Vicki Hollinshead – Dean of the School of Education
Vicki Hollinshead, professor, currently serves as dean of the School of Education. She holds an A.A. in general education from Emmanuel College, a B.S.Ed. in elementary education and M.Ed., Ed.S. and Ph.D. in middle grades education from the University of Georgia. She taught reading, language arts and social studies to middle school students for 19-plus years in public schools in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. She came to Emmanuel in January 1997 as an instructor in Middle Grades Education. Her research interests include service learning, preservice teacher education, and instructional strategies. Vicki and her husband, Tom, live in Hart County and attend Providence United Methodist Church. They have four children.
Dr. Gina Thomason – SOE Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. Gina Thomason currently serves Emmanuel as SOE graduate coordinator, assistant professor of Education, and adjunct professor for Diversified Agriculture. She holds a BS in early childhood education from Brenau University, a M.Ed from Clemson University, an Ed.S from Piedmont College, and an Ed.D from Liberty University. Dr. Thomason spent 25 years teaching in the Georgia public school system. She has also taught for Liberty University, Walden University, Ashford University and Indiana Wesleyan University. Gina is married to Owen Thomason, a professor at Emmanuel College. They have three children who are married and 6 grandchildren. Dr. Thomason loves to work in her flower garden, camp, hike, volunteer in her church and community, and spend time with her growing family.
Dr. Rick Wilson – Professor of Education
Dr. Rick Wilson, Professor of Health and Physical Education, holds an Ed.D. degree in Athletic Administration from Northcentral University in Arizona as well as a B.A. degree in Physical Education and Health and a M.Ed. in Physical Education from Malone University in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Wilson also serves as the Health and Physical Education Program Director at Emmanuel and leads the Homeschool PE program for area families. Dr. Wilson came to Emmanuel from Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, where he served as Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance and Head Cross Country and Track Coach. Originally from Ohio, Rick taught Pre-K through 12th grade physical education and served as the Athletic Director for 9 years at Heartland Christian School in Columbiana, Ohio and has also coached cross country and track teams at Salem High School in Salem, Ohio and at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois.
Rick and his wife, Mary, have two wonderful children, Amani and Samara. Dr. Wilson feels incredibly blessed to be part of the family and ministry of Emmanuel College and thank God for the opportunity to serve in a community where faith and scholarship are blended in the pursuit of excellence. The “Wilson family runners” are a very close family and enjoy doing everything together, with running, camping, and spending time on the lake being some of their favorite recreational activities.
Dr. Judi Mills – Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. Judi Mills currently serves as an assistant professor in the School of Education. She holds a BA in religion from Emmanuel College, a MAT from the University of South Carolina, and an Ed.D from Gardner-Webb University in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Mills spent 26 years teaching Elementary Special Education in South Carolina and has served as an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University. Judi is married to Wayne Mills. They have 3 children, Andrew, Matthew, and Lindsey. Her research interests include teacher retention, special education assessment, and reading strategies.
Dr. Paige Boomer- Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Paige Boomer, associate professor in the School of Education. She holds a B.S. and M.ED in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University, Ed.S in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, and an Ed.D in Educational leadership from Liberty University. She taught for 25 years in Georgia schools. She also holds an ELL (English Language Learners) certificate and taught ELL for about 6 years. She and her husband, Mike, live in Lula and attend Homer United Methodist Church. They have two sons in college.
Dr. Cyndee Phillips – Director of Institutional Research and School of Education Assessment Coordinator
Dr. Cyndee Phillips is the Director of Institutional Research and the SOE Assessment Coordinator and an adjunct professor. She holds a BA degree from Emmanuel College, a MEd degree from Brenau University, an EdS in Leadership and Supervision from Clemson University, and an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She spent 32 years in K-12 public education, having taught middle grades (5th – all content areas through 8th – science, ELA, and reading) for 14 years and as curriculum director and Assistant Superintendent for the past 18 years. Cyndee retired from the Franklin County School System in the spring of 2018. She is married to Dr. David Phillips, a retired middle school Engineering and Technology teacher and has two adult children. Courtney, and her husband Joshua both teach in Madison County Schools and have a daughter, Annabeth. Grayson is a recent graduate with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry at Kennesaw State University and his wife, Victoria, is an artist, adjunct professor and an elementary art teacher in Fulton County. Cyndee (83), her husband (82), daughter (2010, son-in-law (2010), and son (2017, non-degree) all attended Emmanuel College.
Cyndee serves on the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce board, and is chairperson of the Education Committee. She leads the Leadership Franklin and Youth Leadership Franklin programs for the Chamber. She is also a board member for The Ark. Cyndee and her husband attend Ekklesia Centre in Royston.
Debbie Maxwell – School of Education Director of Field Experience
Debbie Maxwell graduated from EC in 1976 with an AA. Following, she graduated from the University of Georgia in 1978 with a BS in Exceptional Education. She began her career in teaching and worked on her Master’s degree at UGA which she received in 1981. For 31 years, she taught special education and general education in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. In 2013, she completed her Education Specialists degree at Valdosta State University. In 2015, her research on the effects of inquiry-based learning of science on achievement was published in the Asia Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching.
Adjunct Professors
Amy Hancock – Adjunct Professor of Education
Mrs. Amy Hancock has been an educator for 19 years and currently teaches English/Language Arts at Commerce Middle School. Prior to her return to public schools, she spent four years teaching World Literature, British Literature, and AP English at Athens Christian School. She holds a B.S. Ed. in Early Childhood Education, and a M.Ed. and Ed.S. in English Education from the University of Georgia. She taught full-time at Emmanuel College from 2010 until 2015, where she split her time between the English Department and the School of Education. Mrs. Hancock lives in Colbert with her husband, Jeff, and their children, Emily, Anna, and Eli. She attends Jones Chapel United Methodist Church in Danielsville, where she serves as Children’s Minister.
Dr. Lavon Grizzle – Adjunct Professor of Education
Dr. Lavon Grizzle is a life-long resident of Franklin County with her husband of 22 years. They have one son who is in his second year of college. Aside from being an adjunct instructor for Emmanuel College, she is a full-time special education teacher within the Franklin County School System. Dr. Grizzle teaches elementary students in a self-contained classroom who have autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavior disorders, and/or mild intellectual disabilities. Before becoming a special education teacher, she taught fifth grade for nine years. Her educational background demonstrates her love for learning. As seen below, her areas of expertise are early childhood education, instructional technology, and special education. She enjoy sharing her knowledge and experience with those who also aspire to be educators.
2018- Northcentral University: Cert-Special Education
2016- Northcentral University: EdD- Concentration in E-Learning
2010- Nova Southeastern: EdS- Teacher Leadership
2008- Walden University: MA- Integrating Technology in the Classroom
2004- Emmanuel College: BA- Early Childhood Education
1999- Athens Technical College: Diploma- Early Childhood Education
Mrs. Latana Coile – Adjunct Professor of Education
Mrs. Latana Coile served 30 years as a secondary education teacher at Franklin and Madison County High Schools before retiring in 2016. During her career, Mrs. Coile taught Social Studies, served as a Secondary Education Instructional Coach and Gifted Coordinator, and coached basketball and softball.
Presently, in addition to her adjunct work at Emmanuel, Mrs. Coile serves as the Testing Coordinator and Instructional Coach for the Madison campus of Foothills Education Charter High School in Danielsville, Georgia. She currently holds a Georgia certification in P-5 Elementary Education and Georgia 6-12 certifications in Behavioral Science; Economics; Geography; Gifted In-Field; History; and Political Science. Mrs. Coile has also completed GA DOE training as a Teacher Support Specialist; Instructional Coach; and Co-Teacher and is approved by the College Board as an Advanced Placement U.S. History and Psychology instructor.
During her teaching career, Mrs. Coile was selected by her students as STAR Teacher seven times, by her colleagues as Teacher of the Year twice, and as the System (Madison County) Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of Emmanuel College, the University of Georgia, and Piedmont College.
Mrs. Coile and her husband, Robin, reside in the Shiloh community of Madison County and have a daughter (Lori) and grandson (Ethan). In her spare time, Mrs. Coile enjoys reading and relaxing on the screened porch, outdoor activities, watching Carolina Tarheel basketball games, and being “Nana C” to the most handsome red-headed young man around.
Delina Wester – SOE Online Adjunct Professor
Delina Wester currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Carnesville Elementary School and adjunct professor of Education for the Masters of Education online program at Emmanuel College. She holds a BS degree from Emmanuel College in Middle Grades Education, a M.Ed in Early Childhood Education form Piedmont College, a Ed. S from Piedmont College in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Leadership Certification from Piedmont College. She has spent 25 years teaching in the Franklin County School System, 18 years as a teacher and 7 years as an administrator. She has been married to Eddie Wester for 24 years and has two children, Jade and Will. She loves to camp and spend time on the lake with her family. She also enjoys traveling and antiquing.
Karen Correia – SOE Online Adjunct Professor
Karen Correia will serve Emmanuel College as an adjunct professor for the School of Education Online Masters program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Emmanuel College, a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Piedmont College, and a Specialists Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. Ms. Correia is beginning her 27th year in the Georgia public school system. She taught elementary students for 17 years, served as an academic coach, assistant principal, and is currently in her sixth year as principal at Carnesville Elementary School in Franklin County. Karen is the proud mother of two awesome sons, and the “Ma” of two precious grandchildren. She loves making memories with her family. In an effort to stay physically and mentally fit, she enjoys reading, walking for exercise, cooking, laughing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Holly Tucker – Adjunct Online Graduate Teacher
Holly Tucker retired in July 2020 with 32 years in the field of education. During her tenure, she served students in Pre-K through 12th grade in various roles. The majority of her career was spent serving students in K-5th grade as a classroom teacher. For two years she was Graduation Coach for 6th-12th grade. Once she moved into administration in 2010, she served as Assistant Principal at Irwin County Elementary School. In 2014 she moved into the role as Principal at Irwin County Elementary School where she served for 6 years until she retired in 2020. Holly holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University as well as her M.Ed and Specialist both from Valdosta State University. Holly is married to Ira Tucker who retired last year from a 32 year career as an Agricultural Teacher. They have two children and 5 grandchildren. Holly enjoys camping, trips to the beach, road trips with her husband Ira, serving in her church and community, and of course spending time with her little “Grand Joys”.
Dr. Beth Hearn – Adjunct Online Graduate Professor
Dr. Beth Hearn is an adjunct faculty member of Emmanuel College’s SOE. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Emmanuel College, a M.Ed. from Piedmont College, an Ed.S. from Piedmont College, and an Ed.D. from Liberty University. She retired from the Georgia public school system and taught at North Georgia Technical College. She spends her time farming, managing apartments, and playing with her grandson. She is married to Greg Hearn, CEO of Community Services Group and Executive Vice President and CFO of Emmanuel College.
Mrs. Kandy Hardman – SOE Online Adjunct Professor
Mrs. Kandy Hardman currently serves Emmanuel as an adjunct professor for SOE Online Program. She holds a BS in early childhood education from Piedmont College, a M.Ed from Walden University, and Ed.S from Piedmont College. Mrs. Hardman has spent 19 years teaching in the Georgia public school system. Kandy is married to Brandon Hardman and they have six children. Mrs. Hardman loves to work exercise, camp, travel, volunteer in her church, and spend time with her family.
Dr. Julie Franklin – Adjunct Professor of Education
Dr. Julie Franklin holds a B.S. Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Emmanuel College and an M. Ed. and Ed.S. from Liberty University. She completed her Ed.D. from Walden University and has certifications in both elementary, special education, and Tier 1 Leadership. She taught for eight years in either general or special education, most of which were in 3rd grade. She is currently entering her fourth year as Assistant Principal at South Hart Elementary School in Hartwell, Ga. She lives with her husband of 30 years, Scott in Hartwell. They have two adult children, and one grandchild, Jay. Her oldest son, Jake, and his wife, Courtney also live in Hartwell, so she gets to see Jay quite often. Her youngest son, Josh, currently attends Emmanuel. They attend Mt. Olivet Church in the Reed Creek community. She loves learning and desires to provide her students with engaging opportunities that will foster a love for learning as well.
Heather Bridges – Adjunct Professor of Education
Heather holds a BS in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia and an M. Ed. in Mathematics Education from Georgia State University. She has 16 years of teaching experience in the Georgia Public School System and is currently a teacher at Franklin County High School. Mrs. Bridges also holds her Gifted Certification. She has been married to Chad Bridges, who is also an educator, for 26 years and they have 3 children, Chaz, Carson, and Max. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and watch the activities or sports they participate in.
Mr. Brad Maffett – Interim Professor of Music Education
Brad Maffett, M.M. Ed, is an Interim Professor of Music Education for the Fall 2022 semester.
He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University in 1996 and his Master of Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2007. He studied conducting with Robert Rumbelow, Jerry Junkin, Donald Hunsberger, and Frederick Fennell.
He currently conducts both Band and Choir at Franklin County Middle School in Carnesville, Ga. and is the conductor of the Athens Symphony and Chorus. He has previously been the conductor for “Musica Fraterna” of the Atlanta Children’s Choir, Local Vocals, and B Natural. His groups have been selected to represent the state of Georgia for the National July 4th Parade and to perform for President George H.W. Bush.
In addition to his symphonic and choral experience, Mr. Maffett has been involved in all aspects of music, from serving as a singing waiter to playing tuba in a polka band.
Mr. Carl Davis
