Category Archives: Financial Aid

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 County Retired Educators Association Donates Scholarship Funds to Reinhardt

Cherokee County Retired Educators Association Donates Scholarship Funds to Reinhardt

CCREA Donation

Cherokee County Retired Educators Association outgoing President Janice Prather (left) presents Reinhardt University President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood with a $1,500 scholarship check to be awarded to two local Reinhardt students who are pursuing a career in teaching. The students selected will each be given a $750 scholarship. They are joined in this presentation by 2014 CCREA President Marlene Harrington (second from right) and 2015 President-elect Karen Hawley. 

“Many of our CCREA members either previously attended Reinhardt or have a close association with the University,” said Prather. “In recognition of how fortunate we are that RU offers a quality teacher education program, we want to support their efforts to attract and train the best future teachers for our local area schools.”

Cherokee County Retired Educators Association Donates Scholarship Funds to Reinhardt

Cherokee County Retired Educators Association Donates Scholarship Funds to Reinhardt

CCREA Donation

Cherokee County Retired Educators Association outgoing President Janice Prather (left) presents Reinhardt University President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood with a $1,500 scholarship check to be awarded to two local Reinhardt students who are pursuing a career in teaching. The students selected will each be given a $750 scholarship. They are joined in this presentation by 2014 CCREA President Marlene Harrington (second from right) and 2015 President-elect Karen Hawley. 

“Many of our CCREA members either previously attended Reinhardt or have a close association with the University,” said Prather. “In recognition of how fortunate we are that RU offers a quality teacher education program, we want to support their efforts to attract and train the best future teachers for our local area schools.”

Drake and Morrissey to Lead 2013-14 A DAY for Reinhardt

Drake and Morrissey to Lead 2013-14 A DAY for Reinhardt Campaign

morrissey and drakeThe A DAY for Reinhardt campaign is well underway with more than $9,500raised towards the $110,000 overall goal. This in part from the two influential businesspersons leading the campaign this year: Chairman Rod Drake (right), Canton area manager – Georgia Power Company, and Vice Chairman Dale Morrissey ’99 (left), vice president for First Cherokee State Bank.

“…seeing the enormous impact Reinhardt has…”

“Living in eight different communities throughout Georgia during my 40-year career with Georgia Power, I would have to say none have measured up to Cherokee County,” said  Drake. There are many unique benefits for the citizens of Cherokee County including Reinhardt University.

“Reinhardt has played a major role for many years not only from an educational & cultural standpoint but from an economic development standpoint. Seeing the enormous impact Reinhardt has on the community, I am honored to be a part of ‘A Day’ giving a chance of higher education directly to a student from Cherokee County.”

“The education that I received at Reinhardt has been beneficial in the advancement of my career,” added Morrissey. “Support of A Day helps those students that need additional financial support that otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend a university.”

Drake Background

Drake has served the Georgia Power Company for more than 40 years. He has served on many board and organizations including most recently serving as past chairman of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. He has lived in Cherokee County for 10 years with his wife of 42 years, Rebecca. They have two children, Lori Martin and Will Drake, and five grandchildren, ages 7 months to 13 years old. Drake and his wife attend Woodstock First Baptist Church.

Morrissey Background

Morrissey has served in the banking industry for more than 35 years. She and her husband, Todd, a teacher and coach at Sequoyah High School, have three children. She is an alumna of Reinhardt College, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1999. 

About A DAY for Reinhardt

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

Unique Fundraising Efforts

Last year, A DAY expanded to include fund-raising efforts unique to the campaign. A three-home Tour of Homes was held on April 27, and was a huge success for the campaign. The second annual Tour of Homes will be held in April 2014; All proceeds from this weekend-long event will go to A DAY. Preliminary plans are still being made, and more details will be provided at www.reinhardt.edu in early spring.

A Facebook page has also been created for the campaign. Those interested in becoming a part of A DAY’s online community can go to www.facebook.com/ADAYforReinhardt and “like” the page. Pages posts will include updates about fundraising goals, opportunities to volunteer, and features on Cherokee County Grant student recipients. 

For More Information

If you would like to donate to, volunteer for, or need more information about A DAY for Reinhardt, please contact Barbara Manous, director of annual giving, at 770-720-5506 or BLM@reinhardt.edu

About Reinhardt University

Founded in 1883, Reinhardt University is focused on shaping lives and building futures. As a private comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Reinhardt offers 41 graduate and undergraduate programs, ranging from business and education to music and art.  

Reinhardt has two locations- a residential campus in Cherokee County in Waleska, Ga., and a center focused on adults in Alpharetta, Ga., and it offers selected programs in Cartersville, Marietta, and Woodstock, Ga. Additional attractions on the Waleska campus include the Falany Performing Arts Center and the Funk Heritage Center.

For more information, please contact Reinhardt at 770-720-5526 or 1-87-REINHARDT or see the University website at www.reinhardt.edu.

14 Students Selected for Scholarship Funded by Reinhardt Faculty & Staff

Fourteen Students Selected for Scholarship Funded by University’s Faculty and 12-13 RecipientsStaff

Students, faculty and staff are like family at Reinhardt University. The support of students by faculty and staff extends beyond just the classroom or administrative office; it carries over into encouragement for the University’s students to continue in the endeavor to receive a Reinhardt education by assistance through the Reinhardt Family Campaign (RFC) Scholarship.

“The faculty and staff at Reinhardt University continue to demonstrate their commitment to Reinhardt and its mission by supporting the annual Reinhardt Family Scholarship,” said Kelley Johnson, assistant director of annual giving. “The scholarship is completely funded with donations made by employees, giving them an opportunity to help our students in need. I’m proud that more than 60% of our faculty and staff contributed more than $15,000 to the scholarship.”

“Greater sense of involvement.”

The RFC Scholarship was created to give faculty and staff a greater sense of involvement with their donations and to be able to see the actual results of their generosity – students benefiting from the scholarship.

2012-’13 Recipients

This year the scholarship was awarded to 14 students who were selected from 45 compelling applications. Scholarship recipients include (pictured from left to right): Trenn Carnes, a junior from Chatsworth, Ga.; Wade Davis, a senior from Canton, Ga.; Roseanne Hamrick, a senior from Ranger, Ga.; Angela Harkins, a senior from Blairsville, Ga.; Miriam Homiller, a sophomore from Ball Ground, Ga.; David McCoy, a freshman from Waleska, Ga.; Tareva Moore, a senior from  Canton, Ga.; Joshua O’Kelley, a freshman from Dallas, Ga.; Brittany Stalling, a junior from LaFayette, Ga.; and Tracy Woodall, a senior from Acworth, Ga.; (not pictured) Sarah Austin, a freshman from Marietta, Ga.; Timothy Beighley, a freshman from Marietta, Ga.; Theron Mathis, a junior from Jasper, Ga.; and Christopher Smith, a senior from Conyers, Ga.

“Impact on students’ lives.”

“My family and I really appreciate this scholarship,” said recipient David McCoy. “It’s a huge relief off of our financial situation and I can focus on my family, studies, sports, and other student activities.”

Johnson added to McCoy’s sentiments. “Through this scholarship, we are able to have an impact on students’ lives. We are also setting an example for donors, students, and other members of the community. Our contributions illustrate that we believe in Reinhardt’s mission of shaping lives and building futures.”

Reinhardt Presented with $25,000 Scholarship Donation from Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation

Reinhardt Presented with $25,000 Scholarship Donation from Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation

Amicalola Donation

Amicalola EMC presents Reinhardt University with $25,000 scholarship donation. Pictured are (from left): Travis Cline, member of Amicalola EMC board of directors; Charles Gibson, Amicalola EMC President/CEO; JoEllen Wilson, Reinhardt vice president for the office of advancement; and John Bennett, vice chairman Amicalola EMC board of directors.

Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation recently donated $25,000 to Reinhardt University for scholarships to students whose households are served by Amicalola EMC. The Amicalola EMC Scholars Fund will be distributed in $1,000 increments to students who are attending Reinhardt and need financial assistance with their education. 

Investing in the Community

“This generous gift from Amicalola EMC will enable us to grant awards to students who need help to attend Reinhardt,” said JoEllen Wilson, vice president for the office of advancement. “We are very grateful this business is willing to reach and invest in the community.”

The funds for scholarships are awarded from Amicalola EMC’s unclaimed property account established by O.C.G.A. 44-12-236 that allows an electric membership corporation to donate capital credits presumed abandoned if the funds are used for education purposes in the EMC’s service area.

About Amicalola EMC

On May 11, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Administration Act to bring electricity to rural America. Four years later, on December 12, 1939, nine rural electric pioneers met next door to the Pickens County Courthouse to form a new electric membership corporation (EMC) to serve areas in Gilmer, Pickens, Cherokee, Dawson and Lumpkin Counties. Because of this action and the dedication of these local leaders, Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation was born on February 10, 1940.

In less than a decade, 42 electric distribution cooperatives were created in Georgia, the first in 1936 and the last in 1948. These cooperatives  now serve close to three million consumers in 73 percent of the state’s land area. Today, Amicalola EMC provides electricity through 5,281 miles of line to approximately 37,367 members, which have approximately 45,377 meters.

About Reinhardt University 

Founded in 1883, Reinhardt University is focused on shaping lives and building futures. As a private comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Reinhardt offers students five graduate and 41 undergraduate programs, ranging from business and education to music and theater. 

Reinhardt has two locations- a residential campus in Cherokee County in Waleska, Ga., and a center focused on adults in Alpharetta, Ga., and it offers selected programs in Cartersville, Marietta, and Woodstock, Ga. Additional attractions on the Waleska campus include the Falany Performing Arts Center and the Funk Heritage Center.

For more information, please contact Reinhardt at 770-720-5526 or 1-87-REINHARDT or see the University website at www.reinhardt.edu.

 

Credit Union of Georgia Donates to Reinhardt University’s A DAY Campaign

Credit Union of Georgia Donates to Reinhardt University’s A DAY Campaign  

CUGA DonationThe Credit Union of Georgia recently donated $500 to Reinhardt University’s 2012-13 A DAY program. As a traditional donor to A DAY, the Credit Union’s support comes from honoring its mission of “Our Mission is You.” 

“Credit Union of Georgia continually seeks opportunities to support education in our community,” said Rebecca Cooper, CUGA business development director. “Through the A Day program we are providing assistance to deserving local students in Cherokee County. These bright and talented students will strengthen their ties here in Cherokee County while they receive a quality education at Reinhardt University, which will ultimately be beneficial to the community we serve.”

Cooper presented the donation to Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood during a recent A DAY volunteer breakfast.

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 or to volunteer, visit www.reinhardt.edu/advancement, www.facebook.com/adayforreinhardt or contact Barbara Manous, director of annual giving, at 770-720-5506 or BLM@reinhardt.edu

Gene Norton Scholarship in Education Awarded to Emily Burgess

Reinhardt Names First Recipient of Gene Norton Scholarship in Education as Emily Burgess of Canton, Ga.; Scholarship Honors Norton’s Service to University and Community

Norton and Burgess

Emily Burgess (right) of Canton, Ga., is named as the first recipient of the Gene Norton Scholarship in Education. The scholarship is named in honor of Norton (left) for his many years of dedication to the University.

“His accomplishments in the field of education were, and continue to be, so incredible, that I hope one day I can be a fraction of the educator he has been,”  said Emily Burgess when awarded the 2012 Gene Norton Scholarship in Education. Named in honor of Leland “Gene” Norton ’60, the scholarship, established by faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends of Reinhardt, provides funds for students in the Price School of Education (PSOE) so to honor Norton’s service to the University.  

“I was truly humbled when Reinhardt’s Price School of Education named a scholarship in my honor,” said Norton. “The late Dr. Robert Driscoll, Reinhardt’s former vice president of academic affairs, was very instrumental in developing this scholarship to help honor the outstanding education majors at Reinhardt

“I have been a part of the ‘Reinhardt’ family since the fall of 1958, when I first enrolled as a student. My wife, Yvonne Harris Norton ’60, and my daughter, Jill Norton Oliver ’90, are also graduates of Reinhardt. All three of us were recipients of scholarships from generous donors to Reinhardt, and we greatly appreciate the help it provided each of us.”

Scholarship Qualifications

Recipients for the Gene Norton Scholarship in Education are selected by a Scholarship Committee contingent upon review and approval of the student’s eligibility by the Office of Financial Aid. To be eligible, the student must be a sophomore or greater, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be admitted to the education program, and have demonstrated financial need.

Making dreams become a reality.

“I deeply appreciate the many contributions made to the Gene Norton Scholarship fund, and it is my sincere hope that many more Reinhardt Price School of Education students will benefit from the scholarship in the future,” said Burgess, a senior early childhood education major from Canton, Ga. “Having already completed three years at a private institution, the financial strains can be quite a burden. Therefore, scholarships, such as this one, make that burden much easier to bear, allowing me to see my dream of becoming a teacher soon become a reality.”

“I could not have been more pleased when I learned that Emily Burgess was selected to be the first recipient of the Gene Norton Scholarship award,” said Norton. “She is one of Reinhardt’s most outstanding early childhood majors, and is highly respected by the faculty and staff at Reinhardt. She is truly an important part of the Reinhardt family.”

Norton Background

Norton, a Cherokee County native, has served Reinhardt over the past 54 years in numerous roles. Most recently and for the past 20 years, he has been an adjunct instructor in the Price School of Education. He is currently a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, Teacher Ed. Council, and the PSOE Advisory Board.  Norton previously served as President for the Alumni Board of Governors; Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Trustees; and as Co-President of the PSOE Advisory Board.

Prior to teaching at Reinhardt, Norton taught and coached at the elementary and middle school level from 1960-69, and he served as Principal of Holly Springs Elementary School from 1969-76. From 1977-80, he was the Superintendent of the Cherokee County School System, and from 1980-88, he acted as Regional Director, and from 1988-90, as Division Director for the State Department of Education. Norton served as Associate Director of North Ga. RESA from 1990-2002. Norton was also a consultant for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and a member of the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

His awards and honors include: 1964 and 1972 named Outstanding Young Men in Cherokee County; 1970 Outstanding Young Educator Award; 1980 Reinhardt Distinguished Alumni Award; and 2001 Distinguished Leadership Award for State of Ga., presented by SACS.

Norton is a 1958 graduate of Cherokee High School. He earned an Associate in Arts from Reinhardt in 1960, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from North Georgia College in 1965, and a Master in Administration and Supervision from Western Carolina University in 1968.

“A special place in your heart.”

“There are just those people that gain a special place in your heart by their generosity and loving nature,” added Burgess. “Mr. Norton is without a doubt one of those people. He is an outstanding teacher who cares deeply about each and every student. Receiving the scholarship in his name is truly the most humbling honor I have ever received throughout my years of schooling.”

Reinhardt Closed on Labor Day

Reinhardt University to be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012 

Reinhardt University offices are closed, and classes are not held, on selected holidays throughout the year. 

 ”University Closed” means:

  • Students do not report to class;
  • Faculty and staff need not report;
  • Residence Halls are open to house residential students;
  • The Gordy Center (campus dining facility) schedule varies.  Please call 770-720-5611 or see the Gordy Center website to check day and hours.

For additional details, please see the complete holiday listing >