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

Family: “I am married to James Donald Ellis, an engineer at Robins Air Force Base. We have a daughter, Brittany Michelle Ellis.”

Current Employment: “I am the office manager at Butler’s Pet Hospital.”

Degree: Bachelor of science in public service.

Class Rank: Senior (graduates May 6, 2011).

Activities: Charter member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, 2009-2010; Public Service Association member and public relations officer.

Career Goals: “After volunteering as a lay counselor for several years, I realized that the entire counseling process energized me and it was at that point I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that field. I have dedicated the last four years in the pursuit of my undergraduate degree. Now, I am turning my focus toward a master’s degree. My ultimate career goal is to become a licensed counselor working in the public service field. I have been admitted to the Georgia State University master’s of mental health program. This program will begin in August and will last for two and a half years. After I complete my master’s degree, it will take an additional two years to become licensed.”

She chose Macon State College because … “I was interested in acquiring a degree in psychology. I earned my associate’s degree in psychology but at that time Macon State did not offer the bachelor’s degree in psychology. I chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public service. This degree will enable me to accomplish my goal just as well as a psychology degree, and since I wanted to work in a public service capacity this degree fit perfectly into my plan."

The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The relationships that I developed over my four years with my professors. My advisor, Dr. Myra Davis, encouraged and guided me through my course choices so that my personal goals as well as the degree requirements would be met. I can honestly say that I never had a professor that I did not like or don’t feel that I owe a debt of gratitude."

Her favorite professor is … “Picking one favorite professor is impossible for me, but if forced I could narrow it to two: Dr. William Upton and Dr. Myra Davis. I owe a great debt to both Dr. Upton and Dr. Davis for enriching my life at Macon State College. They have prepared me to take the next step in my academic career with a firm knowledge base and confidence in my abilities to succeed. Dr. Upton has a brilliant and insightful mind and gives entertaining and challenging lectures that stimulated new thought processes and perspectives. Critical thinking is a skill that Dr. Upton fosters in his students and is one of the skills that he has more fully developed in me. His style of teaching made me long for the day I would go to graduate school. Dr. Upton taught me some of my most challenging classes: abnormal psychology, psychological statistics, research methods, personality theory, human development, and psychological testing. As I listened to Dr. Upton lecture, I would smile to myself because the material was exactly what I wanted to understand and I was excited to learn. I felt empowered at the end of each of his classes, knowing that I had a good grasp of the important principles concerning each subject. Dr. Upton’s classes helped assure me that the career choice I was pursuing was the correct one. As for Dr. Davis, words are woefully inadequate to describe the part that she played in my accomplishments at Macon State. Dr. Davis was with me from my first semester supporting and guiding each step I took academically. As my advisor, Dr. Davis answered any questions or concerns that I had with classes, scheduling, and school activities but the spirit with which she guided and encouraged me was more than just a thoughtful and knowledgeable advisor. She truly cared about what my hopes and desires were and how all facets of my life were affecting my studies. She also helped me become involved with many extracurricular activities working with organizations that served the needs of the community. Dr. Davis invests in her students as well as her community and I feel richer because of the relationship that I have with her. I was privileged to be guided through my internship by Dr. Davis and to have her for program funding and evaluation, perspectives on diversity, industrial and organizational behavior, and general psychology.”

Her favorite place to study is … “An area in my home that I set up with all my study helps in one spot, including white boards where I kept current study notes right in front of me every day.”

One thing people don’t know about her is … “I am a watercolor artist and ran a business out of my home for several years before coming to Macon State.”

Her friends make fun of her because … “I am so serious about studying but they will have to admit it has paid off for me lately!”

The one person she’d most like to meet is … “Corrie Ten Boom’s sister, Betsie. She died in Ravensbruck, a death camp in Nazi Germany. Her faith in God and ability to live above her circumstances is inspirational to me. There is a power in thinking outside the proverbial box when facing difficult circumstances and I believe she was able to accomplish great things because of her perspective.”

Five years from now she sees herself … “As a licensed mental health counselor working in a public service capacity.”