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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

Education
M.S. in Criminal Justice, Georgia State University
B.S. in Police Administration, Eastern Kentucky University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Homeland security policy, recruitment and retention challenges and best practices in policing, predictive indicators of corruption and criminal activity in prison systems, measuring the effectiveness of pracademic led criminal justice degree programs

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

Education
Ph.D. Mathematics, Emory University
B.A. Mathematics, Redlands University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Research Interests: Inverse geometric problems, pseudo-riemannian manifolds, fractal geometry

Teaching Interests: Active learning, semi-flipped classrooms

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

Education
DNP in Nursing, Georgia College & State University
MSN in Nursing Education, Georgia Southwestern State University
BSN, RN-BSN, Georgia Southern University
ASN, College of Coastal Georgia

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Simulation, critical care or intensive care nursing, remediation and retention of nursing students, developing clinical judgment in nursing students

Dr. Anthony Bell

Part-time Instructor of Psychology

Education
Ph.D. in Psychology

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Undergraduate psychology teaching, postgraduate work in philosophy of mind, focus on AI-human collaboration, and the APA’s 2026 trends

In my current work at the College, I integrate undergraduate psychology teaching with my postgraduate research in the philosophy of mind to help students explore how human cognition, identity, and behavior are evolving in an era of rapid technological change. My scholarship and instruction increasingly focus on AI-human collaboration, a theme that resonates strongly with the American Psychological Association’s 2026 trends, including neuroinformatics, ethical brain based prediction, human-machine interaction, digital therapeutics, and the shifting of public role of psychology. By connecting classical questions about consciousness and agency with contemporary developments in psychological science and emerging technologies, I aim to prepare students to think critically, ethically, and creatively about the future of mind, behavior, and collaborative intelligence.

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.