DECEMBER 18, 2024 — Georgia Military College’s Global Online Leadership College (GOLC) proudly celebrated its winter graduates on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This special 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.
The Global Online Leadership College at Georgia Military College creates opportunities for students—including active-duty military, veterans, their family members, working students, traditional college students, no matter their location. Students can earn their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through 100% online courses designed to fit busy lifestyles. With open enrollment, no test score requirements, and a curriculum grounded in real-world 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 on Saturday is 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 Carla, a working mother of two.
Carla’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, Carla 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.
Her 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, Mrs. Bonita Barnes, praised her as a “dedicated scholar” who never let adversity deter her. “Her persistence, communication skills, and will to succeed were unmatched,” Mrs. Barnes shared. Now, with her bachelor’s degree in hand, Carla plans to pursue a master’s degree in human resource management, inspired to reach even greater heights.
Like Carla, many students in the 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 the GOLC to the flexible schedule to earn his degree on his own time, and he says others he’s recommended the GOLC to others who 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 towards 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. Natalie chose to attend the Global Online Leadership College to earn her Associate’s degree. While balancing her education, Natalie also worked as a substitute teacher and managed the challenges of pregnancy. The flexibility of GMC’s online courses made it possible for her to stay in school, maintain her job, and even deliver her child—all while keeping up with her coursework.
“I feel appreciative that I was able to accomplish so many things at once, and I have the GOLC to thank for that,” Natalie shared. “With GOLC, you can focus on multiple life goals instead of being tied down to just one.” Now a proud graduate, Natalie plans to further her education at Middle Georgia State University, where she will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She recommends GMC’s Global Online Leadership College to friends, emphasizing its adaptability and support.
Also graduating is Isaias Gomez, a 24-year-old active-duty service member in the National Guard. Isaias earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, a milestone he views as a significant step forward in his military career. Throughout his time at GMC, Isaias balanced academic commitments with his responsibilities in the National Guard, including activation for hurricane relief efforts.
“The flexibility offered by the Global Online Leadership College and my professors allowed me to complete my work in a timely manner, even during activations,” said Isaias. “My professors were understanding of what was asked of me and communicated well. I would definitely recommend GMC to other service members—it’s served me well, and I know others can have the same experience.”
These stories, and those of countless others, demonstrate the transformative power of education and the unwavering spirit of Georgia Military College students. GMC remains committed to empowering individuals through accessible and flexible education, ensuring that no obstacle is insurmountable on the path to success. For more information about the Global Online Leadership College, visit online.gmc.edu.
Georgia Military College (GMC) is an accredited public-independent liberal arts college with satellite campuses throughout the state of Georgia, a Global Online Leadership College, and a main campus in Milledgeville that serves residential cadets, commuter students, and intercollegiate athletes. GMC aims to develop students into authentic servant leaders, providing hope and opportunity to all through the institution’s time-honored values of “Duty, Honor, Country.” Through various pathways of opportunity, there is a place for all at Georgia Military College. “Leadership is our Legacy… and your Future!” For more information about Georgia Military College, visit www.gmc.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/georgiamilitarycollege, follow us on Twitter @GaMilCollege and Instagram @_georgiamilitarycollege.