Young Harris College professor wins academic excellence award

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (08/28/2024) — A musician, educator, and performer, Dr. Shelley Sanderson was honored at the Young Harris College Convocation Aug. 15 with the 2024 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award. Established in 1991, the award recognizes outstanding professors on campuses of the Georgia Independent College Association.

"Dr. Sanderson balances it all in her role as professor and coordinator of Music Education, and co-coordinator of Musical Theatre at Young Harris," said Dr. Jason Pierce, YHC Provost, at the Convocation, the annual celebration of the beginning of first-year students' college experience. "Shelley is a great example of someone who is an expert in her chosen field and has the passion to share that with her students."

To earn the award, faculty members must assist their institutions in nurturing an academic climate that fosters teaching excellence, and they must provide leadership to enhance the campus community.

"I am honored to receive this award, as I work among such a talented, diverse group of educators that contributes to a standard of excellence here at Young Harris College. The faculty here are truly excellent," Sanderson said, as she addressed the first-year students at the convocation. "The college offers an incredibly diverse education focused on everything from arts to sciences, which will help you gain valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills."

A native of Warner Robins, GA, Sanderson joined the Young Harris College Department of Music faculty in the fall of 2015. Before teaching on the collegiate level, she was Director of Choirs for middle and high schools in the middle Georgia area.

"You will be surprised by how quickly the four years will go by," she said. "Choose your path and be curious. You have no idea right now, how positively this will impact your life."

Sanderson coordinates the Bachelor of Music Education program and teaches multiple Music Education courses, including, Introduction to Music Education, Voice Methods, Secondary Music Methods, and Elementary Music Methods.

In addition, she is also the advisor for the Collegiate National Associate for Music Education (CNAfME) chapter at YHC.

"Any one of our professors could be standing here today," Sanderson said. "And they are here for each and every one of you, to help you reach your full potential."

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.

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