MAPW graduate Connie Watjen named campus dean at Georgia Highlands College

KENNESAW, Ga. (Jun 9, 2016) — Georgia Highlands College has named Connie Watjen the new campus dean of its Paulding and Douglasville sites. Watjen, who joined Georgia Highlands in 2008, holds a BBA from Georgia State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Writing(Spring 2006) from Kennesaw State University.

She previously worked for AT&T, Coca-Cola and as an entrepreneur and freelance writer.

Watjen moved from a part-time GHC instructor of English to a full-time instructor of English in 2009, and in the following year progressed to becoming an instructor of Learning Support English. In 2016, she became assistant professor of Learning Support English, a position she held until her recent appointment as campus dean this month.

Watjen, originally from Gainesville, says she has fallen in love with Georgia Highlands College.

"The opportunity to work with people who are as excited as I am about the opportunity to change lives is what I love most about GHC," she said in a news release. "I once heard a presenter say that those of us who work in higher education are really in the 'hope' business. We offer hope to students from all walks of life." She said she hopes to keep helping students, on a larger scale, as campus dean.

"My goal as campus dean is to be that gentle nudge so many of our students need to persist, despite life’s constant demands and challenges," Watjen said in the release. "The nudge is gentle because it takes place in an environment of trust where every student knows we have their best interest at heart."

GHC President Don Green said he was happy with the new campus dean selection. "Connie provides us with a strong background in instruction, due to her years of experience on faculty here at GHC and a great background in entrepreneurship, marketing and promotion from her time as a business owner," he said.

By Doug Gross (Patch Staff) - May 26, 2016 2:28 pm ET DALLAS, GA.