By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

Bainbridge State College would like to welcome its students to the classroom for the beginning of the fall semester and new academic year.

As students return to the classroom today, Aug. 16, members of the Bainbridge State College faculty and BSC Interim President Dr. Stuart Rayfield offered a few words of encouragement.

Sherry Brannen, the Chair of the Practical Nursing Program, anticipates a great semester and welcomes the new and returning students to campus.

“For some, today is the beginning of your final stretch to your degree,” she said. “But for others, it’s the beginning of a rewarding academic journey and profession that will serve you and your family well for years to come.”

Brannen added a shout out of encouragement for all of the students in the nursing program, “The nursing faculty and I wish you all the best over the next 16 weeks of hard work, focus, dedication and commitment to the service of others in their times of need.”

At Bainbridge State College, there are many different activities students can participate.

For example, aerobic classes, intramural sports, a wide variety of student life events, clubs, the Fifth Annual Carter Arts and Lecture Series, along with BSC Foundation Scholarship and study abroad opportunities. There is something for all students at Bainbridge State College.

Dr. David Nelson, Associate Professor of History, wants to remind students to take advantage of the various activities and clubs on campus.

He said, “Even though we are a smaller institution there are lots of activities and groups students can participate in.

Past students have gone on to be very successful in furthering their higher education and careers in part by being active in BSC clubs and organizations. In fact, for the students who are “go-getters,” they can add the activities to their resumes and have opportunities they would never have at a larger college. Most of the time, our active students graduate with much more impressive resumes than those who attend bigger schools. We truly offer our students once in a lifetime opportunities.”

As students enter the classroom today, the campus begins to come alive with new opportunities and goals being set.

Dr. Stuart Rayfield, Interim BSC President, is thrilled for the students to be back on campus and the start of a new academic year.

“There is already a steady stream of students throughout the campus, which truly brings the campus to life,” she said. “As students start classes on campus, we are here to assist them in figuring out last minute schedule changes, clearing up financial aid questions and settling their student accounts. We are so excited to have our students back on campus!”

For more information on the opportunities Bainbridge State College offers, please visit www.bainbridge.edu.