Georgia Military College (GMC) announced the winners of its 2025 Employee Awards, recognizing three extraordinary individuals who exemplify the mission, vision, and values of GMC through their commitment, excellence, and service.
Congratulations to Employee of the Year Maj. Ken Franks, Teacher of the Year Maj. Terri Youngblood, and Educator of the Year Dr. Melissa Willis.
“These remarkable individuals have gone above and beyond in their roles at GMC,” said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, president of Georgia Military College. “Their passion, dedication, and love for our school and our students are evident in all they do. We are grateful for their service and incredibly proud to recognize their achievements.”
For more than a decade, grounds manager Ken Franks has been the heartbeat behind the scenes at GMC.
From campus events and parades to ensuring the grounds reflect the excellence of the institution, Franks’ impact is seen and felt across all areas of campus life.
He is known for his selfless commitment to students, his belief in the GMC mission, and his unmatched dedication, even taking late-night and holiday calls to support campus needs.
In just her first year at Georgia Military College Prep School, Youngblood, an eighth-grade algebra teacher, has made an unforgettable mark on her students and colleagues.
Known for her tireless commitment to academic excellence and personal mentorship, Youngblood is celebrated for her willingness to stay after school to tutor students of all grade levels, even revisiting advanced math concepts to better support their learning.
Her positive attitude, professional demeanor, and ability to uplift those around her have created a nurturing and motivating learning environment.
Willis, senior department chair of Social & Behavioral Sciences for GMC’s Global Online Leadership College, is an outstanding leader and innovator within GMC’s academic community. She led efforts to develop two new bachelor of applied science degree programs, ensuring students have more opportunities to continue their education and leadership development at GMC.
Always available to support her students and colleagues, Willis embodies leadership, opportunity creation, and teamwork in all she does.
Georgia Military College is honored to recognize these exceptional individuals whose work shapes the lives of students and strengthens the entire GMC family.
— Contributed