For more information about this exhibit, please visit http://library.reinhardt.edu/ or www.reinhardt.edu