Gillespie named Master Teacher
Dr. Dee Gillespie, a University of North Georgia (¶¶Òõ̽̽App) professor of history, was honored as a Master in Teaching by Brenau University and Featherbone Communiveristy.
Gillespie was chosen for her intrapersonal and interpersonal qualities, expertise and transformational influence.
The leader credits her success with her students to her collaborative leadership style. She aims to engage with her students and says she is inspired by her colleagues within the Department of History, Anthropology and Philosophy.
"Awards are nice, but I'm a little uncomfortable being in the spotlight," Gillespie said. "I know anytime that I am recognized, there are a bunch of people who have helped me get there."
In addition to the Masters in Teaching distinction, Gillespie was one of three faculty members to earn the Teaching Excellence Award for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty from ¶¶Òõ̽̽App's Center for Teaching, Learning, & Leadership (CTLL) in 2022. The award is given to faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching of undergraduate, professional or graduate students.
Gillespie is most proud of what she is able to accomplish with her students in the classroom. She loves the passion they bring each day.
Her goal is to constantly assess and refine what she's doing and never lose her spirit of innovation.
"The energy that students bring into classes makes it easy for any of us," Gillespie said. "They show up and respond well to what I'm doing, and that is an important reward for me."
Masters in Teaching honors a group of instructors annually from northeast Georgia who excel in their expertise, influence and personal qualities. Educators are chosen from kindergarten to higher education and span across all teaching disciplines.
Reaves named national softball Player of Year
¶¶Òõ̽̽App senior center fielder Sydnee Reaves has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Player of the Year.
Education students publish book reviews
Five students in ¶¶Òõ̽̽App's College of Education were featured in the Georgia Association of Literacy Advocates FOCUS Newsletter for spring 2026.
Courtney researches Oval Office décor
Alumna Sara Courtney's last semester at ¶¶Òõ̽̽App included the opportunity to visit the nation's capital and present at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
Nighthawks advance to NCAA championship
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App softball team has punched its ticket to the NCAA Division II championship for the fifth time in six seasons. It opens the event at 6:30 p.m. May 28 against McKendree.