The Pulse

“Our brains are wired to release oxytocin when in the presence of our tribe and cortisol, the chemical that produces the feeling of anxiety, when we feel vulnerable and alone” (Sinek, 2014, p 50). It is not a wonder that we thrive in an environment where we feel as if we belong and are valued and loved. What makes you feel as if you belong and/or valued? Is it warm greetings from colleagues? Is it an intentional interaction from individuals within and outside of your circle? Is it an occasional note of appreciation from your direct supervisor? Over the past 16 months, isolation and a lack of belonging could have crept in where belonging once prevailed. While we saw some benefits to working from home for several months, the likelihood that coming back to work with feelings of awkwardness and even alienation may be significant. Since you can only be responsible for your own behavior, perhaps you may reflect on how you can help to make others feel as if they belong and are valued. The resulting outcome will be a college that is united, cohesive, and collaborative where everyone can reap the benefits of a good release of oxytocin.

Sinek, S. (2014). Leaders eat last: Why some teams pull together and others don’t. Portfolio Penguin.

Daniel Czech is the new Associate Dean and Professor in the College of Health Sciences. Daniel earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Denison University where he became passionate about the liberal arts. After Denison, Daniel earned his Ph.D. in performance psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During the past twenty-one years, Daniel has taught at Samford University and Georgia Southern University. While serving many roles and wearing many hats at Samford and Georgia Southern, Daniel developed a deep enjoyment for creating positive psychology interventions to help enhance performance. With numerous publications, presentations, and certified consultant experiences, Daniel started to write books about his positive psychology research and experiences. Two books, in particular, are being used in classrooms across the country. One of his most cherished professional achievements in his career is that he has been able to write these books with former graduate students who have earned their Masters and Doctoral degrees in positive psychology and who are now professors in the academy. Below are descriptions of two books with his students.

The Power of Positive Emotions

The Power of Positive Emotions is a positive psychology book and online course designed to instill emotional awareness while cultivating positive emotional expression. Authors Dr. Duke Biber and Dr. Daniel Czech discuss a wide variety of positive emotions, as well as potential benefits from emotional expression. Techniques to become aware of and activate such expression are introduced, as well as how these emotions relate to the Broaden and Build Model. The Power of Positive Emotions include Growth Mindset, Grit, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Optimism, Gratitude, Spirituality, Joy, and Authentic Pride.

NO FEAR - Discover Your Passion and Live with Purpose

With over 30 years of combined experience as professors and performance enhancement consultants, Drs. Dan Czech, Noah Gentner, and Duke Biber have taught, consulted with, observed, and interviewed thousands of people in various disciplines across the world. During that time, they have seen the traits, characteristics, and attitudes of both highly successful people and those who have not met their goals. Not surprisingly there are stark differences between these two groups. Drs. Czech, Gentner, and Biber have identified these variances and specifically the behaviors, attitudes, and traits that separate highly successful individuals from their less successful counterparts. No Fear is the result of their work. In No Fear, Drs. Czech, Gentner and Biber discuss the characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors they identified in the successful athletes, students, business executives, political leaders, musicians, actors, teachers, doctors, and parents of all disciplines, levels, genders, and ethnic backgrounds whom they were fortunate to work with, observe, teach, or interview. No Fear provides insight into what makes these people successful and, more importantly, provides the reader with a roadmap for their own success. For anyone looking to achieve their personal or career goals or improve their quality of life, No Fear is for you. No Fear will teach you to approach life without fear, relentlessly and optimistically work towards your goals, embrace challenges, respond to setbacks, enjoy life, and ultimately achieve the type of success we all desire.

Pictured below: Dr. Daniel R. Czech

In recent months, the Center for Health and Social Issues concluded their research on blighted residential properties in Oconee Heights. After assessing each property’s physical appearance and condition, a neighborhood blight index was created by averaging individual property blight scores for all properties in the neighborhood. CHSI intern Christina Taylor used her geographic information system (GIS) knowledge and experience to create heat maps to portray the severity of blight throughout the neighborhood as seen below.

Taylor and Cat Woodall, CHSI graduate assistant, then presented these findings to the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners. Their presentation included research results, goals, and recommendations for obtaining grant funding for community development pursuant to federal law. The team also discussed the interrelatedness of health determinants such as education, crime, and housing, and the positive impact blight remediation could have on those factors. This presentation ended in great success as Commissioners lifted a limitation that allocated resources to two blighted properties per month and agreed to increase county emphasis on blight. Coverage on the presentation by The Union Recorder can be found here.

Below is a photo of Taylor and Woodall during the presentation.

Photo credit: Billy Hobbs, a reporter for the Union Recorder.

Recent Public Health graduate, Christina Taylor, is working with the Center for Health and Social Issues to uncover disparities related to physical food environments and food access in Baldwin County. Using GIS technologies, each physical food establishment in the county was mapped and evaluated based on the types of food products sold. Evaluation questions included if fresh, frozen, or processed fruits and vegetables were available and if fresh or processed meats were an option for customers. This research stems from a common trend of rural communities having limited access and availability to healthy foods. Food environment research is essential in addressing how personal eating habits influence dietary intake, health behaviors, and possible health risks. This research is being conducted in collaboration with GCSU geography professor Dr. Doug Oetter, GCSU public health assistant professor and CHSI Director Dr. Damian Francis, and Dr. Danielle Sharpe, a contract GIS Analyst for the CDC. Taylor hopes to continue this research on a larger scale in the fall while pursuing her Master’s in Spatial Analysis for Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

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"I was not completely in tune with how my Biology degree was flowing though. It felt as though none of my courses were connecting (although they were all completely different science courses) but I did not like how I couldn’t tie in my previous knowledge from a course into my new courses. It made me feel like I could just dump everything out after the semester was over because it didn’t matter. Well, I began to look at other schools to see what majors they offer and I was always drawn to Kinesiology, this is what I started off as and I loved it.

I met my lab partner in Organic Chem in Spring 2019 who was Postbac from Georgia College with a degree in Kinesiology getting her last prerequisite before starting classes at PCOM for PA. I was like “wait a minute so it is possible to pursue a degree you WANT and still get in?” I’m sure you know what happened next because I was seated in Hobbs class the next semester to finish my degree. Needless to say, every course I have had has flowed with continuity and I see that now being done with all of them, but of course while in the midst of them I was one of those bratty college kids that just wanted to be done and didn’t want another assignment. Although I loved my major many days I was like “okay but I may not even use this right away”(then a pandemic occurs seriously?).

Fast forward we begin to search for my internship in Fall 2020 and I was so discouraged because all of the hospitals and clinics were not accepting students due to COVID restrictions. I called my list of PA schools and asked them about any change of admissions requirements due to the pandemic and they replied “you’ll have enough time” but regardless I kept pushing forward and got an internship at Benchmark. I began to feel fear and imposter syndrome because I had no idea what to expect and this was not in my area of expertise (or so I thought). We began to fill out contracts between GCSU and BPT and my clinic coordinator wrote under my objectives “Will help brainstorm with other PTs in a clinic setting” and I thought “I’M GOING TO WHAT NOW?” So of course fearful, but as my first day approached everything began to feel so familiar. Throughout every period of the day, I had all of this previous knowledge coming from the apparent Kinesiology filled portion of my brain. I mean from an evaluation, they would take goniometry measurements which I learned in structural, then they would begin MMT (methods of corrective movement, structural) then they would begin myofascial release. I would notice that it was a wide population of elderly patients with hip and knee replacements (ex testing, ex prescription, research methods). I could understand the exercise plans that they made for everyone and jump in to help if they needed to step away (resistance training, ex prescription) I can see all of the incorrect form and correct it, I correct a squat almost every day (resistance training). I have been able to actually help with the goniometry and take blood pressure if I need to (ex phys, ex testing). I even explained to a patient why she shouldn’t do bicep curls if she was experiencing an elbow injury because of the gravity involved in that exercise. After this, I was just relieved and so surprised at myself for feeling doubtful.

I am so thankful that I have kept all of my undergraduate notes and I guess my parents were right about keeping everything because I began to brush up. All of this to say I am so thankful for the Faculty of professors that I have had that are so personable and it’s made me realize it does all tie together eventually. This helped me realize how crucial didactic years can be. This gave me such respect for PT and I saw the relationship they had with various PA’s and how sometimes there was a disconnect because many patients are just prescribed Tylenol instead of given a referral to PT so it has given me an understanding that I may have someone that comes in if I make it to PA school and they actually may benefit from PT before some crazy surgery.

I was so reassured and proud of my decision to transfer and I am so excited to be a Georgia College Alum. SO NOW I am applying to a handful of PA programs and crossing my fingers and if that doesn’t work out this cycle, I am going to get my EKG Tech Certification to get more PCE. Thanks to Ex Phys, Ex testing, and Clinical Ex Phys, stress testing & EKG interpretation won’t be completely new to me. SO if you ever question “did I do enough for those brats?” You absolutely did. In a pandemic too! Thank you!"

Karla Martin

BS in Exercise Science ’20

Former Georgia College Athletic Training Alumna, Kirby Kelley, MA, ATC, LAT, OTC, returned to the program for an in-session training for our second year Athletic Training students and our phenomenal preceptors. Participants enjoyed a workshop on suturing, casting, and splinting last week.

Pictured below.

Last month Dr. Talecia Warren from our Georgia College School of Nursing taught our MSAT students and preceptors about IVs. We're always grateful for the interprofessional learning opportunities shared between nursing and athletic training.

Pictured below: Dr. Talecia Warren, School of Nursing

Georgia College Soccer head coach Tinna Gallagher announced a pair of assistant coaches added to the staff for the upcoming season. SHHP’s Dr. Joanne Spalding will serve as the assistant coach.

Spalding joins the Bobcats after working at Division I East Tennessee State University as an assistant coach for eight seasons. In her first year at ETSU, Spalding helped the Bucs to a 15-6 overall record including a 9-2 record in conference play. The 15 wins were the most in program history. Spalding assisted the Bucs offense that led the NCAA in scoring, goals, and assists.

"Coach Spalding has great coaching experience, at all levels, as well as great knowledge of exercise science/human performance which will benefit our program tremendously," said Gallagher. "She will bring quality and experience not only as a great player during her collegiate and international careers but also as a very good coach. I am thrilled that she is going to be our assistant coach and be a part of our program!"

Prior to her time at ETSU, she was an assistant at Averett University from 2008-13. Spalding helped lead the Cougars to four consecutive seasons of 12 or more victories (2010-13). In 2010, Averett won a program-best 13 matches en route to advancing to the program's first-ever USA South Conference Tournament championship game appearance. In 2012, Spalding was an integral part of Averett's first-ever USA South Conference title, helping guide the Cougars to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

A native of Erskine, Scotland, Spalding graduated with honors from Northeastern State University (Okla.) in 2008 with a degree in health and human performance, and a minor in psychology. Spalding earned her master of business degree from Averett in 2010 and a Ph.D. in Sport Physiology and Performance at ETSU in 2020. Spalding enjoyed a successful playing career while at NSU, starting all four years, in addition to serving as team captain for two seasons. Prior to attending NSU, Spalding attended the National Women's Football Academy in Durham, England.

Pictured below: Dr. Joanne Spalding

On behalf of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Board of Governors, it is our pleasure to inform you of Georgia College and State University School of Nursing designation as an NLN Center of Excellence for the 2021-2025 term! Your application demonstrated sustained efforts to enhance student learning and professional development. Congratulations to you and the faculty at Georgia College and State University School of Nursing!

Special thanks to Dr. Sallie Coke and Dr. Josie Doss for leading the charge with writing and editing the self-study. Dr. Dana Gorzeleny-Mostak's help was amazing. The entire Educational Effectiveness Committee for the School of Nursing worked and contributed towards this effort.

Congratulations GCSU School of Nursing!

While some people grow up with a strong desire to be a nurse, Martha Colvin didn’t discover her passion for nursing until later in life. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, but raised in many different states across the South due to her father being in the Army, Colvin was surrounded by female role models who worked as teachers or secretaries. “My best friend’s father was a physician and my mother had a best friend who was a nurse. In those days, I was allowed to make rounds with my friend’s father, and I thought nursing would be an exciting profession,” Colvin said. And nursing did become Colvin’s lifelong profession.

Colvin is a Professor Emeritus and retired Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Georgia College and State University. She dedicated 25 years to the profession. And to honor her career, Colvin’s late mother, Ann Hearn, established an endowed nursing scholarship in Colvin’s honor in 2012 that gives first preference to male nursing accepted into the cohort program at Georgia College.

Nursing is a largely female-dominated field, with only approximately 9% of all nursing students being male, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “Scholarships need to meet a specific need. There were numerous scholarships available for female nursing students specifically, there were none for males. Men bring a different and much-needed perspective to the classroom and clinical setting,” Colvin said.

Kenneth Sheffield is one of the past recipients of the Martha Melton Colvin Endowed Nursing Scholarship. Sheffield agreed that the male perspective is different. “When there are only four males in a class of 52 it takes a little bit to adjust,” Sheffield said. “Males in the nursing cohort sometimes miss out on clinical experiences due to patients being uncomfortable. But I would also say, as being a male, a lot of time the spotlight gets put on you more because you a minority in the cohort.”

In addition to detailing his passion for nursing, Sheffield said the “Martha Melton Colvin Endowed Nursing Scholarship” has impacted his life. “The scholarship has given me a sense of value in this program and it has recognized the hard work that I have put in and alleviated the financial burden on my family,” Sheffield said.

Colvin first came to Georgia College to teach nursing in the Fall of 1998 when Georgia College was still on the quarter system. “My husband was looking for a promotion with his job, and he applied to several locations near colleges, and that’s how I ended up at Georgia College,” Colvin said. During her time at Georgia College, Colvin said she felt supported by the campus community, even as it expanded. “The whole Georgia College community is supportive,” she said. “Whether you are a faculty member in need or a student with a need resources are available if you ask someone who knows you have a need and they can lead you to the correct source. I worked with some great faculty members in not only nursing but across the campus.”

With 25 years of nursing, Colvin said her favorite part about nursing was the interaction she has with students, specifically the interaction she had with students outside the classroom.

Simply put, clinicals were Colvin’s favorite part of the entire nursing experience, and while clinicals are often considered the most challenging and stressful, they are also often considered the most rewarding part about the nursing experience.

Colvin attributed most of her success as an educator to the support she received from her friend and mentor, GC Professor Emerita, Dr. Leta (Frankie) Holder. “When I first arrived, I was still growing as a junior faculty member and had Dr. Frankie Holder as a wonderful mentor. Holder was instrumental in getting me involved in committee work across campus, speaking at conferences, helping me learn the culture of Georgia College and the process for various procedures across campus,” Colvin said.

As her time passed at Georgia College, Colvin said she realized the impact that GC had on her and her goals as a teacher. “As time goes on, I learned the faculty role better and other opportunities were presented to me. At times, others would come up to me and ask me to take on a specific challenge. As I accepted these roles, my main objective was to assist the College of Nursing or the College of Health Sciences in meeting our overall goals,” Colvin said.

And Colvin’s family, including her son, James, is proud of her accomplishments during her career in nursing and service to Georgia College. “I’ve seen my mother’s nursing and teaching career impact her from the effect many of her patients, students, and colleagues have had on her. She’s helped so many people in her life and they have enriched her life in return,” said James Colvin.

During her 25 years, Colvin experienced just about all there is to nursing. Her advice to those interested in entering the field is simple. Colvin said, “Outside of the obvious intellectual skills, a nurse needs good communication skills, the ability to think critically, attention to detail, compassion, good time management, and cultural awareness.”

Pictured below: Martha Colvin with Grandson

The Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects (OGSP) is pleased to provide the attached grant activity report for June and a year-end review for FY 2021.

OGSP completed another historical year. Grant activity for FY21 set a new record with grant awards totaling $4,098,017 which is a 5.9% increase above FY20.

Noteworthy COHS sponsored project activity includes:

• Awards to the College of Health Sciences for 24.5% of the funding.

During the month of June, 5 grant proposals requesting $175,000 were submitted. Public Health Dr. Ernie Kaningjing was one of those.

Best of luck Dr. Kaningjing as you await a response on your proposal.

Way to go COHS! Your hard work paid off!!

Thank you for your commitment to external funding for the COHS!!

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