GEM Program ‘Rounds up Nineteen
John Bowen, coordinator of leadership programs at GCSU explained the GEM program matches outstanding GCSU students with an exemplary leader in such fields as business, education, politics, healthcare, law, and industry.
“These executives serve as mentors for participating students. They promote their personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for them to identify and understand the principles and practices of leadership,” Bowen said.
Bowen said as of this year, 263 GCSU students have participated in GEM.
Among the students participating include, Clay Vaughn, a senior business management major.
“I heard really positive things about the program from three of my friends who had participated in the past so I decided to apply,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn joins with 18 others including Melanie Rhoden, a senior political science major.
“When I applied for the GEM program, I was anticipating getting an opportunity to spend time with a successful executive, learn tips of the trade and enter into a professional network that I would not have had the opportunity to break into otherwise,” Rhoden said.
Rhoden’s mentor, Ms. Willie Paulk, serves as President of the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce. Rhoden described Paulk as being “at the top of her game.”
Rhoden explained what she hoped to gain from the program.
“It is my hope that not only will my mentor provide me with insight and wisdom from experience, but also someone that I can count on for advice and guidance for years to come,” Rhoden said.
The GEM program was established in 2002 and initially funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, according to Bowen. GEM is a creative partnership between GCSU and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. More than 50 business and community leaders, including many of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, have served as mentors.
Also according to Bowen, to participate in the GEM program, students must have a 3.0 GPA, have completed at least one semester at GCSU, accumulated at least thirty hours of academic credit, and gained acceptance into the program through a competitive process, which includes submission of an application packet and an interview with the GEM Program Advisory and Selection Committee.
GCSU Alumni, Adam Nisbet, who graduated in December 2005, explained his experience.
“I was involved with the GEM program back in 2003,” Nisbet said. “My mentor was Jimmy Lewis, CEO of Hometown Health LLC, which is a lobbying firm for rural hospitals in Georgia.”
When asked if the GEM program was helpful, Nisbet said it helped place him on the path for success.
“The GEM program was the footing that placed me on my career path. If it weren’t for this mentorship program, I may have never made it to Washington, D.C. to pursue political science nor would I have the confidence to do so,” Nisbet said.
Students interested in GEM may apply on their own or be nominated by a member of the GCSU faculty or staff.
In addition to Clay Vaughn and Melanie Rhoden, there are 17 other students, including, Jeanette Bowman, Taylor Clark, Michael George, Joel Graham, Kristen Hall, Rui Huang, Christie Keene, Lauren McQuade, Kristen Moreland, Riley Payne, Alex Smith, Tilek Sydykov, Alissa Torchia, Alexandra White, Karla White, Megan White and Meghan Wilde.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 17 2008. Filed under News.
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