Brenau University

Let’s wish Dr. Debra Dobkins a warm farewell now that she has officially retired from Brenau after serving the university for 27 years!💛As the dean of our Women’s College and professor of English, Dobkins has poured her heart into this institution, instilling in her students a deeper understanding and appreciation for literature and the world around them.

A few months ago, we asked Dr. Dobkins what she hopes the Brenau community will remember about her. And, this is what she said:

“One thing I can say truthfully, I have approached this work with great joy. The students bring me more joy than I can possibly say. So, I hope that people remember me as a positive force. Somebody who was truly dedicated to Brenau students.”

Best of luck as you step into your retirement, Dr. Dobkins! Although you will no longer be on
campus, the lasting impact you made at Brenau will be felt and cherished forever.💛📚

To learn more about the legacy Dr. Dobkins has left at Brenau, visit Brenau.edu/news.

#womenscollege #brenauuniversity #brenau #brenaufamily #collegelife

Carly Adams, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies🩺💛

When considering PA schools in Georgia, Carly Adams knew what she wanted — an anatomy lab, a small classroom setting and experienced professors who care about her success.

Luckily for her, she found Brenau.

“I came for the first open house and was blown away,” she said. “Now having been through the cadaver lab and my first semester, I can say that’s instrumental in PA learning. Also, the systems-based modular learning, a lot of PA schools don’t do that. It really fits in with my learning style.”

One semester into her studies, Adams has already received several service learning opportunities, including performing assessments at a local nursing home and assisting providers at Good News Clinics, a nonprofit that offers free medical services to uninsured residents of Hall County.

If Adams could give advice to students entering Brenau’s PA program, she would tell them to “leave your ego and competitiveness at the door” and “come ready to learn and help other people.”

“We’re a very inclusive program where we help each other,” she said. “We share study materials, we talk all the time. Unlike medical school and a lot of other programs, we’re not fighting for a spot. There’s no rank. There’s us being good PAs.”

#physicianassistant #physicianassistantstudent #brenau #brenauuniversity #gradstudent #healthcareprofessionals

After witnessing the need for more mental health professionals during the pandemic, Karohn Kelley decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. Now, with his master’s in clinical counseling psychology under his belt, he plans to move back to his home in Tampa, Florida and begin serving his community.

“Hopefully, I’ll go back to get my doctorate, but until then, I’ll be helping as many people as I can,” he said.

Kelley said he’ll cherish many memories from Brenau, including his study abroad trip to Rwanda and the moments he spent with his friends on campus.

“What I love the most about Brenau is the people I’ve met,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of experiences here.”

#collegegrad #psychology #brenau #brenauuniversity

Congrats to Deirdre “Didi” Cassell, Brenau’s Executive Director of Academic Initiatives & Student Success, for recently being named one of this year’s Top 50 Women Leaders of Georgia by Women We Admire!🎉🌟

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by Women We Admire this year, especially as I take on this new role at Brenau,” Cassell said. “To be included among this group of amazing women leaders is such a humbling experience. I have served Brenau and our students for 10 years in a variety of roles, and have seen first-hand the transformative experience students have as they reap the benefits of higher education. I look forward to empowering new generations of students to succeed in their academic studies and go on to excel in the professional world.”

On June 2, Cassell will begin transitioning into her new role as Brenau’s Assistant Vice President of the Undergraduate School and The Women’s College.

Pictured in the second image: Cassell receiving a plaque for completion of the Fellowship Leadership Development Program through the Georgia Association of Women in Higher Education and the TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership.