Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Family: “My family certainly deserves honorable mention, as they have been a phenomenal support system for me over the past three years. My mother, Betty Gill, has always been a great example for me to follow, as well as a tough act to follow. She was also a non-traditional student; attending Macon Junior College. My husband, Lee, has been my number one fan along this journey; he exemplifies support and encouragement. My daughter, Stefani, is also attending Macon State, as a biology major. I was thrilled that we were able to enjoy Sydney Chalfa’s communications class together! My son, Scott, always understands when I need ‘quiet time’ to study. My Aussie pups, Azzi and Bindi, and kitty, Mr. Tucker, faithfully keep me company as I study!”

Current Employment: “I have been employed at Robins Air Force Base for the past 24 years. I was very fortunate to have been selected by Randolph AFB for the Long Term Full Time Education Program last August. This program has permitted me to attend college full time for the past three semesters. When I returned to work at the end of the summer 2009 semester, I began serving as the Equipment Specialist Supervisor within the 411th Supply Chain Management Squadron.”

Degree: Bachelor of science in business and information technology, with a major in management, completed summer 2009.

Career Goals: “I would like to be a respected leader known for taking care of our most valuable resources: people.”

She chose Macon State College because … “The reputation the college has for offering a challenging curriculum that complements the experience of a civil service employee. I began attending Macon State the summer of 2003, in a business certificate program, offered to Robins AFB employees. I commend the college for recognizing that there are many benefits associated with working mutually with Robins, for both Robins employees and the college. Non-traditional students bring much to the classroom, in the way of work experience, while a higher education benefits the employee. By opening the Warner Robins Campus and offering lunchtime and evening classes, Robins employees are able to take advantage of the convenience of being only a few minutes away from the campus. Macon State has also tailored their business degree programs to the needs of RAFB. Lastly, Macon State offers a business degree that includes information technology. In today’s environment, IT is woven into the business world and allows for modern technology to replace the old pencil and paper methods, resulting in more efficient and effective processes.”

The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The dedication of the School of Business to the success of its students. That begins with the school’s secretary, Pat Fountain, who is always more than willing to assist in any way she can to guide the students in the right direction. Ms. Fountain has offered guidance and helped me tremendously as I have come up the ranks at Macon State. Not only has she offered sound academic advice, she has been a source of encouragement along the way. I see Ms. Fountain go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis, and it’s because she truly cares about the students and their educational goals. Macon State has also placed a full time advisor at Robins AFB, Laurie Shaw, who is very dedicated to her field. Ms. Shaw is exceptional at guiding students through the curriculum requirements and finding the best possible schedule that coordinates with the work schedule. I am grateful to both of these professionals for their guidance and support, and glad that they are a part of the Macon State team.”

Her favorite professor was … “There are almost too many to name! Macon State has some very impressive professors; particularly those within the School of Business. Some have been a part of the faculty for a number of years and are experts in their respective fields. I appreciate the knowledge shared by Dr. Francisco Lopez, Dr. Trip Shinn, Dr. Greg George, Dr. Clyde Conine, Dr. Larry Wolfenbarger, Ms. Mimi Ford, and Mr. Charlie Aiken. I also appreciate all I have learned from Dr. Sue Harrington, Dr. Terry Smith, and Dr. Michael Staman in the area of information technology. The professor that I developed the best relationship with was the one who provided me with advisement along the way. Dr. Bob Stephens was the professor that I had for five of my management courses. Dr. Stephens has a depth of knowledge and experience that will be greatly missed at Macon State upon his retirement this year. The use of his past working and educational experiences in his lectures are amazing, to say the least! His accomplishments are quite impressive - being a retired colonel in the Army lends to his structured style. It was Dr. Stephens who introduced me to the “General” of the business school, Pat Fountain! I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Stephens for his sound advice and support.”

Her favorite place to study is … “In my home office where I have great light, my computer, peace and quiet, and the company of my animals!”

One thing people don’t know about her is … “My husband and I are Hard Rock Café fanatics and love to collect pins, glasses, and other memorabilia from our visits there. We joined the “All Access” Club at the HRC in Munich, Germany, and were seated ahead of a long line at HRC New York, as a benefit of that! One of our ‘fun’ goals is to visit every HRC; both stateside and internationally. So far, we have checked sixteen cafes off our list!”

Her friends make fun of her because … “I treat my pets like family. They are very spoiled!”

The one person she’d most like to meet … “There have been so many great people to walk the face of this Earth that it would be very difficult to choose only one of them to meet. I am so grateful for the people that I interact with on a regular basis and so I would have to say that I have already met the people who have influenced me the most in my life.”

Five years from now she sees herself … “Having fulfilled my higher educational goals by completing a master’s degree program. I would like to be in a position to act as a catalyst for positive change, as the Air Force continues to be faced with challenging missions.”