Tags: Alumni


IHE Leads the Way

Betz Kerley What do these leaders have in common? The Institute of Higher Education Graduates of the IHE, being among the brightest and the best, continue to realize successful careers in higher education leadership. We are proud to include in our long list of outstanding alumni, eight of whom currently serve as presidents or chancellors of universities, community and technical colleges. Here are their thoughts on the role of leadership in today…


Outstanding Alumni – Charles Mathies (PhD 2010)

Betz Kerley Charles Mathies had wanderlust in his blood. He wanted to live and work in another country so after completing his PhD, he was excited to secure a position with the University of Jyväskylä in Jyväskylä, Finland. “My official title is ‘Erityisasiantuntija’ or ‘Senior Expert’, and I am developing the concept of institutional research at the university,” explains Mathies. “Specifically, I am tasked to work with the university’s IT…


Outstanding Alumni – Kathy Pharr (EdD 2011)

Betz Kerley Kathy Pharr likes to refer to herself as a “Triple Dawg.” All three of her degrees were obtained at the University of Georgia. A career path can take many twists and turns along the way. Pharr obtained a degree in Broadcast Journalism and became a newscaster. Goals changed and a Masters in Public Administration helped her to become an assistant to UGA President, Michael Adams. Then, a doctorate from the Institute of Higher Education…


Outstanding Alumni – Austin Lacy (PhD 2011)

Betz Kerley Austin Lacy has advice for those considering a PhD in higher education. “Go to the Institute of Higher Education for the professors and for the tremendous amount of resources available to students.” For the senior research analyst at the University of North Carolina – General Administration, the IHE was definitely the right place for him. “First,” explains Lacy, “the curriculum was very focused on higher education policy. More…


Outstanding Alumni – Genie Snyder Chamberlin (EdD 2002)

Betz Kerley Sometimes when choosing a career, it pays to “think outside the box.” While many IHE alumni find their bliss at colleges and universities, a few end up on an entirely different career path. Genie Snyder Chamberlin is a good example of someone who chose a different route. She had already worked on four college campuses before attending the Institute. Her experiences ranged from admissions to alumni relations, enrollment management to…


Outstanding Alumni – Corey Dortch (PhD 2011)

Betz Kerley Corey Dortch likes to live his life at the speed of light. Even as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, his schedule was jam-packed and his accomplishments were many. He was a member of the Arch Society, the Sphinx Club, and the Blue Key Honor Society and was the recipient of the Tucker Dorsey Memorial Award. He was also one of the two student representatives on the Leadership Advisory Board. After graduation, Dortch…


Outstanding Alumni – Yang Yang (PhD 2011)

Betz Kerley Statistically speaking, not everyone is a “numbers person.” You might call those who struggle with statistics, probabilities and causalities, mathematically challenged. That description certainly doesn’t apply to Institutional Research Analyst (IR), Dr. Yang Yang. Working in the Office of Institutional Research at the President’s Office of the University of California, Yang spends her days maintaining and updating the database,…


Outstanding Alumni – Tim Letzring (EdD 1994)

Betz Kerley While acquiring a degree in higher education, we all know it’s wise to map out a career plan. We hope to factor in our interests, where we will succeed and what will give us the most satisfaction. But, even the best-laid plans can change, and the next thing we know, we’re on a different path. Take Dr. Tim Letzring for example. While obtaining a law degree Letzring became very interested in education law. He was advised that a…


Outstanding Alumni – Matt Thompson (PhD 2008)

Betz Kerley Funds for institutional support are crucial to help maintain the growth of colleges and universities, regardless of their status. The Greek philanthropist, Cimon donated funds to The Academy of Socrates. Plato and Alexander the Great gave financial assistance to Aristotle’s Lyceum. Fundraising for higher education began at Harvard College in 1641. By the mid twentieth century, most colleges and universities had established a…


Graduate Fellow Named - Barrett Taylor

Elisabeth Hughes A graduate student working with Dr. Sheila Slaughter, the Louise McBee professor of higher education, Barrett Taylor was the recipient 2011-2012 of the Zell and Shirley Miller graduate fellowship. The fellowship, established in 2005, honors former senator and Mrs. Miller for their many contributions to higher education and is awarded to the graduate student who shows great promise for a future career in higher education. Taylor…
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