FALL 2008

New Faces in Leadership Posts

Dr. Vanice W. Roberts selected to lead School of Nursing With the Georgia Board of Nursing having granted “developmental approval” for its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Shorter College has hired Dr. Vanice W. Roberts to serve as its first dean of the School of Nursing. She will lead in developing this new academic program.

To the post, Dr. Roberts brings a vast array of experience as a professor emeritus, national nursing education consultant, published author, researcher and presenter, grant writer, and clinical examiner. A 30-year veteran of Kennesaw State University’s faculty, Dr. Roberts retired in 2007 as a professor of nursing. During her time at Kennesaw, she taught courses in a variety of health care areas, including nursing fundamentals, advanced medical surgical nursing, women’s health issues and research methodology. She also held many administrative roles including associate dean of the WellStar College of Health and Human Services, acting chair of the School of Nursing, and director of the Center for Professional Development and Service in Health Care.

Dr. Roberts holds a Doctor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University, and both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women.

Dr. Chuck Wynn named dean of education and social sciences Dr. Charles “Chuck” Wynn, associate professor of education, has been named dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences. He will oversee the departments of education; history, political science and international studies; and psychology and sociology.

A veteran educator, Dr. Wynn taught eighth-grade social studies at the Stratford Academy, served as chair of the Department of Education and assistant professor of education at Wesleyan College, and was an assistant professor of education at West Georgia College. His professional service includes being an executive committee member and chair for the Georgia Commission for Exemplary Social Studies.

Dr. Wynn holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in social studies education from Georgia State University and both a Master of Arts in European history and a Bachelor of Arts in history and psychology from the University of West Georgia. He joined Shorter’s faculty in 2006.

New ministerial post designed to boost spiritual life on campus

Dr. Aaron Werner has joined the Shorter College faculty as dean of the chapel and minister to the university.

In making the announcement, Shorter’s President Dr. Harold E. Newman said that Dr. Werner will serve as the campus pastor, ministering to the needs of all students from all faiths; will work to expand domestic and international missions opportunities for students; will enhance spiritual development activities on campus; and will facilitate denominational relations activities for the college. He will work closely with the Rev. David Roland, who serves as Baptist Collegiate Ministries’ campus minister at Shorter.

“Dr. Werner brings a rich background of experiences with him to this post, including his recent service as college and career minister at Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, Calif.,” Dr. Newman said. “One of our five areas of excellence is a commitment to being a Christ-centered community in which we integrate faith and learning, and we are excited about the work Dr. Werner will do to enhance spiritual life on campus.”

In December, Dr. Werner earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a major in applied philosophy of religion and a minor in evangelism and missions. He also holds a Master of Divinity in theology from Southern Seminary. He was ordained into the ministry in 2002 by the First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., where he served as college minister. His other ministerial experience includes serving as youth minister at Calvary Chapel in Jupiter, Fla.; as singles intern at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky.; and as senior pastor at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Leavenworth, Ind. He and his wife, Kathy, have relocated to Rome with their four daughters: Kayla (4), Kristen (3), Hanna (2) and Hope (4 months).

Alumni and friends will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Werner at the college’s luncheon held during the Georgia Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. This year’s lunch is set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Stockbridge. Anyone interested in additional details may contact Carrie Fitzsimmons at (706) 233-7401 or cfitzsimmons@shorter.edu.