Faculty and Staff Excel at Gordon State College

Friday, December 11, 2020

Gordon State College is proud of its talented professionals and acknowledges their accomplishments are key to the institution’s strength. In 2020, Candi Babcock and Samantha Bishop are two recent examples of staff leadership and academic excellence at the institution. 

Advancement Coordinator Candi Babcock was named the recipient of the Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC) Overall Institutional Excellence in Advancement Award at the 2020 GEAC virtual conference kickoff in November. The award honors higher education professionals in Georgia who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. 

GEAC is a statewide organization comprised of public relations, alumni, fundraising, communications and external affairs leaders from University System of Georgia’s public higher education institutions, the Technical College System of Georgia, and several private college and universities.

Babcock, a Griffin native, serves as the advancement coordinator in the Office of Advancement, External Relations and Marketing.

“Candi is a considerable asset to Gordon State College and the Gordon State College Foundation,” said Montrese Adger Fuller, Executive Director of the GSC Foundation and Vice President of Advancement, External Relations and Marketing. “She is the adhesive that holds the office together.”

Babcock is responsible for tracking and managing gifts and contributions, faculty and staff campaign payroll deductions and administrating scholarships. She also works closely with Adger Fuller overseeing the Foundation’s bookkeeping and responsibilities associated with the GSC Board of Trustees.      

“A soft-spoken employee who doesn’t seek the limelight,” said Adger Fuller. “Her professional and friendly relationship with the GSC Foundation Board of Trustees and others throughout the college goes a long way to foster communication with all college constituents.” 

Samantha Bishop, a local Lamar County resident, began her academic career at Gordon State College in 1994, earning an Associate of Science degree in Nursing. She received a Master of Science in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia in 2006 before becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. 

Bishop is poised to graduate next week from the University of Georgia with a Doctorate of Education.

“As our healthcare system continues to grow, well-educated nurses are needed more than ever to take on leadership roles, both as practitioners and educators,” said Dr. Victor Vilchiz, Dean of the GSC School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences. “Bishop exemplifies the leadership skills and professional values that make GSC’s nursing program one of the best in the region.”

As a practicing nurse, Bishop worked primarily in Neonatal Intensive Care at Children’s Hospital in Macon, Ga., now called Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital at Navicent Health. 

Bishop returned to Gordon State College as an Assistant Professor of Nursing in 2005 and now serves as Professor of Nursing. In July 2020, she was named the Director of Nursing and her duties include managing both the Associate of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at the college. 

“We are truly fortunate to have a talented group of faculty and staff at Gordon State College,” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President of GSC. “At the college, we have a commitment to lifelong education and development. These two professionals are shining examples.” 

GSC offers 11 four-year degrees and 16 associate-level degrees, which include multiple baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,000 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide. 

Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia with a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service.