Category: Student Stories

Piedmont University Gathers More than 1,000 Books to Donate to Georgia’s Prison Classrooms

Piedmont University students, faculty, and staff have collected nearly 1,000 books for X Books and Common Good Atlanta. The books will be used in prison classrooms across the state of Georgia. “It’s been inspiring to see people from across campus come together for this effort,” said Dr. Matthew Teutsch, director of Piedmont University’s Lillian E….

Piedmont Athens Nursing Student Plans Career Dedicated to Helping Others Feel Safe, Supported

A few years ago, Piedmont Athens student Trent Parks had a surgery, became ill, and missed several weeks of school. He fully recovered, but his ordeal forever changed the course of his life. Now, Parks is studying nursing at Piedmont University’s Athens campus. “Because of the nurses who helped me, I knew there was always…

Piedmont Athens Student Finds Her Way: ‘I’m Going to Be a Nurse … to Help People’

Some college students enroll knowing their major, their future career, exactly what they will do after graduation. Others need a little more time to make those big decisions. Such was the case for Katy Ogle, who transferred to Piedmont University’s Athens campus in August, and soon realized what she wants to do in life. “I’m…

Piedmont Will Celebrate First-Generation Students on Nov. 8

first-gen

On Monday, Nov. 8, Piedmont University will celebrate first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. To be First-Gen means a student’s parents did not complete a four-year college degree. The 2021 First-Gen Student Celebration will be held 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. upstairs in the Commons Conference Room in Demorest and in Room 312 on the Athens campus….

For Educator Hensley, Piedmont Visits with Students are ‘Like Coming Home’

Britt Hensley ’12 in Piedmont’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew” in 2014.

Britt Hensley ’12 fell in love with the Piedmont University campus in Demorest. Then she fell for the family feeling in the theatre department. “There are kinships that you’re able to have with the people in your department and your professors. They know your face and know your name. You’re not just a number like…

With Two Piedmont Graduate Degrees, Teacher Sean McCann Eyes Future in School Administration

Sean McCann earned his Master of Arts in Middle Grades Education from Piedmont in 2020 and is now completing his Education Specialist degree.

Through his graduate studies at Piedmont University, Sean McCann has gained confidence in his teaching skills. Now, he goes to work every day, determined to help his own students grow more confident in themselves, too. “It’s a great feeling to be there for the moment when the lightbulb goes off, when a student solves the…

Barbecue Entrepreneur Returns to Piedmont University for Master of Business Administration

During his undergraduate studies at Piedmont University, John Cross wrote the business plan for his now-thriving venture, Brown Dog BBQ. Now, Cross is back in the classroom, earning his Master of Business Administration from Piedmont. “I had a great undergrad experience at Piedmont. I wanted to keep learning, and I wanted to keep learning from…

New Student Organization Plans Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL) is planning a party.  SOL was formally recognized as a club in February and aims to educate and spread awareness of Hispanic and Latin cultures through student-led presentations, speakers, and celebrations of cultural events.  In April, the organization held…

Piedmont Grad Puts His Degree to Work in the Classroom and the Weight Room

Piedmont University alumnus Killian McClain is now a an assistant strength and conditioning coach and adjunct professor at Norfolk State University.

As a lifelong athlete, Killian McClain wanted a career that would keep him close to sports. After graduating with his master’s degree in Health & Human Performance from Piedmont University, McClain got exactly what he was looking for, landing a job as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Norfolk State University. “Athletics has always…