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Faculty/Staff

Mitchell Sexton

Part-time Instructor

Education
D.Arts in English Pedagogy, Murray State University
Ed.S. in Instructional Technology, Valdosta State University
M.Ed. in Reading Specialist Education, Georgia Southern University
B.S. in Middle Grades Education, College of Coastal Georgia

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Composition and rhetoric, information literacy, American literature, life-writing, teaching English as a second language, computer-assisted language learning, the Science of Reading, Universal Design for Learning, and instructional technology for writing instruction.

Raziye Shadmehry

Raziye Shadmehry, College of Coastal Georgia

Lecturer of English

Education
M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Northern Arizona University
B.A. in English, Georgia College and State University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests include creative writing, literature, and writing composition. I write primarily fiction and nonfiction exploring relationships, connection, and the human condition. Most recently, an essay has been accepted for spring 2026 publication in Foglifter Press, and a story I published in Glassworks Magazine was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in December 2025. I remain involved in the literary community by participating in writing workshops, attending conferences, and reading on the flash fiction team for Split Lip Magazine.

Stephen Shehan-Nichols

Stephen Shehan-Nichols

Business and Public Management Academic Services Coordinator

Mr. Stephen Shehan-Nichols is the Academic Services Coordinator for the School of Business and Public Management, and is responsible for coordinating the administrative, academic, and support functions of the school. He joined Coastal Georgia in the fall of 2018 and served as the Freshmen Academic Advisor for the School of Business and Public Management prior to being named Academic Services Coordinator.

Mr. Shehan-Nichols is a seasoned academic professional experienced in serving diverse student populations in various settings in higher education. With over a decade of experience, he has worked in various professional roles in admissions, academic advising, financial aid advising, and career services advising at both Chamberlain University and National University.

He has a passion for mentoring students and supporting academic success. He is an intrinsically motivated individual, who strives to attain personal and team goals with enthusiasm and integrity. He believes that in order for academic services to be effective they must be both purposeful and holistic. He is known to be a student advocate and helps students achieve their education goals, teaching them about the nature of higher education, and provoking them toward greater levels of self-awareness and responsibility.

Mr. Shehan-Nichols received both his M.Ed in Adult Education and B.S. in Organizational Management from Tusculum College. He obtained his certification as a Certified Life Coach in 2020.

Prior to a career in higher education, Mr. Shehan-Nichols worked in varying managerial roles in business in the telemarketing, banking, and shipping industries. He worked his way from entry level manager to executive management and served as an Executive Director of Customer Service and Training in the shipping and packaging industry. His unique and comprehensive experience in training, mentoring, team building, leadership, customer service, and relationship management has given him a dynamic and unique ability to connect and develop strong connections with students.

Mr. Shehan-Nichols serves on various committees at the College of Coastal Georgia, including the Honors Program Advisory Council, Presidential Commission on Diversity and Inclusion, and staff search committees. He also serves as co-advisor for the Health Informatics Association.

R. Doug Shirah

Campus Police Officer

Carolyn Smith

Part-time Instructor

Robin Smith

Part-time Instructor of Education and/or Teacher Candidate Field Supervisor

Education
Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Argosy University, Sarasota, Florida (2005)
M.Ed. Administration and Supervision, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia (2001)
B.S. Early Childhood Education, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia (1998)
Diploma: Theory and Practice of the Montessori Method of Education, Montessori St. Nicholas, London, England (1995)

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Recently retired from public education as the Professional Learning Director for a Regional Educational Service Agency, my research interest is in the area of teacher and student resiliency. More specifically, do resilient teachers help students to also become resilient.

Tonya Smith

Tonya Smith, College of Coastal Georgia

Temporary Lecturer of Education

Education
Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, Kennesaw State University
M.S. in Special Education, Georgia Southern University
B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Georgia Southern University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests center on supporting strong literacy instruction and effective teacher development across educational settings. I have experience teaching at the elementary level in Kindergarten-5th Grade in both general education and special education, as well as serving as an assistant principal in Glynn County Schools. In these roles, I have led professional development focused on evidence-based literacy practices and instructional improvement. My research interests focus on teacher preparation programs, particularly how preservice teachers develop knowledge, confidence, and instructional skill in literacy development and reading instruction. I am especially interested in examining how coursework and field experiences shape future teachers’ readiness to meet the diverse literacy needs of students.

Laura Smith-Brese

Laura Smith-Brese

Personal Counselor

Allison Sneed

Director of Academic Projects and Innovation

Dr. Amy Sneed

Sneed, Amy

Chair, School of Education and Teacher Preparation; Associate Professor of Middle Grades and Secondary Education

Dr. Sneed earned her Doctor of Philosophy, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She earned her Master of Science, Science Curriculum and Instruction & Space Science from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. She obtained her Bachelor of Science, Physical Sciences (Minor in Mathematics), Secondary Teaching Certification from Colorado State University. Dr. Sneed is a member of the Golden Key International Honors Society and is a National Science Foundation Teaching Scholar. Her professional affiliations include the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the Association for Middle Level Educators (AMLE). Prior to joining the Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Sneed served as the Academic Coordinator of the University of Virginia Curry School of Education’s K-12 Gifted Enrichment Programs. She has and continues to partner with school systems and organizations nationally and internationally around initiatives related to curriculum design, classroom assessment, and differentiated instruction in STEM fields. Prior to her experience in teacher education and professional development, Dr. Sneed taught middle and high school science and math in Colorado. Currently, she teaches courses in middle/secondary instructional design, assessment, and differentiated instruction, and mentors teacher candidates in field experiences.

Brianna Sparks

Part-time Instructor of Biology

Education
M.S. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Concentration: Biomedical Sciences), College of Coastal Georgia

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I currently teach general biology while exploring other topics to teach as well. My research experience is in microbiology, but I have interest in topics such as infectious diseases and zoonotic diseases as well.

Andrea Spivey

Andrea Spivey

Department Coordinator for Social
Sciences and Arts & Humanities

Ashleigh Spurlock

Ashleigh Spurlock

Lecturer of Radiologic Science
Program Director

Education
M.Ed. in Adult Education and Leadership, Georgia Southern University
B.S. in Radiologic Science, Armstrong State University
B.F.A. in Fibers, Savannah College of Art and Design

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I am an educator and radiographer who is deeply passionate about true simulation-based learning and the power of dynamic laboratory experiences to transform clinical readiness. I design high-fidelity, immersive scenarios that push students to think critically, communicate clearly, and navigate the realities of patient care. My work blends radiography, nursing, and other disciplines to create realistic, interprofessional learning environments that prepare learners for the complexity of real world healthcare. My love for simulation is grounded in my own bedside practice. With a background in critical care imaging, pediatric radiography, and Level 1 trauma, I bring the pace, challenges, and decision making of high acuity settings directly into the classroom and lab. I believe students learn best when the training feels real, meaningful, and connected to the patients and teams they will serve, and that philosophy guides everything I create.

Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2026
Simulating the Unexpected: A Multidisciplinary Travel Code Simulation Featuring Nursing and Radiography
International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare

Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Advancing IPE: How to Integrate Radiography and Nursing Simulations for Stronger Clinical Collaboration
Healthy Simulation.com

Webinar
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Advancing IPE: How to Integrate Radiography and Nursing Simulations for Stronger Clinical Collaboration
Healthy Simulation.com

Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Enhancing Collaboration Through Nursing and Radiography Simulations
National League of Nursing Education Summit

Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Implementing Independent and Interdisciplinary Simulations in Radiologic Science Curriculum
ASRT Education Symposium

Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Bridging Disciplines: Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration through Nursing and Radiography Simulations
CANSim – Canadian Alliance of Nurse Educators Using Simulation

Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Pioneering Simulation in Radiography: Bridging the Gap between Disciplines to Improve Patient Safety
College of Coastal Georgia Coastal Scholars Symposium, Brunswick, GA

Dr. Nelbert St. Clair

St. Clair, Nelbert

Associate Professor of Cyber Defense

Education
Doctor of Science in Information Systems & Communications (D.Sc.)

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. St. Clair’s teaching interests focus on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and information technology, with an emphasis on practical applications and workforce readiness. He is passionate about integrating hands-on learning experiences, such as competitions and real-world projects, to prepare students for careers in the evolving tech landscape. His research interests include cybersecurity education, diversity and inclusion in technology fields, and strategies for enhancing digital resilience in underserved communities. Recent scholarly activities including serving as a workshop speaker at the 2nd Annual Digital Literacy Block Party (Charlotte, NC, Sept. 2025), and contributing to student success in the National Cyber League Spring 2025 competition, where all six CCGA teams ranked in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, Dr. St. Clair has supported research on representation of Black cybersecurity professionals, aligning with his long-standing commitment to equity in tech.

Libby Staab

Libby Staab

Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement

Lee Stallings

Lee Stallings

Groundskeeper

Dr. David Stasek

David Stasek

Professor of Biology

Education
Ph.D. in Zoology (2009), Miami University (Oxford, OH)
M.S. in Zoology (2006), Miami University (Oxford, OH)
B.S. in Biology (2002), Baldwin-Wallace College (Berea, OH)

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Natural History of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animals, Predator-prey interactions, and Biodiversity

Kennedy, T.*, Outhwaite, A., Rigdon, J.*, and Stasek, D. The biodiversity of the invertebrate community within an intertidal pond on Jekyll Island. Poster presentation at the Coastal Science Symposium at the College of Coastal Georgia, December 5, 2025. This research will be submitted for publication Spring 2026. *denotes undergraduate coauthor

Dr. Ray Stephens

Ray Stephens, College of Coastal Georgia

Lecturer of Business Administration

Education
Enrolled MS Psychology, University of West Alabama
MBA Marketing, Columbia Southern University
Ed.D. Ed Administration, Georgia Southern University
MS Management, Northern Arizona University
M.Ed. Ed Leadership, Georgia Southern University
BBA Management, Georgia Southern College

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Marketing, Management, Consumer/Organization Behavior

Terrell Stewart

Assistant Softball Coach

Katie Strickland

Records Management Specialist

Departments/Offices