Category: Featured

Four-time Piedmont University Education Grad Finds New Ways to Connect with Students

His bachelor’s degree provided him with subject-matter expertise. His master’s degree prepared him to for the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching. His doctorate readied him for leadership. But one of the most important skills four-time Piedmont University graduate Jacob Marble gained during his degree programs was the ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of secondary…

Piedmont Students Learn About the U.S. — and Life — During Everglades Bike Trip

Piedmont University students Hannah Kunze and Hannah Willems have just returned from a trip they’ll never forget — a 56-mile cycling trek through the Florida Everglades. Kunze and Willems both hail from Germany and both have an interest in cycling, as does the Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton, Piedmont’s campus minister. Garvin-Leighton, who’s participated in cycling events…

Piedmont University Recruiting Students, Community Members for First-Ever Startup Competition

Piedmont University will host its inaugural Student Startup Competition March 17-20 at the Demorest campus. “Think ‘Shark Tank,’” said Art Department Chair Santanu Majumdar, who is organizing the competition, along with representatives from the Walker College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and University Advancement, referring to the popular reality TV show in which…

The Northeast Georgian: Rare Coins found in Piedmont’s Secret Safe

This story appeared in the Feb. 8 edition of The Northeast Georgian. By John Dills After the first weeks in office, Piedmont University President Marshall Criser started decorating his office to match his vision. While removing a painting that was left on the wall, held up by screws, bolts and fixtures, the president noticed what…

‘Partners, Not Parties’: Piedmont University, City of Demorest Settle Water Dispute

It’s a new chapter for Piedmont University and the City of Demorest following Tuesday night’s city council meeting. Council members voted unanimously to settle ongoing litigation with Piedmont University over water and sewer rates. Piedmont filed suit against the city in 2020, claiming the rates the city imposed were fraudulent. Per the settlement, the city…

With Her Graduate Degree from Piedmont University, Rebecca Deurlein Has Run a Business, Written a Book, and Is Now Traveling the World

Rebecca Deurlein ’02 has been a teacher, a school administrator, an author, a business owner, and now a travel writer who just returned from her favorite destination yet: the Maldives. Through each chapter of her career, she’s found new ways to use her Master of Arts in Education degree, from leading her own classroom, to…

Piedmont Alumnus Dakota Stockton Passing Love of Theatre on to Next Generation

Dakota Stockton always loved theatre but never really considered it a career option. Today, he is the director of theatre for Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia.  Piedmont University helped him get from the dream he had early on to where he is today. He graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama…

Schmitz Celebrates Learning Beyond the Classroom

Dr. Julia Schmitz with Leo the Lion

Note: This series spotlights the people who educate Piedmont University students. We ask them about their childhood, their first jobs, and why they love what they do. Before she was Dr. Julia Schmitz, the Piedmont University associate biology professor took ballet lessons, played basketball, and was a cheerleader.  Schmitz was a Girl Scout, too, and…

Piedmont University to Begin Offering Minor in Forensic Science This Fall

Piedmont University’s successful forensic science program expands this fall, with the addition of a minor designed to prepare students to serve a wide variety of investigative agencies. “The forensic science minor will provide students with the core knowledge they need to lead criminal investigations,” said Professor Bruce Willis, a former special agent with Georgia Bureau…

Northeast Georgian Features Piedmont’s Food Pantry for Students in Need

This article ran in the Jan. 27, 2023 edition of The Northeast Georgian. Piedmont Staff Lend a Hand to Students in Need by John Dills Helping students with financial hardship during the semester is a concern that has been on the minds of many Piedmont University staff members for a while. The Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton, campus…