Six staff members from Gordon State College were recently recognized for completing the University System of Georgia’s inaugural Great from the Middle (GFTM) leadership program. The initiative was designed to equip current and aspiring supervisors with practical leadership tools and strategies to help grow a positive workplace culture.
Participants from GSC joined colleagues from Columbus State, Fort Valley State, Georgia College, and Middle Georgia State in a semester-long journey of professional development, which included both in-person and virtual sessions.
Those representing Gordon included the following:
- Gratasha Banks, Assistant Director of Housing Residence Life
- Walter Bibbs, Associate Systems Administrator
- Prathibha Joshi-Beck, Professor of Economics
- Amanda Maynard, Manager of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
- Cindy McCard, Procurement Manager
- Kristy Riggs, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Participants explored personal leadership styles, effective communication, and team motivation. Participants were also paired with on-campus dialogue partners to reflect on each session and learn from other colleagues who may be more experienced.
Riggs commented that the program gave him a “fresh perspective” on how to be effective on campus at Gordon State.
Other participating universities included Columbus State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia College & State University, and Middle Georgia State University.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
