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New assistant director of student life warmly welcomed

By Jeff Capen
[email protected]
Staff Writer
 

Jennifer Wright, the new assistant director of student life on the Cartersville campus, is no stranger to GHC. "As a former student at Georgia Highlands, I know what it is like for students here. I love that the students are so candid and interesting," Wright said.

Originally from Rockmart, Wright graduated from Mercer University with a degree in sociology and marketing. Then she worked for a year as the director of the Community Partners Division at the Bartow County Chamber of Commerce. Wright has now returned to the college scene and has already made an impact. "She's doing a great job," said Carolyn

Hamrick, the director of campus operations at Cartersville. "She's trying to involve students in all types of activities, from making dog tags to flip flops. She's a wonderful addition to our campus." Wright�s main goal as the assistant director of student life is simple: "to give the students what they want." Wright notes that she works for the students. "If the students here aren't happy, I'm not doing my job," she said.

Constructive criticism is also very important to Wright. "For a student to come up to me and say, 'Hey, I hated that activity,' I really do appreciate it and can build on it. Constructive criticism is always welcome." Wright has appealed to students interested in volunteer work by holding a Volunteer Fair in the student center. Students were able to browse displays from organizations such as the Etowah Valley Humane Society and the United Way of Bartow County. Applications were handed out to students willing to offer their time and effort.

Noting that intramural sports are very popular at the Floyd campus as well as at other universities, Wright would like to get a program started at Cartersville. "We have plenty of room to attempt an intramural sports program, whether it be ultimate Frisbee, flag football or softball," she said. "With as many students at Cartersville as there are at Floyd, we should have some of the same activities."

Wright arrives at the college at 8 a.m. and spends most of her day brainstorming and planning for activities. "Coordinating and promoting an event takes time, and multi-tasking is very important," Wright said. She must first get the event approved, making sure there are no conflicting events. Then she must send an email out to students and faculty promoting the event.

Setting up for the event is the final step, and dedicated faculty members are usually willing to help. Wright wishes every student at the Cartersville Campus would take the time to meet her. She said, "My door is always open, even if a student just wants to talk. I also encourage students here to add me as a friend on Facebook. There's also a group for the Office of Student Life, named 'Highlands Student Life.'"

 "Since most college kids probably log into Facebook at least once a day, I see it as a great means of communication," she said. Wright says she is a laid back, friendly person, even if she seems "Type-A" at activities. "I want everything to go like I planned it. I want all the events here at Georgia Highlands to be top notch," she said. While not on campus, Wright enjoys taking care of her golden retriever, Marlowe. She is also a sports fan, enjoying Georgia Tech football.