GMC News
GMC Names Educator and Character Educator of the Year
Georgia Military College 2018-2019 Educator and Character Educator of the Year
Georgia Military College has named Derrf Seitz Educator of the Year, and Nerphrita Norris Character Educator of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year. Both Seitz and Norris have had impactful careers at Georgia Military College. Seitz is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at GMC’s Columbus campus. Norris is an Assistant Professor of First Year Experience at GMC’s campus in Fairburn.
Seitz has two Masters Degrees, one in Mathematics from Wayne State University, and another in Software Engineering from Auburn University. Before coming to Georgia Military College, Seitz worked in the computer industry for 33 years as a Software Programmer, Designer, Architect, Engineer, User Interface Designer, User Interface Architect, Business Analyst, and Business Architect. He wanted to share his skills and experience with others, that’s when he came on board to teach at GMC-Columbus. He’s been an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the Columbus campus for nine years.
“I am honored to receive this recognition and am humbled and proud to represent GMC as Educator of the Year,” Seitz said. “Georgia Military College is a great and noble institution that helps me to develop as a true educator, providing a quality environment for teaching and learning. Helping students develop their intellect and character is a goal of mine. I want them to see that there is always a better way for everything. I want to impact peoples’ lives in a positive and meaningful way.”
Executive Director for Georgia Military College’s Columbus campus, Holly Arnold, says Seitz is a true asset to the GMC-Columbus team.
“Professor Seitz truly believes in the mission of Georgia Military College and he works to not only educate students in the disciplines that he teaches, but also to develop the moral character of the students in all of his classes,” Arnold said. “He feels that it is important to instill a sense of stewardship in our students, as well as a sense of pride in our campus and institution.”
Norris is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Delaware State University. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education Management from Strayer University. Norris has years of experience working with youth and adolescents with various non-profit organizations, and in daycares, high schools, and now at the college level. In 2012 Norris joined the GMC-Fairburn campus as an Advisor. She then transitioned into the classroom teaching a College Success Course, and eventually became a full-time faculty member and First Year Experience Department Chair.
“I was filled with gratitude when I found out I’d been nominated and selected as the Character Educator of the year,” Norris said. “I’m so grateful to GMC-Fairburn and the institution-wide team, past and present, for teaching, supporting, and encouraging me to be the best me I can be. GMC’s mission and the opportunities it provides to students caught my heart. The best part of my position is interacting with the students and teaching a course with content that I know can make all the difference for them in their walk through their college experience. GMC enables me to walk in my purpose to bless and support others to find and walk in theirs.”
Brigadier General Rock Donahue, Executive Director of GMC-Fairburn, says Norris is a great role model for the campus’ students.
“Nerphrita Norris is a poised and proficient professional, and inspired servant leader of character who always creates a learning environment enabling student success that is underscored by pride, self-improvement, and accomplishment,” Donahue said. “She shines brightly in a constellation of exceedingly talented faculty at Georgia Military College. All of us at team Fairburn are extraordinarily proud of her recognition as GMC’s Character Educator of the Year.”
Both Seitz and Norris were recognized at Georgia Military College’s Academic Honors Parade on April, 11, 2019. Congratulations to both!
