Sherry King

Academic Success Coach -  Warner Robins Campus

Education:

I was born and raised in Perry, Georgia. I have received degrees from Fort Valley State University (B.S.) and Tuskegee University (M.S.) in Economics (Agricultural Resources). I am currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Management.

Experience:

I have spent 18 years in higher education, working with a four-year private institution. My background includes experience with initiatives such as the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and Reaffirmation for colleges and universities, student retention programs (Year-Long Common Read, Academic Advising, New Student Orientation, First-Year Orientation Course, etc.), curriculum and instruction for STEM courses, and educational enrichment activities (academic success coaching, tutoring, supplemental instruction, lab enrichment, athletics study hall, etc.) as well as taught First-Year Orientation.

I specialize in supporting diverse student populations (athletes, 504 accommodations, first-year, ESL, probation, first-generation) who sometimes face challenges and obstacles in their pursuit to achieve career expectations. I am a certified academic success trainer, coach, and tutor. I am also an author of the Steps-2-Success Workbook.

My career is dedicated to helping students take charge of their collegiate pursuit with confidence and determination through the discovery of new things and adventure pathways that fit their life goals. I have experienced the hard knocks of life. Therefore, I’m able to guide others to resources and people who are ready to support students through it all with accountability measures, and an abundance of grace.

Activities:

I enjoy singing, mentoring, and volunteering for organizations who assist with protecting individuals from human trafficking and abuse.

Devon Raleigh

Academic Success Coach – Macon Campus

Education:

Middle Georgia State University
Graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (concentrations in Networking and Information Assurance)

Middle Georgia State University
Graduated in December 2021 with a Master of Science in Information Technology (concentration in Digital Forensics)

Experience:

I have 17 years of experience in customer service roles in a retail environment. I also have 4 years of experience in an Information Technology support role within a non-profit organization and 5 years of experience in tutoring (primarily IT related courses) at Middle Georgia State University.

Activities:

I enjoy pretty much anything Disney related, taking road trips, relaxing at the beach, classic cars, and collecting and restoring vintage computers.

Steven Grafton

Academic Success Coach – Cochran Campus

Education:

I began my college career here at Middle Georgia State University as a former student of Middle Georgia College. Along the way, I took a two-year hiatus, to serve a mission for my church. Upon my return, I continued pursing my degree in history, was married and moved out west, allowing my wife to finish her degree. After returning home to Cochran, I continued my academic journey. In 2021, I graduated from Bellevue University with a B.A in Business Management and Leadership.

Experience:

I bring to MGA a strong foundation in leadership and management. With over seven years of dedicated leadership experience, I have steered multiple teams towards success within my former organization. I consider myself to have a strong commitment to mentorship, preparing students in their roles as students and to guiding them towards the challenges and opportunities that are pilotable to their success.  I believe in strong work values and ethics, which are essential to both professional and personal growth. I take pride in being a motivator. I approach each student with the belief that everyone has a unique purpose.

Interests:

I am also a huge fan of football and love talking about sports in general. I am native to Bleckley County, so I am a big fan of Royals football.  I love watching the history channel and learning specifically about WWI thru WWII.   

Laura Stewart

Academic Success Coach – Cochran Campus

Bio:

I was born and raised in Merced, California. I have been living in Georgia for ten years and consider Georgia my home state now.

Education:

I graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a BA in Liberal Studies. I have teaching credentials in general education and special education.

Experience:

I have spent the last twenty-three years in education. I taught general education in fourth through eighth grades. I taught high school English summer school. I taught special education from first through eighth grades. In California, I worked as a mentor as a Beginning Teacher Support Provider and a Peer Assistance and Review Coach for beginning teachers. Education is my passion, and I am excited to assist MGA students in finding the path to achieve their dreams and goals.

Activities:

I love to be outdoors. I enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming. I also enjoy reading and good movies.

Conner Vizzini

Academic Success Coach

Bio:

I am from Warner Robins, Ga.

Education:

I received my associate’s degree from Georgia Military Collage, before continuing to Georgia Southwestern State University to complete my B.A. in History with a teaching certificate. I plan on furthering my education in the future as well.

Experience:

I am coming to MGA with previous experience in education at the high school level, as well as sports coaching experience, primarily soccer.

I believe in the projects and efforts that aid in building one’s success in any field they desire. I would like to support the students of MGA to continue their efforts in their studies and their futures, whatever path they believe is best for them.

Activities:

I enjoy a variety of things. Soccer, jiu jitsu, and sports in general; I am a sports fan and will encourage getting into something related to them. Chess; I’ve been involved with my chess club at GSW as well as being part of the Warner Robins Chess Club. I also enjoy cooking, writing, etc.

Bethany Knowles

Academic Success Coach

Bio:

I am from a small town, Wrightsville, GA. I earned my associate’s degree in General Studies from Georgia Military College before furthering my education at Middle Georgia State University, where I obtained both a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Music.

Experience:

Earning two bachelor’s degrees has equipped me with the skills to balance various responsibilities, manage time effectively, and tackle the obstacles of being a college student. During my time as a student, I actively participated in leadership programs and peer mentorship. This grew my passion for assisting individuals in understanding how to utilize available resources and in challenging the stigma associated with seeking help. I have a particular interest in learning and study skills, as it is crucial to not “just study” but knowing how to study effectively. I am excited to share the insights I've gained from my college experience and to build collaborative coaching relationships that promote student success!

Activities:

In my free time I love to workout, jog, play pickleball and softball, dabble in piano, sing, and sing some more!