By JAMES F. MELLICHAMP

President

The past few weeks have seen a whirlwind of activity on our campuses – in Demorest and in Athens – as students have returned for the start of the fall semester.  

Many of us look forward to the arrival of May and summer break each year.  It is nice to enjoy a slower pace for a little while.  

But, I miss the energy and activity level that comes from having students on campus. So, I am grateful for August and the new academic year.

This fall, in Demorest, we have gotten started “with a bang” with the opening of the new Student Commons and the Piedmont Village apartments. 

Yesterday evening, I stopped by the Commons to see what was going on, and it was a busy place.  College trustees and senior staff are gratified to find that the facility is resonating so well with everyone.  

I have said to a number of individuals that the Commons is much more than a building – it’s really a destination for the entire campus.

Earlier this summer, Piedmont College was notified that it had been selected as a national College of Distinction.  

This recognition is well-deserved and means that students who graduate from Piedmont will be more competitive when entering the world of employment or entering a graduate program.  

You should be very proud that you are part of an exciting institution at an exciting time in its history.  

Bricks and mortar projects like the Student Commons are very important, but don’t lose sight of what Piedmont’s greatest asset is: the people of Piedmont.  

Students, staff, faculty, alumni, trustees and friends all make this such a great institution.  

We are glad you are here and part of the fabric of this place as we start the fall semester “with a bang.”