GC Shades of Green

GC Shades of Green (GC SOG) is an organization dedicated to responsible leadership grounded in ethics, corporate and social responsibility for the creation and maintenance of a sustainable world. The mission of GC Shades is to develop environmentally responsible citizens through collaboration with the GC Sustainability Council, students, faculty, staff, community members, and strategic business partners. Thus, GC Shades of Green is dedicated to providing valuable transformative interdisciplinary learning opportunities outside of the classroom that expands knowledge beyond textbooks and lectures to influence.

GC SOG Constitution - constitution_for_shades_of_green_9_16_18.pdf

Sams, Doreen, Kalina Manoylov, and Jeniffer Sams (2021) “Transformative learning science experiences beyond the classroom:  A longitudinal case study of one organization’s approach,” 28 (1), doi:10.18848/2327-7963/CGP/v28i01/111-129. Special acknowledgments to Erika Brown, Graduate Student at Kennesaw State University for her contributions. The International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum.

Abstract

Actionable sustainability is a timely topic for the current learner in higher education institutions. Therefore, this case study aims to showcase best practices by dedicated and passionate faculty grounded in pedagogical theory. This study summarizes relevant learning beyond the classroom that provides transformative learning experiences for the student and successfully connects students with career opportunities and community involvement for the betterment of society. This longitudinal study was conducted across a ten-year period and addresses how the development and actions of a grassroots educational organization lead to successful transformative learning experiences that inspire actions and changes across institutional and community members. The grassroots environmental sustainability organization’s academic offerings are presented through a timeline highlighting the interconnected interdisciplinary events in which students participate actively. The subject organization is a collaborative faculty grassroots organization from a medium-sized university in the Southeastern USA that brings businesses interested in sustainability, sustainability leaders, community members, college students, faculty, and staff together to share and learn from each other. The organization’s board members communicate with businesses and organizations seeking their participation in inspiring college students in sustainability dialogues and actions. To collect and analyze the data for this case study, the researchers utilized three analytical methodologies (i.e., secondary data, stakeholder surveys, and observational research). This study provides a successful model whereby dedicated faculty and community members can inspire change and commit to supporting a healthy ecosystem. Typical lecturing is not going to work in the twenty-first century.

Copyright © 2021, Common Ground Research Networks, All Rights Reserved

Doreen (Dee) Sams, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Board President (2022/2023), & Former Board President (since inception of GC SOG to 2019/2020)

Dee earned her doctoral degree in marketing with a subfield in statistics from University of South Florida in 2005. She holds a MBA from the University of South Florida with tracks in marketing, leading the customer driven organization. and International marketing. Dee taught masters level International Business, and undergraduate level marketing research and digital analytics. From 2005 until 2022, she taught and mentored over 300 undergraduate marketing research projects for community partners across the country, several of which have been presented at conferences and/or published in journals. She has developed and conducted marketing study abroad programs in Spain from 2012-2018. She served in two administrative roles at the university in addition to serving as a marketing professor. She has served as the Course Lead for the Georgia WebMBA (International Business course) 2008-2021 as well as the university Coordinator for Mentored Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors since 2012-2022. Her personal academic research spans services marketing, brand communities, public policy, sustainability, pedagogy, and international issues. Her sustainability research includes a co-authored book chapter in Handbook of Sustainable Water Use and Management, eds Walter Leal Filho and Vakur Samer. She has presented at 60+ academic and practitioner conferences across multiple countries and States. Under her leadership of MURACE since 2012, the university received the prestigious AURA Award from the Council or Undergraduate Research. A scholarship was created in her name by Dr. Karen Berman and Dr. Kalina Manoylov to be awarded to an undergraduate researcher at GCSU.  the She serves on the editorial review boards for multiple journals and conferences and has served as editor for a special edition of the Journal of Transformative Learning. She has an extensive background in management and sales. She is currently collaborating with Dr. Mary Kay Rickard on two sustainability research endeavors 1) The Impact of Gentrification and 2) Food Insecurity.

 Kalina Manoylov, Ph.D., Co-Founder & Board President  (2020/2021) & Board Secretary (2023/2024)

Kalina earned her doctoral degree from the University of Michigan. She is a professor of Biology at Georgia College & State University and an Adjunct associate professor at the University of Iowa. Her Ph.D. is in Zoology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior from Michigan State University. Her career began as a phycologist in Bulgaria working on anthropogenic alterations of diatom communities from the Black Sea Coast after Chernobyl. Currently, she uses algal community data to understand environmental changes and anthropogenic effects in different aquatic environments. She is a proponent of water conservation and scientific education. Dr. Manoylov resides in Georgia with her husband and two grown children.

 Hashita Mahabadue, Ph.D., Board President (2021/2022) & Board Events Chair (2023/2024)

Hasitha is an Associate Professor of Physics at Georgia College & State University. Dr. Mahabaduge received his bachelor's degree from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and his doctoral degree from University of Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Mahabaduge spent two years at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado as a postdoctoral researcher. Dr. Mahabaduge's primary research interests include fabrication and characterization of flexible CdTe solar cells. During his tenure at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory he was instrumental in fabricating the highest efficient flexible CdTe solar cell. Dr. Mahabaduge is an ardent supporter of undergraduate research and integrating research into curriculum. Dr. Mahabaduge guided his students to retrofit solar powered golf carts as part of their coursework and is in the process of expanding the solar powered golf cart fleet at Georgia College. Dr. Mahabaduge firmly believes energy education and training is vital to the achievement and maintenance of energy sustainability. As part of their course work, Dr. Mahabaduge guides his students to conduct workshops in renewable energy for K-12 students to train the next generation of renewable energy leaders.

Lori Hamilton, MS, GC SOG Treasurer (Since GC SOG Inception to Present)

Lori is the Chief Sustainability Officer in the Office of Sustainability, a unit within the Facilities Operations Department, at Georgia College. She has been at Georgia College for 24 years with the last 12 of those years directly involved with Sustainability. Ms. Hamilton is an adjunct instructor for the Information System & Computer Science Department in the College of Business and has taught Computers in Business since 2008. She received a B.A. in History and a B.G.S. in General Studies from Valdosta State University and a Master in Management Information Systems and a Master in Public Administration from Georgia College. Ms. Hamilton has served on the Georgia College Sustainability Council since 2012 and as budget manager since 2013. Current memberships include the Sustainability Fee Program (formerly the Student Green Fee Committee), the Georgia Campus Sustainability Network, the Georgia Recycling Coalition, the Association of Energy Engineers and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Ms. Hamilton has served as a board member for Shades of Green since 2014.

Mary Kay Rickard, DBA, GC SOG Webmaster (2022/2023) Incoming President Elect (2023/2024)

Mary is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Georgia College & State University. She received her doctoral degree in Marketing from Kennesaw State University in 2014. Mary has 20 years of teaching experience and is currently teaching undergraduate professional selling, sales management, and marketing. She is the faculty advisor for the Sales Team. She has also developed and conducted marketing study abroad programs for 10 years visiting China, England, Spain, Hungary, and Prague. Mary’s previous industry experience is in wholesale and retail fashion, travel, and she has owned two service industry businesses.

Her research primarily focuses on sales, franchising, higher education, and sustainability. She is involved in several sustainability projects for the community, and she is working with Dr. Dee Sams on two of these projects. One is on the impact of gentrification and the second is on the perceptions of food insecurity in our community. She is also working with a student on a research project to complete her Certificate in Sustainability. They have worked together to analyze the campus-wide recycling program. The goal is to provide the university with information on ways of becoming more sustainable by providing achievable recommendations.​

Karen Berman, Ph.D., GCSU Theatre & Dance Chair Retired

Karen is the retired Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Georgia College where she served for twelve years.  She published two book chapters, is Dean Emerita of the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, is a Past President of ATHE, and is Artistic Director of Washington Women in Theatre. She received the Georgia Governor's Award for the Arts. She is an At-Large Councilor for the Council on Undergraduate Research. Karen is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club. She has worked with Shades of Green on the original play Don’t Flush It and has worked with Dr. Doreen Sams and Dr. Kalina Manoylov on journal articles and presentations.

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Philip (Phil) Sams, BSCS & MMIS 

Phil has been involved in Georgia College & State University's GC Shades of Green, from its beginning in 2008. Phil has served in GC Shades of Green roles of project management, various technical tasks, logistics, and other tasks as requested.

Phil is an AACSB, SACS certified instructor for a full range of Information Technology & Management Information Systems curriculum at the undergraduate level of 2 & 4 year college/university as of 2003. Mr. Sams taught at the University of South Florida as an instructor in 2004. He earned his Master of Science degree in Computer Management Information Systems (MS-MIS) from the University of South Florida in 2003. Mr. Sams also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) from East Tennessee State University in 1989.

He is an innovative and experienced Senior Consultant and Instructor (retired) of software development and quality, who is able to contribute a unique blend of software quality assets to firms by increasing software ROI and quality while helping to decrease time-to-market. His primary consulting and instructing strengths are on Load & Performance testing and automated testing and framework designs and implementations.

Mr. Sams has a proven software ALM, consulting, and technical instruction background in which greater than 20% were returning students (2, 3, and 4 times), adding additional revenue and business. During a 15-month period, he taught over 550 students in seven (7) different courses, generating revenue in excess of $1,000,000. He has created and delivered “Train the Trainer” programs in Europe (e.g., London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam) in 2007 and 2008, which resulted in the certification of 25 (out of 35) Borland SilkTest and SilkPerformer instructors in Europe.

Mr. Sams has both published in journals and presented conference papers including:

• “ROA/ROI-Based Load And Performance Testing Best Practices Increasing Customer Satisfaction and Positive Word-of-Mouth Advertising” (Journal and Conference 2012),
• “Software Security Assurance a Matter of Global Significance: within the Product Life Cycle Propositions” (Journal and Conference 2012),
• “Improving Your Test Automation ROI Using Object-Oriented Testing Techniques with Rational Robot” Rational Users Conference 2005, and
• “Software Good Enough To Ship” 2003.

Current Members

Griffin Fox is a sophomore Environmental Science major set to graduate in 2026. He is interested in obtaining a GIS certificate as well as gaining as much lab experience as possible while at Georgia College & State University. Currently, he is a part of the Manoylov Phycology lab team processing samples related to water quality assessment with algae. Additionally, Griffin is researching the current state of microplastics in local waters, looking into methodologies for detection and/or remediation.

 

 

Renée Woodruff is currently enrolled at Georgia College and State University (GCSU) in Milledgeville, GA. She will graduate in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. At GCSU, she is the vice president of Chi Tau Epsilon, a National Dance Honor Society, as well as a guest lecturer with GCSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance. She keeps her marketing skills sharp by challenging herself daily and following the latest in the industry. During her travels through France, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland she has gained a broader understanding of the world and humanity’s relationship to the environment. Her goal is to use her passion for the environment to inspire others to conserve the Earth’s vitality and diversity.

 

 

 

 

2022 Happenings

During the Spring semester of 2022 Dr. Manoylov provided two webinar events. One on March 23rd with guest speaker, Dr. R Jan Stevenson, Michigan State University and a second on April 6th with guest speaker, Dr. Sylvia Lee, EPA Biologist in Washington DC. 

2021 Happenings

Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge lead the charge for the GC Shades of Green in addressing the impacts of renewable energy resources and education on and off campus at the November 2021  Solar Energy event.

An article was published "Transformative Learning Science Experiences beyond the Classroom: A Longitudinal Case Study of One Organization’s Approach" authored by Doreen Sams, Kalina Manoylov, and Jeniffer Sams in The International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum, Accepted for Publication March 22, 2021.

2020 Happenings

Aquatic Invaders of Georgia Lakes - a community information symposium of expert opinion, scientific presentations and Q&A on invasive primary producers in Georgia lakes with Dr. Kalina Manoylov, Dr. Eutychus Kariuki and student, Meagan Henderson.

2019 Happenings

2018 Event

Halimeda - "Lady Protector of the Sea" Creation by Jeniffer Sams, Doctoral Student, Indiana University.

2017 Happenings

 

2016 Happenings

2015 Happenings

Don't Flush It Video

 

 

 

 

2014 Happenings

Research presented in Kos, Greece by an undergraduate student, Ivan Manoylov, mentored by Drs. Sams and Parker and co-authored with undergraduate student, Emily Scarboro. “Sustainability Paradigm: Perspective of the Small Retailers,” Sustainable Development and Planning Conference, Wessex Institute of Technology.

2013 Happenings

"This was a great year for GC SOG and its students with large attendances at events and greater interest in participating in SO events. One outstanding outcome occurred when the SO’s founder and co-founder sponsored a student’s costs to Washington, DC to experience a national sustainability conference for practitioners. From participating in the event, new ideas emerged for future Environmental Sustainability offerings and opportunities for the GC SOG as well as research (TLE) for the student" (Sams, Manoylov, and Sams 2021).

2012 Happenings

Article published in 2012 in the National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology publication. ARTICLE

2011 Happenings

A Real Plastic Women - Creation by Jeniffer Sams and Lorelei Brooks Huff.

2010 Happenings

The Board expanded from the three principle members by adding its first external board member (local nonprofit sustainability solutions owner).

2009 Happenings

In this year, Carl Perazzola, Chief Deputy of the US Air Force Corrosion Prevention expanded the event to include attendees from the campus and local communities. He was joined by a professor from Canada, Monica Ospina, who owned a environmental sustainability organization for small companies presented together.

2008 Happenings

Carl Perazzola, Chief Deputy of the US Air Force Corrosion Prevention spoke to MBA student on campus about his role in sustainability efforts.

2024

2023

2022

2021

Sams, Doreen, Kalina Manoylov, and Jeniffer Sams (2021) “Transformative learning science experiences beyond the classroom:  A longitudinal case study of one organization’s approach,” 28 (1), doi:10.18848/2327-7963/CGP/v28i01/111-129. Special acknowledgments to Erika Brown, Graduate Student at Kennesaw State University for her contributions. The International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum.

2020

2019

2018

Sams, Doreen and Amanda Martin-Akin (2018) “A Marketing Collaborative Adventure: Lessening the Threat of A Sticky Smelly Problem,” Marketing Management Association Conference, (Apr 18-20), Chicago, Illinois.

Janna Parker, Doreen Sams, Amit Poddar, and Kalina Manoylov (2018) “Congruency in Water Conservation Behavior:  Is What We Say What We Do?,” Journal of Consumer Marketing, 25 (6) 644-658, ISBN 0736-3761.

2017

Sams, Jeniffer and Doreen Sams (2017) “Art Education as a Vehicle for Social Change: An Empirical Study of Eco Art in the K-12 Classroom,” Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 33 (2), 1-20.

2016

Blumenthal,  Ryan, Leslie Bowker, Natalee Laye, Hope McDonald and Doreen Sams (2016) “FOG Awareness, Advertisement Effectiveness, and Intentions of Middle School Students: An Empirical Study,” National Council of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Apr.

Grimes, Sean and Doreen Sams (2016) “Utility Dashboards: Understanding Student Interest,” National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Apr.

Parker, Janna, Amit Poddar, Doreen Sams, and Kalina Manoylov (2016) “Water Conservation on Campus: Experimental Study Examining the Role of Advertising and Technology In Promoting Water Conservation Among College Students,” Marketing Management Association, Chicago, Apr 13-16. (Best paper in Branding, Research, and Strategy Track.)

Sams, Doreen and Janna Parker (2016) “The Perspective of Small Retailers on Sustainability: An Exploratory Study for Scale Development,” Let’s Get Engaged! Crossing the Threshold of Marketing’s Engagement Era, Editors Michael W. Obal, Nina Krey, and Christian Bushart, Springer Publishing: Germany. BOOK CHAPTER.

Smith, Ron, Doreen Sams, Joanna Schwartz (2016) “Impact of Personal Beliefs in Business-to-Business Buyer Decisions,” Association of Marketing Theory and Practice, Mar.

2015

Parker, Janna and Doreen Sams (2015) “Eco-Feedback Technology’s Influence On Water Conservation Attitudes and Intentions of University Students in the USA: An Experimental Design,” By invitation from Editor (Dr. Leal Filho, Walter, Sümer, Vakur): Sustainable Water Use and Management: Examples of New Approaches and Perspectives, Springer, (March 14). ISBN 978-3-319-12393-6. Both authors contributed equally. BOOK CHAPTER.

2014

Parker, Janna, and Doreen Sams (2014) “The Role of Economics and Emotion in Adoption of Water Conservation Technology: A Between Subject Experimental Design,” Marketing Management Association Spring Educators Conference, (Mar), Chicago, IL.

Sams, Doreen, and Janna Parker (2014) “Assignment of Value Chain Environmental Responsibility: Small Retailers’ Perspective,” Special Track for IMP Conference, (Sept 1-6), Bordeaux, France.

Sams, Doreen, and Janna Parker (2014) “The Perspective of Small Retailers on Sustainability: An Exploratory Study for Scale Development,” AMS Conference, (May), Indianapolis, Indiana.

Doreen Sams, Emily Scarboro, Janna Parker, and Ivan Manoylov (2014) “Sustainability Paradigm: Perspective of the Small Retailers,” Sustainable Development and Planning Conference, Wessex Institute of Technology, (May 27-29), Kos Greece.

Sowell, Brennen, Ivan Manoylov, Janna Parker, and Doreen Sams (2014) “The Personal Story of Small Retailers Behind Environmental Sustainability Change: Depth Interviews,” SOBIE Conference (Apr), Destine, FL.

2013

Hoel, Anne, Sarit Levy, Doreen Sams, Sherry Robinson, Minna Rollins (2013) “Sustainability and Education Methodologies: Various Ways to teach the Business Curriculum,” Review of Higher Education and Self-Learning, Journal. Winter Edn.

Lekas, Nikki, Janna Parker, Amit Poddar, and Doreen Sams (2013) “The Perceived Economic and Emotional Value of Eco-Feedback Technology” SOBIE Conference, (Apr), Destine, FL.

Parker, Janna, Doreen Sams, and Danielle Mullen (2013) “Sustainability Across the Marketing Curriculum: Water Conservation,” Georgia Sustainability Network Conference - Presentation, (Aug), Macon GA.

Smith, Ron and Doreen Sams (2013) “Sustainability Across the Marketing Curriculum: Collaborative Projects and Classrooms,” Georgia Sustainability Network Conference – Poster Session, (Aug), Macon GA.

2012

Hoel, Anne, Doreen Sams, and Minna Rollins (2012) “Teaching Sustainability Beyond The Classroom,” Marketing Management Association Fall Educators Conference, (Sept 19-21), Minneapolis, MN, (All authors contributed equally.)

Hoel, Anne, Sarit Levy, Doreen Sams, Sherry Robinson, and Minna Rollins (2012) “Sustainability and Education Methodologies: Various Ways to Green the Business Curriculum,” Intellectbase International Consortium Conference, Abstract, (Oct), Atlanta, GA.

2011

Doreen Sams (2011) “US Commercial Food Safety: Consumers Assignment of Responsibility Within the Value Chain,” International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(15): 6-14.

Scarboro, Emily, Doreen Sams, and JaLynn Hudnall (2011) “Overcoming Before and Aftermarket Sustainability Paradigms: A Holistic Perspective,” SOBIE Conference (Apr 2011), Destine, FL.

2009

2008

Cano, Cynthia R., Doreen Sams, and Joanna Schwartz (2008), “Is Socially Responsible Behavior Good Business? An Investigation of Tomorrow’s Business Leaders.” Social Responsibility Journal, 4(4): 491-503.

 Cano, Cynthia Rodriguez, Doreen (Dee) Sams, and Joseph Schwartz (2008), “Is Socially Responsible Behavior Good Business? An Investigation of Voluntary Labeling of Potentially Hazardous Products.” Abstract Format,” Association of Marketing Theory and Practice, (Mar 27-29), Conference Proceedings. Savannah, GA. (All authors contributed equally.)

Sams, Doreen (Dee)  (2008), “Where Have All the Mad Cows Gone? A Critical Look at a Multinational Health Crisis,” Middle Atlantic and New England Council for Canadian Studies / Southern Association for Canadian Studies Conference, (Oct. 4), Washington, DC.

The Emma Brodzik Scholarship is available to students who meet the following criteria:

Must ...

1) be a Georgia College & State University undergraduate, AND
2) be a first-semester Senior or rising Senior (last semester of Junior year), AND
3) have a university GPA of 3.25 or greater, AND
4) be in the process of earning or have earned the GC Sustainability Certificate, OR an Environmental Science major, OR a member in good standing with the Environmental Science Club, OR on the GC Sustainability Council, OR on the GC Sustainability Fee Program.

Scholarship details:

1) The call for applications will go out in September of each year as long as funds are available,
2) Applications are due to the Chair of the GC SOG by email to gcsog@gcsu.edu by March 31, 2023, with date TBD for each year as long as funding exists,
3) Applications are reviewed by all GC SOG Internal Executive Board Members,
4) The Internal Executive Board members will consider recommendations from the external Board and Junior Board members in their final award decision,
5) Awards will be announced at the Fall GC SOG event each year and publicized on GC Front Page, GC social media, and in the local press, etc.,
6) Awards will be available to the recipient the first day of classes in January of the year following the funding decision.

Click on the link to the PDF for the application. Fill out completely, follow instructions carefully for the items requiring Word documents to be included with the application, sign and date in your handwriting, scan to pdf and return gcsog@gcsu.edu no later than noon on 3/31/23.

CLICK ON APPLICATION HERE PDF.