Category Archives: School-MS

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Accepted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

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 

Future Eagles “Soar” at New Student Orientation

Accepted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

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 

Faculty Members Honored for Dedication with Presentation of Annual Awards

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

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.

Reinhardt Expands Title IX Past the Playing Field

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, Visitors

Reinhardt Expands Title IX Past the Playing Field

In the higher-ed world, the term “Title IX,” has always been synonymous with equality on the playing field. In the old days, the only Title IX question many colleges and universities considered was the number of scholarship opportunities for men and women athletes. If the number was equal, then institutions were thought to be compliant. Today, in the increasingly complex cultural landscape of U.S. college campuses, Title IX has expanded beyond equality to also address safety and accountability.

According to KnowYourTitleIX.com:

Title IX prohibits any type of sex-based discrimination in education. “It addresses discrimination against pregnant and parenting students and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. It also addresses sexual harassment, gender- or sex-based discrimination, and sexual violence. Sexual violence includes attempted or completed rape or sexual assault, as well as sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exhibitionism, verbal or physical sexuality-based threats or abuse, and intimate partner violence.

Focused on Raising Awareness and Publicizing Resources

For the past several years, administrators and student leaders at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga., have been hard at work addressing the varied issues related to Title IX. Efforts last year focused on raising awareness and publicizing resources. This year, online training was provided for students at MyStudentBody.com and for faculty and staff on In2vate; the student handbook was revised to include a nondiscrimination notice; grievance/code of conduct procedures have been updated; and a Title IX Intervention Committee of faculty and staff has been formed and trained.

According to Dr. Roger Lee, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, the Intervention Committee has several critical responsibilities. “The overall role is to provide oversight in making our campus a safer environment to live and learn and also to guide our commitment to meeting the requirements of the Title IX federal mandate,” Lee said. “This committee has been hard at work, especially in the last few months, presenting Title IX strategies/updates/initiatives to the University Board of Trustees, participating in a state-wide ‘Commitment to Act’ statement through GICA/Legislators and learning Title IX compliance in state-wide training opportunities.”

Student-Activated Efforts

On March 7, 2013, the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization was signed into law, which required colleges and universities to adopt new policies and procedures pertaining to the reporting, discipline procedures, victims’ rights and prevention programs. The Reinhardt Student Government, in collaboration with the committee, took an active role in seeking to eliminate sexual violence on campus through the changing of student policy and providing prevention resources. This includes the primary prevention tool used for all incoming new students called MyStudentBody—an online tool that helps students tackle and reduce their risk of drug and alcohol abuse and sexual violence. Additional secondary prevention resources developed by SGA include campus resource contact cards and bystander intervention informational door hangers.

Title IX Web Section

A section on Reinhardt’s website developed by student Stephen Vosika, coordinator of student involvement and orientation, will serve as an institutional resource about Title IX policies and resources for students, faculty, staff, their families and Reinhardt visitors.
“It is our commitment to support the rights of all members of the Reinhardt University community to work, live, and study in an environment free of sexual violence,” said Vosika. “The new Title IX web section will assist individuals in the understanding of new procedures that will apply for reporting and discipline procedures while connecting them to national, local, and campus resources to report incidents of sexual violence.”

“Stop. RU Ready to Talk?”

Another student-activated effort included a campus-wide sexual awareness marketing campaign, which was created by an Advertising and PR Strategies class, under the direction of Dave Garner, adjunct instructor. The class created four different flyers, each with three different statistics about sexual assault, as well as a coordinating brochure advertising the campaign.

“Our campaign slogan was “STOP. RU Ready To Talk?” said Jayde Crowe, co-coordinator for the class campaign. “So many people experience sexual assault and are scared to say anything. That was the main thing we wanted students to understand. It’s time to talk about it. If it has happened to you and you stay quiet and don’t tell anyone then that could be harming someone else’s safety.”

The campaign was implemented during Sexual Awareness Month and students were invited to take a pledge to help stop sexual violence on college campuses. Two large posters were created with blue handprints and signatures of the students who made the pledge.
“We had great results from this campaign,” said Crowe. “I think, as college students, we don’t realize how often sexual assault occurs. However, being on a college campus you are even more prone to it happening to you.”

Increased Safety and Accountability

Overall, the efforts of implementing all the Title IX procedures and policies have increased the safety and accountability of all Reinhardt students, faculty and staff. Educational programming at all constituency levels has improved; sexual violence awareness training is more consistent and thorough; and because of greater awareness, incident reporting has increased.

“How will we know if our energies put forth have been successful in helping the campus understand Title IX?” said Lee. “We will know this by how our students, faculty and staff are proactive, as well as reactive against sexual violence on campus; when there are more campus-wide discussions regarding awareness; and when violence issues have been prevented because of training. It all goes hand-in-hand and it will continue. Our goal is to make Reinhardt somewhere where all will want to be because it’s a safe place to live and work.”

Reinhardt Expands Title IX Past the Playing Field

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, Visitors

Reinhardt Expands Title IX Past the Playing Field

In the higher-ed world, the term “Title IX,” has always been synonymous with equality on the playing field. In the old days, the only Title IX question many colleges and universities considered was the number of scholarship opportunities for men and women athletes. If the number was equal, then institutions were thought to be compliant. Today, in the increasingly complex cultural landscape of U.S. college campuses, Title IX has expanded beyond equality to also address safety and accountability.

According to KnowYourTitleIX.com:

Title IX prohibits any type of sex-based discrimination in education. “It addresses discrimination against pregnant and parenting students and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. It also addresses sexual harassment, gender- or sex-based discrimination, and sexual violence. Sexual violence includes attempted or completed rape or sexual assault, as well as sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exhibitionism, verbal or physical sexuality-based threats or abuse, and intimate partner violence.

Focused on Raising Awareness and Publicizing Resources

For the past several years, administrators and student leaders at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga., have been hard at work addressing the varied issues related to Title IX. Efforts last year focused on raising awareness and publicizing resources. This year, online training was provided for students at MyStudentBody.com and for faculty and staff on In2vate; the student handbook was revised to include a nondiscrimination notice; grievance/code of conduct procedures have been updated; and a Title IX Intervention Committee of faculty and staff has been formed and trained.

According to Dr. Roger Lee, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, the Intervention Committee has several critical responsibilities. “The overall role is to provide oversight in making our campus a safer environment to live and learn and also to guide our commitment to meeting the requirements of the Title IX federal mandate,” Lee said. “This committee has been hard at work, especially in the last few months, presenting Title IX strategies/updates/initiatives to the University Board of Trustees, participating in a state-wide ‘Commitment to Act’ statement through GICA/Legislators and learning Title IX compliance in state-wide training opportunities.”

Student-Activated Efforts

On March 7, 2013, the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization was signed into law, which required colleges and universities to adopt new policies and procedures pertaining to the reporting, discipline procedures, victims’ rights and prevention programs. The Reinhardt Student Government, in collaboration with the committee, took an active role in seeking to eliminate sexual violence on campus through the changing of student policy and providing prevention resources. This includes the primary prevention tool used for all incoming new students called MyStudentBody—an online tool that helps students tackle and reduce their risk of drug and alcohol abuse and sexual violence. Additional secondary prevention resources developed by SGA include campus resource contact cards and bystander intervention informational door hangers.

Title IX Web Section

A section on Reinhardt’s website developed by student Stephen Vosika, coordinator of student involvement and orientation, will serve as an institutional resource about Title IX policies and resources for students, faculty, staff, their families and Reinhardt visitors.
“It is our commitment to support the rights of all members of the Reinhardt University community to work, live, and study in an environment free of sexual violence,” said Vosika. “The new Title IX web section will assist individuals in the understanding of new procedures that will apply for reporting and discipline procedures while connecting them to national, local, and campus resources to report incidents of sexual violence.”

“Stop. RU Ready to Talk?”

Another student-activated effort included a campus-wide sexual awareness marketing campaign, which was created by an Advertising and PR Strategies class, under the direction of Dave Garner, adjunct instructor. The class created four different flyers, each with three different statistics about sexual assault, as well as a coordinating brochure advertising the campaign.

“Our campaign slogan was “STOP. RU Ready To Talk?” said Jayde Crowe, co-coordinator for the class campaign. “So many people experience sexual assault and are scared to say anything. That was the main thing we wanted students to understand. It’s time to talk about it. If it has happened to you and you stay quiet and don’t tell anyone then that could be harming someone else’s safety.”

The campaign was implemented during Sexual Awareness Month and students were invited to take a pledge to help stop sexual violence on college campuses. Two large posters were created with blue handprints and signatures of the students who made the pledge.
“We had great results from this campaign,” said Crowe. “I think, as college students, we don’t realize how often sexual assault occurs. However, being on a college campus you are even more prone to it happening to you.”

Increased Safety and Accountability

Overall, the efforts of implementing all the Title IX procedures and policies have increased the safety and accountability of all Reinhardt students, faculty and staff. Educational programming at all constituency levels has improved; sexual violence awareness training is more consistent and thorough; and because of greater awareness, incident reporting has increased.

“How will we know if our energies put forth have been successful in helping the campus understand Title IX?” said Lee. “We will know this by how our students, faculty and staff are proactive, as well as reactive against sexual violence on campus; when there are more campus-wide discussions regarding awareness; and when violence issues have been prevented because of training. It all goes hand-in-hand and it will continue. Our goal is to make Reinhardt somewhere where all will want to be because it’s a safe place to live and work.”

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

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors, Working Adults

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

Reinhardt Shares During the Holidays

Advancement, Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

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!

MPA to graduate first class Dec. 2014; A new cohort to begin Jan. 2015

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Graduate, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors, Working Adults

Reinhardt will graduate first class from Master of Public Administration degree program December 2014; A new cohort will begin Jan. 2015

MPA Cohort

Photo caption: This December, Reinhardt University will graduate its first group of MPA students. They are: pictured standing (l-r) Lesley Black, Kelly Bogner, David St. Onge, Wayne Williams, Dan Lavine, Aniysa Sconion; sitting (l-r): Megan Barnes, Dr. Karen Owen and Olivia Burrell-Jackson. 

Reinhardt University will graduate its first group of students from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program this December. The students will graduate after 16 months of coursework and study, compared to many institutions where the programs are two years.

Diverse Personal and Professional Backgrounds

“Our first cohort to graduate with the MPA come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds,” said Dr. Karen Owen, director of the MPA. “They have shown great determination in mastering the field, and each has worked diligently to succeed in each endeavor of the program. Their commitment to the program and to each other as a cohort is remarkable and a true value to the University and the faculty of the program.”

Graduates will be “well-trained and versed in the field of Public Administration.”

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Reinhardt University provides a high-quality generalist, practice-oriented, research-based, and ethics-focused program to educate and prepare students for professional and leadership careers in the public service.

“Students who graduate with an MPA degree from Reinhardt are well-trained and versed in the field of Public Administration,” said Owen. “These graduates are prepared for public service careers. They are, all, qualified to lead public and/or nonprofit agencies and to serve the public good in our communities and the state. These students are energetic about utilizing their new leadership and management skills to initiate and lead changes in public policy as well as make an impact on individuals’ lives and communities.”

Knowledgeable and Professional Faculty

Extremely knowledgeable, talented and professional faculty members are a testament to what makes Reinhardt’s MPA so successful. The instructors have extensive field experiences. Many are city managers, directors of public or nonprofit departments, or career administrators who enhance the textbook research and knowledge with their practical skills and real life lessons.

“Graduate programs are mostly comprised of students that are already in the work force that have family responsibilities (spouse and children),” said graduating MPA student Wayne Williams. “Though the course work is very demanding, Reinhardt’s MPA faculty were flexible at times to support the occasional issues that arose for some students, which is a testament to their understanding of how demanding life can be while attending school. The faculty were incredible at what they brought into the classroom and were able to share and/or teach to the class.”

Hybrid-Style Program in a Cohort Format

Reinhardt’s MPA is unique in that students participate in a hybrid-style graduate program, whereby they take courses online and in the classroom. Each semester, students take three courses in a cohort format: one 16-week online course and two face-to-face courses which last for eight weeks each. This schedule gives students full-time status, but only have two courses have to be managed at any one time, and being within a cohort, the interaction and shared experience leads to a cohesive, collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Specialize in Criminal Justice or State and Local Administration.

“The program has two areas of specialization – Criminal Justice and State and Local Administration,” Owen said. “We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with faculty and leaders within the Public Safety environment, Reinhardt’s Police Academy, and local and state professional associations. These partnerships allow our students to participate in conferences, present research and build relationships with top-professionals in the Public Administration field.”

The MPA is offered at the convenient location of Reinhardt’s North Fulton Center on Old Milton Pkwy in Alpharetta, Ga., and is easily accessible to the Northern Arc law enforcement agencies, governmental entities, non-profits and businesses.

“A degree that will set me apart from my colleagues.”

“Reinhardt’s program has proven to highlight the many details required to successfully lead and manage in the field of Public Administration,” said graduating MPA student David St. Onge. “Most of all, my completion of the program has demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to further my career.

“My degree will, without question, set me apart from my colleagues,” St. Onge said. “Topics learned will be regularly translated into everyday practices. This mastery of concepts taught in Reinhardt’s MPA program will propel my career into a direction that I am in control of.”

New Cohort to Begin Jan. 2015; Apply today!

A new cohort for Reinhardt’s MPA program will begin Jan. 2015. The application process has several steps so interested students are encouraged to apply early. If all application materials are submitted by Dec. 1, the application fee ($50) will be waived. For more information or to inquire about Reinhardt’s MPA: call 770-720-5797 or go to www.reinhardt.edu/gradinquiry

Reinhardt Certified as a StormReady University by the National Weather Service

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors

Reinhardt University Certified as a StormReady University by the National Weather Service

Reinhardt University was recently certified as a “StormReady University!” After completing a site visit with the National Weather Service, Reinhardt has become the third institution of higher education in the state of Georgia to earn the certification.

“Becoming StormReady was a nearly year-long process for the Emergency Operations Planning Committee at Reinhardt University,” said Kevin W. Martin, GA-CEM, assistant director of public safety. “Some of the pieces were in place, some required tweaking, and other parts are new. Overall, working through this certification process, along with facing the challenges that North Georgia weather offers on a regular basis, makes me believe that this University has never been more prepared for severe weather events.”

Strengthens Hazardous Weather Operations

Ninety percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related. Through the StormReady program, NOAA’s National Weather Service gives communities and universities the skills and education needed to survive severe weather – before and during the event. StormReady helps community and university leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local hazardous weather operations.

“The National Weather Service designed StormReady to help communities better prepare for and mitigate effects of extreme weather-related events,” said Kent Franz, senior service hydrologist and Georgia StormReady coordinator for the National Weather Service. “StormReady also helps establish a commitment to creating an infrastructure and systems that will save lives and protect property. Receiving StormReady recognition does not mean that a community is storm proof, but StormReady communities will be better prepared when severe weather strikes.”

StormReady Certification Process

The process of becoming a StormReady University involves three main categories: weather data gathering capabilities, information processing and emergency protocols and community alerting systems. Notable and recent capability changes at Reinhardt to be more hazardous weather prepared include: designated Skywarn Storm Spotters, direct links to communicate with the National Weather Service and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, an expanded new mass notification and alert system, and a revised hazardous weather plan.

Hazardous Weather Preparation Tips

Here are some tips from Martin on how the general public can help prepare themselves for hazardous weather. “As the weather quickly changes, it is time to start thinking about what is in our cars,” said Martin. “We all remember the fun and hassles associated with last winter, and most forecasts are pointing to at least as interesting weather this year. Toward that end, here are some of the essentials that you should consider keeping in your car, as these items will definitely help should your travels be interrupted: extra warm hats, socks and gloves; blankets, or preferably a sleeping bag; bottled water; food – energy bars, trail mix, etc.; a flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; necessary medications; alternative phone charger or external battery; fluorescent flag, reflectors or road flares; whistle; matches and small candles; change of clothes and toiletry items; and booster cables or jump box.

StormReady Information

For more information about the StormReady program and what more you can do to prepare for hazardous weather, visit ww.stormready.noaa.gov/publications 

-###-

Photo caption: Pictured above are (l-r): Area-6 EMAG Representative Clarence Muse, Reinhardt SGA President Alex Bryant, Reinhardt Director of Public Safety Sherry Cornett Mader, Reinhardt President Dr. Tom Isherwood, Reinhardt Assistant Director of Public Safety Kevin Martin, Senior Service Hydrologist and Georgia StormReady Coordinator for the National Weather Service Kent Frantz, Deputy Director of Cherokee County Emergency Management Renee Cornelison, Reinhardt Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Roger Lee, and Waleska Mayor Doris Jones.

MPA to graduate first class Dec. 2014; A new cohort to begin Jan. 2015

Alumni, Current Students, Faculty/Staff, Graduate, Home, Media Relations, Parent, School-AH, School-Business, School-Education, School-MS, School-Music, School-PS, Visitors, Working Adults

Reinhardt will graduate first class from Master of Public Administration degree program December 2014; A new cohort will begin Jan. 2015

MPA Cohort

Photo caption: This December, Reinhardt University will graduate its first group of MPA students. They are: pictured standing (l-r) Lesley Black, Kelly Bogner, David St. Onge, Wayne Williams, Dan Lavine, Aniysa Sconion; sitting (l-r): Megan Barnes, Dr. Karen Owen and Olivia Burrell-Jackson. 

Reinhardt University will graduate its first group of students from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program this December. The students will graduate after 16 months of coursework and study, compared to many institutions where the programs are two years.

Diverse Personal and Professional Backgrounds

“Our first cohort to graduate with the MPA come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds,” said Dr. Karen Owen, director of the MPA. “They have shown great determination in mastering the field, and each has worked diligently to succeed in each endeavor of the program. Their commitment to the program and to each other as a cohort is remarkable and a true value to the University and the faculty of the program.”

Graduates will be “well-trained and versed in the field of Public Administration.”

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Reinhardt University provides a high-quality generalist, practice-oriented, research-based, and ethics-focused program to educate and prepare students for professional and leadership careers in the public service.

“Students who graduate with an MPA degree from Reinhardt are well-trained and versed in the field of Public Administration,” said Owen. “These graduates are prepared for public service careers. They are, all, qualified to lead public and/or nonprofit agencies and to serve the public good in our communities and the state. These students are energetic about utilizing their new leadership and management skills to initiate and lead changes in public policy as well as make an impact on individuals’ lives and communities.”

Knowledgeable and Professional Faculty

Extremely knowledgeable, talented and professional faculty members are a testament to what makes Reinhardt’s MPA so successful. The instructors have extensive field experiences. Many are city managers, directors of public or nonprofit departments, or career administrators who enhance the textbook research and knowledge with their practical skills and real life lessons.

“Graduate programs are mostly comprised of students that are already in the work force that have family responsibilities (spouse and children),” said graduating MPA student Wayne Williams. “Though the course work is very demanding, Reinhardt’s MPA faculty were flexible at times to support the occasional issues that arose for some students, which is a testament to their understanding of how demanding life can be while attending school. The faculty were incredible at what they brought into the classroom and were able to share and/or teach to the class.”

Hybrid-Style Program in a Cohort Format

Reinhardt’s MPA is unique in that students participate in a hybrid-style graduate program, whereby they take courses online and in the classroom. Each semester, students take three courses in a cohort format: one 16-week online course and two face-to-face courses which last for eight weeks each. This schedule gives students full-time status, but only have two courses have to be managed at any one time, and being within a cohort, the interaction and shared experience leads to a cohesive, collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Specialize in Criminal Justice or State and Local Administration.

“The program has two areas of specialization – Criminal Justice and State and Local Administration,” Owen said. “We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with faculty and leaders within the Public Safety environment, Reinhardt’s Police Academy, and local and state professional associations. These partnerships allow our students to participate in conferences, present research and build relationships with top-professionals in the Public Administration field.”

The MPA is offered at the convenient location of Reinhardt’s North Fulton Center on Old Milton Pkwy in Alpharetta, Ga., and is easily accessible to the Northern Arc law enforcement agencies, governmental entities, non-profits and businesses.

“A degree that will set me apart from my colleagues.”

“Reinhardt’s program has proven to highlight the many details required to successfully lead and manage in the field of Public Administration,” said graduating MPA student David St. Onge. “Most of all, my completion of the program has demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to further my career.

“My degree will, without question, set me apart from my colleagues,” St. Onge said. “Topics learned will be regularly translated into everyday practices. This mastery of concepts taught in Reinhardt’s MPA program will propel my career into a direction that I am in control of.”

New Cohort to Begin Jan. 2015; Apply today!

A new cohort for Reinhardt’s MPA program will begin Jan. 2015. The application process has several steps so interested students are encouraged to apply early. If all application materials are submitted by Dec. 1, the application fee ($50) will be waived. For more information or to inquire about Reinhardt’s MPA: call 770-720-5797 or go to www.reinhardt.edu/gradinquiry