Save the Date for Dr. Renva Watterson:

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Retirement Reception

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Floyd Campus, Solarium

From: Donald Green
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 1:38 PM
To: Everyone on All Campuses <EVERYONE1@highlands.edu>
Subject: Retirement News:

Dear GHC Community,

Sadly, I must inform you of Dr. Renva Watterson’s decision to retire as Vice President of Academic Affairs as of end-of-June. Her achievements here at GHC have been numerous. Allow me to provide you with a few of her many successes and a glimpse into some of the qualities that have made Renva special to all of us.

Dr. Watterson has been a creator. Under her direction we have seen the establishment of four new bachelor degrees at Georgia Highlands. This progress required tenacity and purpose. Renva was behind her faculty supporting the curriculum development and in front of the college convincing the USG it was our time to evolve. We have watched a new Center for Teaching and Learning come to fruition. And we have seen the establishment of a Quality Enhancement Plan – supported by new technologies – to usher in an era of collaborative advising to serve every student.

In recent years, GHC has seen student retention continue to rise. This is due, in part, to the redesign of gateway courses, new strategies in learning support, expanded professional advising, and the reduced cost of textbooks. Each of these initiatives required the commitment of many faculty and staff, but all of these projects were led by Renva and Academic Affairs.

Renva has been a champion. She has been a staunch advocate for economically disadvantaged students, for women, for the value of liberal arts, and for Georgia Highlands itself. And when GHC needed someone to step in and lead the organization, Renva was there to serve as president, a role she performed with grace and vision.

We may be saddened by Dr. Watterson’s departure but should not assume she holds the same sentiments. Shortly after informing me of her decision, she brought a picture into my office of her and Bruce with all their grandchildren. “This is how I plan to spend my retirement!” she said.

In the coming days, please share your thanks and appreciation with Renva. Georgia Highlands College will miss her. And I will truly miss her.

Sincerely,

Don Green