Georgia Military College’s Global Online Leadership College (GOLC) celebrated its winter graduates on Dec.14.
This ceremony marked the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and determination for students who balanced their educational aspirations with life’s many challenges while earning their degree online. To celebrate GOLC’s winter graduates, Highland Rivers Behavioral Health CEO Melanie Dallas served as the graduation speaker.
GOLC creates opportunities for students, including activeduty military, veterans, their family members, working students, and traditional college students, no matter their location. Students can earn their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through online courses designed to fit busy lifestyles.
With open enrollment, no test score requirements, and a curriculum grounded in realworld skills, GOLC ensures higher education is both accessible and relevant to today’s career goals. Supported by award-winning programs and a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and coaches, students receive personalized guidance every step of the way. Whether advancing a career, transitioning from military service, or beginning a new journey, GOLC is where success stories begin.
Among the graduates was Carla Brown, a remarkable individual who exemplifies the resilience and dedication Georgia Military College fosters in its students. She earned a spot as GOLC’s Distinguished Graduate, graduating with a bachelor of applied science degree in business management, a goal she began pursuing three years ago while employed as a supervisor at GEICO. The flexibility of GMC’s online courses and smaller class sizes made it the ideal choice for Brown, a working mother of two.
Brown’s journey was not without its challenges. After her position at GEICO was eliminated due to staffing reductions, she faced the daunting task of rebuilding her career. Determined to make her opportunities brighter, she set her sights on completing her degree. During her studies, Brown also managed significant personal hardships, including supporting her mother through medical issues and extended hospital stays. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, often completing assignments late at night from hospital rooms, drawing strength from her children, Wynsor and Wynter, who stood by her side with encouragement.
Brown’s support system extended beyond her family.
Her father, James, celebrated her milestones with dinners, and her friend Lacy was a constant source of motivation.
Carla’s graduation coach, Bonita Barnes, praised her as a “dedicated scholar” who never let adversity deter her.
“Her persistence, communication skills, and will to succeed were unmatched,” Barnes shared.
Now, with her bachelor’s degree in hand, Brown plans to pursue a master’s degree in human resource management, inspired to reach even greater heights.
Like Brown, many students in GOLC are juggling more in life than just their coursework.
Hudson Caldwell graduated Saturday with his bachelors degree, while working full-time as the safety director locally at Fowler Flemister Concrete.
Caldwell attributes his success in GOLC to the flexible schedule to earn his degree on his own time and says others he’s recommended GOLC feel the same.
“I have friends that work outside of Georgia that are currently enrolled and even have friends who are on military deployment working toward their degree in the Global Online Leadership College,” Caldwell said. “All of them enjoy the flexibility to work towards their degree without hitting pause on life’s responsibilities. GMC has led me on a path to success and I look forward to new opportunities now that I have my four-year degree.”
Another inspiring story is that of Natalie Williams, who describes her time at GMC as feeling like a return to family.
She and Caldwell share the title of alumni of Georgia Military College, both graduating from the Preparatory School.
Williams chose to attend the Global Online Leadership College to earn her associate’s degree. While balancing her education, she also worked as a substitute teacher and managed the challenges of pregnancy.
“I feel appreciative that I was able to accomplish so many things at once, and I have the GOLC to thank for that,” Williams said. “With GOLC, you can focus on multiple life goals instead of being tied down to just one.”
Now a proud graduate, Williams plans to further her education at Middle Georgia State University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
These stories, and those of countless others, demonstrate the transformative power of education and the unwavering spirit of Georgia Military College students. For more information about the Global Online Leadership College, visit online.gmc. edu.
– Contributed