CTL Newsletter

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Georgia College & State University is excited to introduce Elevate to Celebrate, our bimonthly newsletter dedicated to recognizing and honoring the incredible instructors at GCSU.

In each issue, we’ll highlight faculty achievements, innovative teaching practices, and the impactful work happening across campus. We believe that celebrating excellence in teaching fosters a strong academic community and inspires continued growth.

Stay tuned for stories of dedication, creativity, and collaboration. We invite you to join us in uplifting and applauding the faculty who make GCSU a place of transformative learning!

Professor Jehan El-Jourbagy

Jehan El-Jourbagy, Associate Professor of Business Law and the recipient of last year’s University Teaching Excellence Award, expresses a rare balance of passion, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to her students. Through her thoughtful teaching philosophy, diverse career experiences, and genuine care for her students' growth, Professor El-Jourbagy has become a beacon of inspiration for the campus community and beyond.

A Path Paved with Passion and Purpose

Surprisingly, Professor El-Jourbagy’s journey to academia was unplanned. Starting as a litigator, she left the law firm life to focus on her growing family. This transition led her to nonprofit work, and eventually, to teaching—a path she discovered serendipitously during a Milledgeville potluck dinner. After being encouraged to teach a semester-long ethics class one evening each week, she instantly felt a deep connection with the Georgia College campus and its students. “It just felt like where I was supposed to be for the rest of my life,” she reflected.

Her transition from law to teaching was marked by challenges and rewards. While adjusting to a college instructor’s life with three young children, she found solace in the flexibility offered by academia. Her department chair’s support allowed her to balance her personal and professional lives—a stark contrast to the rigid schedule of her legal career.

A Philosophy Rooted in Self-Discovery

Professor El-Jourbagy’s educational philosophy centers on fostering self-discovery and experiential learning. “A good attribute of a teacher,” she says, “is someone who can identify a student’s strengths and amplify it [to] help them see that about themselves.” Rather than providing answers, she encourages her students to ask questions, seek information independently, and arrive at their own conclusions. She believes education should go beyond the mere transfer of knowledge, focusing instead on creating transformative experiences that resonate deeply with students.

Her classroom is a hub of interactive learning, where students engage in public speaking, service-learning projects, and reflective discussions on ethical dilemmas. “The best teachers listen and adapt,” she emphasized. This adaptability ensures her teaching remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of her students. By promoting a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, her students are better prepared to succeed as members of a cohesive unit.

Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom

One of Professor El-Jourbagy’s greatest joys is helping students navigate their career paths and personal growth. Whether connecting them with local judges for internships or guiding them through career changes, she takes pride in amplifying their strengths and encouraging them to recognize their own potential.

Balancing Innovation and Tradition

As a lifelong learner, Professor El-Jourbagy is continually seeking ways to innovate her teaching while staying true to her core values. From leading study abroad programs to organizing student leadership tours across Georgia or even facilitating legal scavenger hunts where students can develop their understanding outside of the classroom, she infuses her courses with real-world applications and opportunities for personal growth. Her classes often tackle timely topics, such as the legal recognition of student-athletes as employees, keeping the material both relevant and thought-provoking.

Finding Joy in Life and Work

Outside the classroom, Professor El-Jourbagy channels her passion for community and creativity as the conductor of the Monticello Community Band. Music, travel, and quiet moments of reflection help her maintain balance amid a busy academic schedule. A self-described early riser, she finds time in the quiet hours of the morning to plan her classes and express gratitude through handwritten notes and thoughtful connections with others. When at work, a wall in her office that she calls her “happy wall” holds reminders of things she’s done that have brought joy to a student’s life, whether that’s referring them to a counselor, a job, a new career, or something else.

Looking Ahead

As she continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, Professor El-Jourbagy is excited about continuing to teach. Despite her numerous accolades and ambitious goals, her definition of success remains beautifully simple: “To be happy in what you’re doing.”

Jehan El-Jourbagy’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, embracing change, and dedicating oneself to making a difference in the lives of others. At Georgia College & State University, she exemplifies the teaching excellence that defines the institution’s liberal arts mission.

Professor El-Jourbagy's office door holds pictures of her students from various classes. She calls it her 'refrigerator door.'

Starting a new teaching role can be a whirlwind, and Sara Jordan, Assistant Professor of Library Science at Georgia College & State University, knows this firsthand. As a first-year faculty member, she’s learned a lot about what helps new instructors thrive—and she’s eager to share.

First, Sara expressed the importance of structured support for transitioning into teaching. As someone new to full-fledged classes, she found the instructional design consultations invaluable. “The guidance I received not only helped me navigate Brightspace [GeorgiaVIEW/D2L] but also gave me a sense of structure and direction,” she shared. Workshops also made a big difference for her, especially those on active learning. “They weren’t just about theory—they gave me real, practical tools I could use right away. It’s made my classes flow so much better.”

Sara reflected on how the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) bolstered her professional confidence. Through consultations, she refined assignments, enhanced grading strategies, and developed a structured approach to her classes. “Now, there’s a method to the madness,” she joked, emphasizing how this clarity improved her teaching.

A sense of community emerged as another important theme. “The connections I made during orientation, whether over shared interests or casual conversations, made a huge difference,” she said, advocating for more team-building and social opportunities.

Finally, Sara acknowledged the challenge of balancing workloads with professional development. She noted that the heavy workload for new faculty, especially those teaching foundational courses, can leave them feeling overwhelmed and limit their ability to participate in professional development. Sara’s insights remind us of the power of intentional support in fostering faculty success and satisfaction.

Transitioning from clinical practice to higher education is no easy feat, but Denise Cochran, Lecturer in Nursing, has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Hired just weeks before the semester began, Denise found support through the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), participating in numerous workshops that shaped her approach to teaching.

“The Active Learning 101 course and New Faculty Community of Practice meetings were invaluable,” she shared. “Meeting people from across campus—Advising, the Registrar, the Learning Center—helped me understand the resources available for students and faculty alike.”

Coming from a hands-on profession, Denise sought ways to engage students beyond traditional lectures. She credits CTL with introducing her to student reflection techniques and active learning strategies, which she plans to implement in her courses.

Beyond instructional support, CTL helped Denise build connections across disciplines. Seeing familiar faces at workshops made it easier to ask questions, share ideas, and gain insights from colleagues. “That networking can be just as valuable as the sessions themselves,” she noted.

Her onboarding experience was unique—her school director left room in her schedule to attend CTL events, something she wishes more new faculty could experience. “I know that’s not always possible, but having dedicated time for professional development made a huge difference,” she said. This balancing act has made her keenly aware of the demands new faculty face, particularly those transitioning from professional practice into higher education.

For new faculty, Denise’s advice is simple: Make CTL a priority. “Don’t wait to see if your schedule allows it—plan for it. The connections, resources, and ideas you’ll gain are invaluable.”

As she continues growing in her role, Denise’s journey highlights the importance of faculty support, professional development, and community in higher education.

Chika Unigwe discussing her book, The Middle Daughter, at the Sharjah Book Festival of African Literature, Sharjah (UAE, 1/24-1/28 2025). The festival was also attended by Nobel Laureates Wole Soyinka and Abdulrazaq Gurnah.

This column in the CTL newsletter is devoted to celebrating faculty success over the past academic year. This month, we are pleased to feature Dr. Chika Unigwe, assistant professor of creative writing. In 2023, Dr. Unigwe was knighted into the Order of the Crown, one of Belgium’s highest honors awarded to civilians.

What is your role here at Georgia College & State University?

I am the interim coordinator of the creative writing program. I have been teaching fiction and creative nonfiction here for close to five years.

What award did you receive this year?

I am a finalist for the Townsend Prize for Fiction, a biennial award for the best book of fiction by a writer domiciled in the South. Previous winners include Alice Walker and Ha Jin.

What does receiving this award mean to you?

It is very validating. I am a self-doubting writer, and for someone who owes me nothing to pick up my book and deem it worthy of such a prestigious prize is incredibly validating.

What advice would you give to other faculty who might be interested in applying for a similar award?

Don’t listen to that voice in your head that stops you from trying. What have you got to lose? Apply and let the chips fall where they may.

We would like to use this space in the newsletter to share stories about faculty success. Do you have an accomplishment that you would like to have featured in our newsletter? If so, please reach out to us at ctl@gcsu.edu.

Check out Dr. Unigwe's book, The Middle Daughter!

Georgia College & State University students often express how their instructor created transformative learning experiences for them, how they created a learning experience that changed their lives, or how they feel better prepared after taking a course. So, beginning Fall 2021, the Center for Teaching and Learning at Georgia College & State University wanted to find a way to recognize instructors who impact their students in positive ways.

The GCSU Thank-a-Teacher nomination program is our way to let our instructors know that we value their work with our students and provides them with a tangible way to track the good work they are doing.

Here are a few letters of nomination highlighting successful student engagement activities and interactions by instructors.

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Letter #1

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the incredible impact you have had on me as a student. You are easily one of the very few professors who has truly improved my writing, and for that, I will always be grateful. Your classes are not only engaging and entertaining but also leave me with something meaningful every time we meet.

What sets you apart is how much you genuinely care about your students. You are funny, approachable, and “real” with us, treating us with respect rather than as if we are beneath you. I have taken your classes for the past 3 straight semesters because they are a perfect balance of learning and enjoyment. I even planned to take your class next semester, but unfortunately, you no longer offer that class. Honestly, I never would have voluntarily chosen to take an English class, but I would take yours over and over again without hesitation.

If anyone deserves a teaching award, it is you. Your impact on my education and outlook on writing is beyond me, and your dedication to your students is clear in everything you do. I also want to mention that I would not take time out of my day—especially a Monday—to write this if I did not genuinely appreciate the person I was writing it for.

Thank you for being the amazing professor that you are. I truly love all your classes and appreciate everything you have taught me.
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Letter #2

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible impact you have had on me during this time in the classes I have had with you as a professor. Your teaching has been more than just lectures and assignments; it has been an inspiration. Your enthusiasm for research and willingness to share your journey, especially having recently completed your dissertation and earning your doctorate, have been genuinely motivating. Clearly, your passion for music therapy doesn’t stop with academics; it extends to how you engage with your students and make complex ideas feel approachable and meaningful. You’ve made the course material come alive in a way that has deepened my appreciation for music therapy and made me feel excited about pursuing research myself. Your understanding of the subject and what it means to be a student navigating challenges has made a lasting impression because I was about to wrap it up and leave my first semester. But I'm still here because you show me and others that we can do this! You’ve inspired me to push myself further and approach my studies more confidently.

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Letter #3

Thank you for being so much more than a professor. I’ve talked to many students that have been in my classes that I’ve taken with you as the instructor, and everyone always says you’re the best. Your attention to our wellbeing and flexibility during difficult times is so special to all of us, and you have taught me more than any other professor at GCSU. Thanks for being someone we can depend on when we are struggling, and thank you for being willing to help with the going gets tough. We appreciate you!

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Letter #4

As the semester comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible guidance and support you provided throughout the Dyslexia Endorsement Program.

Your dedication to providing quality feedback was truly invaluable, offering insight that deepened my understanding and strengthened my skills. The way you organized the coursework and our synchronous time together made the program not only manageable but also engaging, and your prompt responses to emails ensured that I never felt lost or unsupported.

Your suggestions and the materials you shared were instrumental in fostering both my growth and confidence in the teaching reading. This program has provided me with further understanding of the Science of Reading and structured literacy, as well as reinforced the critical importance of early literacy development.

Thanks to your thoughtful instruction, I now feel better-equipped and inspired to support struggling readers. I am deeply appreciative of your passion for this work.

Thank you again for everything—it has been a privilege to learn from you!

Spring and warmer days are just around the corner! Look at what IT is up to:

• Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness Workshop - GCSU IT and Hance Patrick offered an online 2-hour workshop to show the techniques that scammers use in today’s web environment and ways to identify and prevent loss from an online scam. Additional information can be found here: https://cpe.gcsu.edu/gcsu/Course/Course.aspx?c=1542
• PAW Printing Price Drop - New prices have gone into effect for PAW printing locations across campus. As of 01/13/2025, black & white copies have been reduced to 10 cents per page and color copies have been reduced to 30 cents per page. For additional information and printer locations, visit Paw Printing - Information Technology | Georgia College & State University.
• Information Security Awareness training for employees – Information security awareness training is required for all GCSU employees. Please make sure you complete the training before March 28, 2025. This is mandatory training required by USG. To access the training go to www.knowbe4.com and login using your GCSU employee credentials.

Remember, IT is always happy to help! Contact us any of the following ways:

• Submit a self-service ticket by going to https://askit.gcsu.edu.
• You can also get to the website by using the “AskIT” tab at the top left of https://my.gcsu.edu.
• Call the IT Help Desk at 478-445-7378.
• Send an email to AskIT@gcsu.edu and include a description of your issue.
• Drop by the IT Help Desk located on the bottom floor of the library.

Email: ctl@gcsu.edu
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