CoffeeBreak is an e-newsletter distributed to Averett faculty and staff to keep them up to date on campus activities and information.
Please send information you would like included in CoffeeBreak via this form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 11 for a Wednesday, March 16 publication.
A warm Averett welcome is extended to…
Katherine Clark, our new Student Concierge Coordinator in Averett Central. Katherine graduated from Sweet Briar College in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in English and creative writing. She brings a wealth of expertise in customer service and a friendly face to Averett Central. She was most recently employed by the Wendell Scott Foundation as an executive assistant here in Danville. We are excited to have Katherine as a part of our team!
Stop by Averett Central to say hello to Katherine and introduce yourself.
GPS Student Highlight
Each month the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Admissions Team spotlights GPS students. We hope you enjoy learning more about these amazing members of our Averett family!
Meet Jennifer Gravely, a master of education in administration and supervision student.
Why she chose the GPS Program: “The reason I selected Averett’s GPS Program over all others is ease of access. I live in a rural area, so attending classes at the higher education center two nights a week seemed overwhelming after finishing a full day at school; and the fact I would not be getting home until very late in the evening. With Averett’s program, I have the flexibility to work on assignments on my time. I have been very pleased with the rigor and the platform.”
What is motivating her to earn her M.Ed.: “The main motivation for going back to school is so I can have more doors open up for me professionally. While I have always enjoyed being in the classroom with my students, I have always thought I had more to offer the education system. I felt like I could create a greater impact on more students if I honed my leadership skills. Working on a master’s in administration and supervision fit the bill.”
What keeps her motivated: “I have found the professionalism of the instructors, the in-depth conversations with my peers and the ease of access keeps me motivated in the program.”
Tip for fellow and future classmates: “The best tip I can give to fellow classmates about the GPS Program is just to remember to utilize the discussion boards. I have learned so much from all of the other students that are taking the classes with me. Their experiences have helped to broaden my knowledge and skill set.”
We sincerely thank Jennifer for sharing her story, insight, and tips for her fellow classmates. We are so grateful to have her as a student here at Averett, and proud of what she has accomplished, and will accomplish, in this program and beyond! It is an honor to have her here with the Averett family. We look forward to celebrating her graduation in 2017!
Student Accolades
The Student Life Department has been recognizing students who go the extra mile in whatever they are doing on campus since the fall of 2014. Each week during Student Life staff meetings, staff members nominate students whose dedication to the university they want to recognize. Students are notified about the nomination and their chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of the semester, all the names of those who were nominated are put into a bowl and the name of one lucky student is selected. This is the department’s way of letting students know their efforts and hard work is appreciated.
This week they are recognizing Jessie Gomes, Alex Argentieri, Kevin Watford, Jake Comer, Damion Bishoff, Brianna George, Shaina Jones, Nikki Loving, Tevin Perry and Kamihla Preston.
Synergis Staff Joins Averett
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following staff members who are officially part of the Averett family as of March 1! They have joined us from Synergis Education, and will continue in their roles overseeing our admissions and student accounting operations for the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program.
Angie Vaughan, Admissions, Richmond
Andrea Levengood, Admissions, Tidewater
Christy Davis, Admissions, Danville – Riverview
Denise Garrett, Student Accounting, Danville – Averett Central
Jonathan Nichels, Admissions, Danville – Riverview
Katherine Pappas, Admissions, Danville – Riverview
Kristi Phillips, Student Accounting, Danville – Averett Central
Melissa Anderson, Admissions, Richmond
Pat Williams, Admissions, Richmond
Penny Hudson, Student Accounting, Danville – Averett Central
Rena Leggett, Student Accounting, Danville – Averett Central
Rhonda Reavis, Student Accounting, Danville – Averett Central
Ron Lonzo, Admissions, Danville – Riverview
Sarah Hudson, Admissions, Roanoke
Valerie Murphy-Point, Admissions, Tidewater
We are grateful to them for their dedication to our mission and our adult students, and we look forward to this new chapter and our future success with the GPS Program.
Thank you!
Dear Averett Family,
Thank you all for your kindness and support following the passing of my mother. You were not only a comfort, but a source of strength during this time of loss. I am truly blessed to be able to work alongside so many caring and wonderful people.
Warmly,
Susan Rowland
New EMT Initiative
The Emergency Management Team (EMT) is asking all faculty and staff to stop by the Security Office on the Main Campus to have your photo ID updated and a new ID card printed. Jamie Walker, Director of Security, has designated Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. as the time he will be in the security office to take photos and issue new IDs. If you need to set up another time, you can email Jamie or call him at 434-791-5874.
Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for an opportunity to use some of your service leave? Averett is once again partnering with the Chamber of Commerce among others to host a Community Wide Job Fair. The fair will be held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Thursday, April 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We need volunteers to help this event run smoothly. Please contact Angie McAdams at 791-5629 by Friday, March 18 to volunteer.
Summer Athletics Camps
Looking for a way to keep your child active and engaged this summer? Sign them up for one of the athletics camps by clicking here.
Applications for Graduate Study
Do know of a senior who wants to attend graduate school? Applications for the Elizabeth and James Bustard Distinguished Award for Graduate Study are now available. Those interested in applying for this scholarship need to pick up an application from Mary Sullivan in the Academic Affairs Office in Main Hall. The deadline is Friday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Tuition Exchange Program
The Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP) is a benefit available to all full-time faculty and staff. For additional information, go to www.cic.org and follow the Programs and Services tab for a list of schools in the exchange. Or call Kathie Tune, HR Director, at (434) 791-7106.
TIAA-CREF Representative on Campus
Christian Pechuekonis, Averett’s TIAA-CREF Financial Consultant, will be on campus for individual appointments on Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in Main 131 (Averett Central). His last appointment will be 2:30 p.m.
To schedule your appointment, go to www.tiaa-cref.org/schedulenow.
If March is not a convenient time, Christian will also be here May 10 & 11.
Sam’s Club Rep on Campus
Karen Shields, our Sam’s Club representative, will be in the dining hall to renew memberships and register new members on Tuesday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
By renewing or joining with Karen, you will enjoy several members-only savings!
Reminder: “Hunger Games” Book Reviews
Linda Lemery, circulation manager in the library, will lead three book reviews on the “Hunger Games” trilogy using the Socratic Seminar Method. The reviews, which will take place on the main floor of the library in the couch seating area, will be held at 4 p.m. on the following dates Tuesday, April 5, (“The Hunger Games”); Tuesday, April 12 (“Catching Fire”); and Tuesday, April 19 (“Mockingjay”).
These reviews are open to Averett students, faculty, staff and the public. Free books will be available to participants up to March 28. Books will be ordered in early March based on the number of people who’ve indicated they will attend, so please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in participating. We ask that people only take a copy if they intend to attend the book reviews.
Simple Socratic Seminar rules and eight questions will accompany each book so that the reader may develop answers to the questions as a basis for discussion. For questions, or to indicate attendance and reserve your copies of the books, email [email protected].
Engaged Leader Award
There are only a few days left (applications must be turned in by Friday) to nominate a student, instructor or community partner to receive an Engaged Leader Award at the Second Annual Engagement Showcase. The showcase will be held Tuesday, March 29 from 5-7 p.m. in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center.
To nominate an Outstanding Engaged Leader, please visit the criteria for award nominations and the award application.
Save the Date!
Our Anthem Senior Account Representative, Connie Eggleston, will be on campus Wednesday, March 16 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Schoolfield House Booksellers.
Depending on attendance, Connie will have short information sessions, or 1:1 sessions. She will take a short lunch break from 12:30-1 p.m.
