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Faculty/Staff

Keisha Alberty

Custodian

Shane Apps

Shane Apps

Senior Recruiter

Dr. Scott Argo

Assistant Vice President for Recruitment and Admissions

Cynthia Atwood

Senior Lecturer of Criminal Justice

Ms. Atwood has served as a full-time faculty member researching, developing, and teaching courses in Criminal Justice since 2014.

Prior to joining the faculty at the College of Coastal Georgia, Ms. Atwood completed a distinguished 30-year career retiring as an Assistant Director (AD) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).As a career member of the Senior Executive Service, Ms. Atwood provided executive leadership and oversight for both training and administrative functions at the FLETC, including all training and training support functions across the FLETC’s four domestic locations in Glynco, GA; Charleston, SC; Artesia, NM; and Cheltenham, MD; training delivered at the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEAs) around the world; and state, local, tribal, and territorial training delivered across the United States. Ms. Atwood led training across the spectrum of law enforcement training areas including: Behavioral Science, Counter-Terrorism, Leadership, Legal, Firearms, Drivers, Maritime, Investigative Operations, Enforcement Techniques, Physical Techniques, Financial Fraud, and Instructional Development. She also led efforts to ensure coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to develop and deliver programs to effectively prepare law enforcement officers and agents in areas such as Active Shooter and Cyber training programs across the United States.

While serving as the FLETC’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ms. Atwood provided executive leadership and oversight for multiple complex areas including: human resources (including employee and labor relations), facilities management (including design and construction), procurement, property management, and the Critical Incident Stress Management program.

Ms. Atwood’s law enforcement and teaching experience span 31 years and include serving as a Special Agent in the Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Senior Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. General Services Administration.She conducted investigations resulting in the successful prosecution of criminal and civil matters across the eight southeastern states and the District of Columbia, including program fraud, bribery of government officials, food stamp trafficking and serious allegations of employee misconduct.

Ms. Atwood graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Law Enforcement, and earned her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University’s College of Public and Urban Affairs. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA and the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC.

J. Alexander Atwood

Judge Atwood

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Education

LL.M. (General Studies-Constitutional, Criminal, and International Law), Georgia State University School of Law (Summa Cum Laude)
J.D. Law, John Marshall School of Law (Cum Laude)
M.A. International Relations (focusing on Low Intensity Conflict and Terrorism), Webster University
B.S. Criminal Justice, Georgia State University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching portfolio encompasses a full range of undergraduate courses in criminal justice and public administration, delivered through diverse modalities including in-person, hybrid, and distance learning formats. Courses taught include Introduction to Criminal Law, Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice, Courts and Criminal Procedure, and specialized topics such as Organized Crime, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. These offerings reflect a commitment to bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications drawn from extensive experience in law enforcement, legal practice, and public service. My research interests center on Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, and Criminal Procedure, with particular emphasis on the intersection of legal doctrine, enforcement policy, and governance. Scholarly activities include presentations and publications addressing judicial interpretation, free speech, civil discourse, and counterterrorism policy. Selected works and/or presentations include Judicial Interpretation as Viewed Through District of Columbia v. Heller, The Erosion of Free Speech in Western Europe, Canada, and the United States, and From Law Enforcement to Armed Conflict: The Legal Transformation of U.S. Counter-narcotics Policy. These contributions underscore an ongoing commitment to advancing discourse on constitutional governance, ethics, and the evolving challenges of law enforcement in a global context.

Maxwell Auerbach

Temporary Lecturer of Mathematics

Dr. Syvillia Averett

Dean, School of Arts and Sciences,
Associate Professor of Mathematics


Education
Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Iowa
M.S. in Mathematics, University of Iowa
B.S. in Mathematics, Ohio State University

Teaching and Research Interests/Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests include abstract algebra, representation theory, and STEM education.

Tyler Bagwell

Professor of Communication

Education
M.F.A. in Film and Television Production, Savannah College of Art and Design
M.A. in Communication, University of South Florida
B.A. in Communication Arts, Georgia Southern University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Bagwell is an award winning nonfiction filmmaker and author, and teaches courses in communication and filmmaking. He is currently producing and directing a public television special about the Jekyll Island Club.

Linell Bailey

Career and Academic Advisor/Dual Enrollment Advisor

Justin Bargeron

Police Officer

Dr. Ashley Barnes

Associate Professor of Nursing
Program Coordinator for ASN, RN-BSN

Dr. Barnes earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southwestern State University, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University, and her Associate of Science in Nursing from the College of Coastal Georgia. She is a Certified Nurse Educator. Prior to joining the Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Barnes worked for three years in CCU.

Heather Bennett

Campus Police Recruit

Kathleen Bennett

Part-time Director of Field Experience, Certification & Outreach

Education
Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis on High Incidence Disabilities, The University of Georgia, 2011-2016
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, University of West Georgia, 2009-2010
B.A. Special Education, University of North Florida, 2001-2005

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Gambrell, J.A., & Bennett, K.E. (2024) Breaking the teacher shortage barrier: Impacts of COVID-19 on recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals seeking licensure. Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, 17(4), 251-265.

Bessette, H., & Bennett, K. (2021). Supporting High Quality Teacher Preparation: Results from a Mentoring Program for Special Education Faculty: Two Years Later. The Advocate, 27(1) https://doi.org/10.4148/2637-4552.1162

Bessette, H., & Bennett, K. (2021). Integrating Modeling of High-Leverage Practices and Culturally Responsive Practice in the Preparation of Preservice Special Education Teachers. Critical Issues in Teacher Education, 28, Spring, 4-12.

Kristy Bennett

AVP for Human Resources, CHRO

Dr. James Benton

James Benton, College of Coastal Georgia

Professor of Accounting

Education
Ph.D. in Finance and International Business, Old Dominion University
M.A. in Economics, Old Dominion University
J.D. in Law, Georgia State University College of Law
MTx in Federal Taxation, Georgia State University
M.S. in Personal Financial Planning, Georgia State University
B.S. in Accounting and Finance, Northern Illinois University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Research: Federal Taxation, Portfolio Analysis, Investments, and Personal Finance
Teaching: Accounting, Federal Taxation, Investments, Personal Finance, and Financial Statement Analysis

Jamie Berrie

Interim Chair, Department of Mathematics and Data Science
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

Education
E.d.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Concentration in Higher Education Administration), Columbus State University (expected 2027)
M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Western Carolina University
B.S. in Mathematical Sciences, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My research interests include mathematics education and applied statistics, with a focus on using data-driven tools to improve student outcomes. I am particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can increase access to learning and reduce cost barriers in higher education. My applied work also spans agricultural statistics, exercise science, and fermentation science, where I use statistical modeling to study complex real-world systems.

Jamie Bessette

Jamie Bessette

Vice President for Advancement

Penny Bethune

Penny Bethune, College of Coastal Georgia

Buyer and Central Store Supervisor

Scott Bird

Professor of Practice, Leadership and Management

Education
M.A. in Education Administration, Springfield College, Springfield, MA
B.S. in Education, Springfield College, Springfield, MA

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Business Leadership and Management; with particular emphasis on business planning, goal setting, team building, inspired leadership, business ethics, communication and collaboration.

Jase Blizzard

Jase Blizzard, College of Coastal Georgia

Senior Human Resources Manager