Gordon State College President as Keynote Speaker at Henry County Chamber of Commerce Lunch With a Leader Event
By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager
On Thursday, Feb. 16, Henry County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Lunch with a Leader event in McDonough, Georgia with Gordon State College President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks as the featured guest keynote speaker.
President Nooks spoke to a guest-filled room of members from the community, Henry County Chamber, local businesses, and individuals from other institutions. He spoke on GSC’s mission and vision, degree programs, employment pipeline, the highlights of the institution and opportunities with community innovation partnerships.
“We are always delighted to talk about Gordon State College because of the multitude of diverse things that are going on at our well-rounded institution. It’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with many in the audience,” Nooks said.
President Nooks emphasized on how Henry County represents 23% of the institution’s student population. Of the 3100 students enrolled at GSC, over 730 of those students reside in Henry County making it the No.1 sending county of GSC’s 14-county primary service region. He spoke on the institution’s efforts in keeping those students within the county to serve their community in the workforce.
“As Henry County goes so goes Gordon State College. We cannot be successful without your collaboration. This is also the reason for the heavy emphasis on Henry County, our partnerships, and why we do what we do with Henry County in mind,” Nooks said.
There was discussion on GSC’s Highlander EDGE which represents qualities that set Gordon graduates apart: Engaged Innovators, Dedicated Scholars, Gifted Communicators, and Ethical Leaders. President Nooks said community partners that take on GSC interns or graduates will notice the Highlander EDGE characteristic quality.
“We hold a curricular ribbon that through our courses and our students’ experiences, that allowed us to partner with them in this notion of The Power of WE, will create a stronger graduate for you,” Nooks said.
President Nooks underlined updates and the progress of the institution’s five-year strategic plan, Building the Power of WE, which is nearing its completion in a little over a year. He concluded the conversation by providing ways and opportunities the audience can connect and help GSC by either attending events, making a gift donation, serving on a board or volunteer to be a guest speaker in a classroom.
Followed by President Nooks’ keynote address was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and connect with him one-on-one.