Recent Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) graduate Christopher Avery was awarded the 2018-2019 Jack Mangham Experiential Learning Award by the Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers (GACE). The award is given to those who exemplify the characteristics of an outstanding student in experiential learning or internships, including work habits, high academic performance and good citizenship.
 
Avery was nominated by Sandra Fowler, GSW’s director of Career Services, for the successful completion of his summer internship with CBS 42 in Birmingham, Ala. in 2018. In addition to being recognized at the GACE Annual Awards Banquet on May 30th at Brasstown Valley Resort, Avery received a $500 monetary award.
 
“Chris returned to campus that fall excited to tell me about his summer internship experience with CBS 42,” said Fowler. “The internship coordinator described him as ‘a respectful young man who was courteous to others and eager to learn every day.’ His passion for experiential learning helped him develop and make significant preparations for his career.”
 
During his time at CBS 42, Avery was able to experience each of the many moving parts that contribute to a successful local television station. Avery spent his summer studying the techniques of local and national news anchors, honing his writing skills with local stories, learning about the production of broadcast television, becoming more familiar with common broadcast terms, and marketing for television through on-location shoots and editing.
 
“I believe my internship helped strengthen my skills in writing, broadcasting and shooting video,” said Avery. “I am honestly glad that I had the opportunity to work there and meet the people that I did. It opened up so many other opportunities.”
 
Following his internship and return to campus in Fall 2018, Avery was hired as a camera operator for the GSW Department of Athletics, an accomplishment he credits to the skills he learned and developed during his internship.
 
In addition to his internship, GACE also took Avery’s academic record and extracurricular activities into consideration.
 
“Given his stellar performance in the classroom, one might assume that Chris devotes himself entirely to his coursework, but this would be incorrect” said Kay Pace, lecturer of English, in her recommendation of Avery. “It is all the more inspiring to know that, in fact, Chris has been extensively involved in the campus community and an enthusiastic participant in the life of the GSW campus.”
 
A native of Tyrone, Ga., Avery graduated cum laude in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts with an emphasis in Communication and Media Arts and a minor in Information Technology. During his time on campus, he maintained a place on the Dean’s List and Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll for four years, was named Mr. GSW and Homecoming King, and was member of numerous campus organizations.
 
A soccer player all four years of his collegiate career, Avery was named to the Peach Belt Conference 2018 All-Academic Team.
 
When he wasn’t excelling in the classroom or on the soccer field, Avery actively served his campus. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, vice president of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a GSW marshal, a senator for Student Government Association, a member of the Student Conduct Board, and a resident assistant in Pines Residence Hall.
 
The namesake of the award, Jack Mangham, was a mentor to many throughout his years in the co-op and internship field with Georgia Power and Georgia Tech. While at Georgia Power, Mangham coordinated one of the largest co-op programs in the country. The award is presented to two students annually in recognition of Mangham’s passion for experiential learning and his many contributions to the field.