This summer, we asked Piedmont faculty to answer a simple prompt: tell a story that matters to you. Today we highlight Dr. Ann Gazell, professor of education and beloved figure on campus. Read on to learn about her journey at Piedmont! My journey with Piedmont University began in the early 2000s when they started offering…
Piedmont University has announced the appointment of Jamie Purdy as its new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Purdy is a 2000 graduate of Piedmont College, and a longtime leader within the department. Purdy steps into the position after a decade as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), where she has played a vital…
This summer, we’ve asked some of our Piedmont faculty to answer a simple prompt: tell a story that matters to you. Our third highlight, Dr. Dale Van Cantfort, is a pillar of our mass communications program. Known to his students as “DVC,” his career at Piedmont and his students’ success are a testament to his…
Scroll through Lisa Mann’s social media and you’ll find more than just snapshots — you’ll see stamps in her passport and stories from around the globe. Whether it’s Ireland in March, Boston in May, or France last year, travel is her passion. “I love exploring new and exciting places full of rich culture, beautiful scenery,…
Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected of places — for Maddox Wilson, a Piedmont student from Flowery Branch, a conversation with a friend’s family member sparked the idea for an entire nonprofit. “My best friend’s brother-in-law is a police officer,” Maddox says, “and he talked about how hard it was when he had to…
Alumni Day 2025 brought energy, pride, and celebration to Piedmont University’s Demorest campus as graduates returned for a full day of events—and to recognize some of Piedmont’s most distinguished alumni. From a morning Alumni Association breakfast and wetlands walk to basketball games and a Chamber Singers reunion, the schedule reflected Piedmont’s vibrant campus spirit. The…
Piedmont University Director of Counseling Services Sean Williamson was honored with the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year Award at the 32nd Annual Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) Conference in January in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Williamson’s previous experience includes director of behavioral health at a hospital, adjunct professor, and 14 years as director of…
When Chris Goershel peers out his office window, he sees Truist Park. He works for RaceTrac, an Atlanta-based convenience retail company that jockeys with other big-name companies for the title of largest privately held revenue generator in Georgia. Goershel majored in business at Piedmont and interned as a broker representing companies seeking industrial space. That later became…
Joe Strickland-Burdette wasn’t looking for a job when fate tapped him on the shoulder three times about an opening at Piedmont University. Strickland-Burdette was taking a break from higher education and loving his work. He and his husband, Mark, had a dog sitting/daycare business in Anderson, South Carolina, with more than 200 satisfied and loyal…
At Piedmont University, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni make up our “Piedmont family,” but for some, that term is very literal. This year, there are two pairs of students related to one another: sisters Ashlyn McEntyre and Courtney Miller, and mother and daughter Marlene and Skyler Seeber. They share not only a major and…