Georgia College & State University’s (GCSU) School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SoCPS) awarded GCSU’s Outdoor Center Director Dr. Liz Speelman with a collaboration award.
Speelman has been a faculty member at GCSU for the last 15 years. As director of the Outdoor Center, she collaborates with many student groups, classes, and community organizations to teach outdoor education and team-building classes. Alongside this role, she has also served as an instructor for the Leadership & Management Academy in SoCPS’s department of Continuing & Professional Education.
“I’ve worked with the High Achievers Program and the Leadership & Management Academy by providing leadership and team-building training or programs,” said Speelman. “As one of the instructors with the academy, I assist in leadership training for government officials. My instruction focuses on skills to work as a team, communication, hearing feedback, and more. My work with the High Achievers Program has centered around outdoor team-building activities.”
According to Speelman, working with SoCPS has allowed her to diversify the population that she works with. Becoming a part of the staff for the Leadership & Management Academy has allowed her to pursue additional challenges and refine her skills as a leader.
“I’m usually acting in the role of instructor but through the Outdoor Center I have been able to take on the role of a mentor as well,” said Speelman.
“Our collaborative efforts benefit not only the organizations and students that I work with but the faculty of Georgia College, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and myself.
It has allowed everyone to learn, strengthen their skills or learn new skills, and discuss new ideas.”
Speelman shared that she has experienced excitement and joy working with SoCPS because of how ambitious and creative the staff are.
“I do not define myself as an idea person, however, their staff is always bringing new ideas and opening new discussions that I am able to get involved with. These ideas allow us to initiate plans, programs, and more that would not be possible without a collaborative mindset,” said Speelman.
Executive Director of SoCPS Angela Criscoe, along with the directors in the SoCPS, surprised Speelman with the inaugural award in April. A collaboration award was also given to the Baldwin County School District in May. According to Criscoe the award’s purpose is to feature the collaborators that make SoCPS’s programs and classes possible.
“We can’t operate without collaboration,” said Criscoe. “When our six directors meet, we always discuss ongoing collaborations and the impact they are making.
The collaboration award is our way of featuring our collaborators each year and honoring the time, dedication, and commitment they’ve shown through their continuous support of our departments.”
Starting this year, the six directors each nominated collaborators they believed should receive the award.
The award is given to one internal collaborator and one external collaborator based on the criteria of how that person or organization has made an impact, nurtured the relationship between themselves and SoCPS, shown initiative, been innovative, and problem solved.
“Dr. Speelman is extremely accommodating. She knows how to relate to a diverse group of youth while also supporting the students that work for her … She's been involved with the High Achievers Program since before I moved over to the SoCPS.
She is a key instructor in our Leadership & Management Academy and also serves on the advisory board for our Leadership & Management certificate programs. Liz has also worked with the staff in Historic Museums, providing them teambuilding exercises during their retreats,” said Criscoe. “Dr. Speelman is an excellent communicator and does a great job offering a new perspective,” Criscoe added. “Her interpersonal skills, flexibility, willingness to show responsibility, and provide quality programs are core reasons why she was selected.”
Criscoe worked closely with Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Daniel Nadler and his special assistant Sarah Whatley for weeks to surprise 7/31/2024
Speelman with the plaque. “Liz had a one-on-one meeting planned with Dr.
Nadler and while she went into that meeting, we hid in a room nearby until he told her that there were guests here to see her,” said Criscoe. “Sarah Whatley escorted us into the office.
We took her by surprise and presented her with the award.”
According to Speelman, it was a “surprise” and “honor” to receive the award.
“We appreciate Liz and all the collaborative work that she has done,” said Criscoe.