Category: Alumni News

Piedmont University Names Former Florida University System Chancellor Marshall Criser as Next President

Piedmont University has named Marshall Criser, former chancellor of Florida’s university system, as its next president. The announcement comes after a broad-based search that began after Dr. James F. Mellichamp, who has served as president for the last 10 years, announced his retirement in June. “We are really excited about Marshall Criser as our new…

Piedmont MBA Grad and State Trooper Tedarrius Teasley is Well Positioned for Career Advancement

Georgia state trooper Tedarrius Teasley carries an unexpected credential on his resume — a Master of Business Administration from Piedmont University. “It’s definitely unusual,” said Teasley, who is based in Gainesville and patrols Hall, Banks, and White counties. “I think it sets me apart, and I think it will help me as I climb the…

Kennesaw Police Department ‘Very Proud’ of Its Relationship with Piedmont University

Asked to describe his department’s relationship with Piedmont University, Kennesaw Police Chief Bill Westenberger responds with a question of his own: “Do you like to go fishing?” Noting the puzzled reaction to his question, he continues: “When you find a good fishing hole, you’re really excited, and you want to keep it a secret. That’s…

Piedmont University Unveils Student-Designed T-shirt to Commemorate 125th Anniversary

Just in time for its Homecoming celebration, Piedmont University has unveiled a student-designed T-shirt commemorating the institution’s 125th anniversary. Jordan Adams, a senior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in art education, was the winner of the T-shirt design competition organized by the university’s 125th anniversary committee. “I was very surprised to win, but it’s very exciting,”…

Piedmont University Homecoming is Oct. 22; Schedule Includes Music, Food Vendors, a Theatrical Production, and More

Piedmont University will celebrate Homecoming with a full day of fun events on Oct. 22. “This is going to be a great day for Piedmont alumni, students, employees, supporters, and members of the community. We’ve lined up an exciting schedule of events, with something for everyone. It’s going to be a great chance to see…

Support of Piedmont Theatre Professors ‘Catapulted’ Belle Hudson to the U.K.

For Belle Hudson, who had lived in small Georgia towns her whole life, traveling to London, England, and living there for almost a year was an “enriching, amazing, eye-opening experience.” Hudson would not have believed it was even possible two years ago. Still, there she was, studying theatre and working toward a master’s degree in…

Piedmont University Art Alumna Is New Manager of Mark of the Potter, Georgia’s Oldest Craft Shop

Piedmont University alumna Joyce Lewallen is the new manager Mark of the Potter, the oldest craft shop in Georgia. It’s a position that perfectly blends her passion for art, the education she received at Piedmont, and the life experience she’s had since graduating in 2012. “There’s a Japanese concept called ikigai. When you find the…

After Busy Weekend, Mystic Hall Is Officially Home for First Class of Residents

Mystic Hall, Piedmont University’s largest, newest, and most modern residential facility, is officially home to its first class of students. Mystic was scheduled to open at the start of the fall semester, but was delayed by unforeseen labor shortages and supply chain issues. Over the weekend, Piedmont University students, employees, and supporters got to see…

Pro Musica Orchestra, One of Two New Piedmont University Musical Ensembles, Makes Its Debut Sept. 23

The Pro Musica Orchestra, one of two new Piedmont University musical ensembles, will make its debut this Friday, Sept. 23, with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel on the Demorest campus, 992 Central Ave. Pro Musica is comprised of more than 30 professional musicians, including several Piedmont University faculty members. “These are…

Two-Time Piedmont Music Alumnus Uses Life Lessons — and Recent Deafness — to Inspire Others

In his work as a voice teacher at Chicago’s Whitney M. Young Magnet High School — alma mater of former first lady Michelle Obama — two-time Piedmont University alumnus Micah Dingler strives to impart an important lesson to his students: They are capable of much more than they might think, no matter where they come…