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Not only a teacher but a student

By Sarah Abercrombie
[email protected]
Assistant Editor

Terra Brown

Terra Brown, part-time instructor of physical education, has dedicated her life to her faith, her children and her love for health and fitness.

She said, �I can remember my father having bypass surgery when I was 15, and the thought of losing one of the most important people in my life devastated me. My grandmother, his mother, died when I was four from heart disease, and my grandfather, his father, died of a heart attack when I was eight.�

Brown says this family history inspired her to help people with fitness and health.

�I got my first weight bench when I was 14. I have always eaten healthy and worked out. I am very disciplined when it comes to health and fitness. Life is a choice,� she said.

Brown earned a bachelor�s degree in Exercise Science and Wellness/Cardiac Rehab with a concentration in Athletic Training from Jacksonville State University (JSU). She also has a master�s degree from Life University in Sports Injury Management.


While she was completing her master�s degree, she started at what was then Georgia Highlands College (now Georgia Highlands College) and completed her associate of applied science degree in Physical Therapy Assisting.

While in college Brown worked as a personal trainer at Gold�s Gym and also worked privately as a trainer. She earned her certification in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

After graduating from JSU in 1996, Brown worked as a Physical Therapy Tech at Cartersville Medical Center until 1999.

In January 2001 Brown started at Georgia Highlands College (now Georgia Highlands College). �I used to love to speak on health and nutrition at church, so I knew that I would love to teach,� she said.

Along with teaching at GHC Brown is also a student. �I am currently completing my doctorate in Educational Leadership, but I am preparing to apply to PA (Physician Assistant) school this year,� Brown stated.

Brown also works for Polk Medical Center in Outpatient Physical Therapy and at Redmond Regional Hospital some weekends.

She is a single mother of two young boys Holland, who is six, and Tylar, who is four. �They are my life,� Brown said.

Brown�s foremost goal is to be obedient to God�s will. �I hope that His light will shine through me,� she said.

She also hopes to complete PA school and to be a foster parent to many children one day �on a beautiful farm.�

Brown has an ongoing desire to help others. �I want to start mission work when my life settles and offer my experience in the medical field to third world countries,� she said.