James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 48
Brenau is part of the workforce
development strategy for the
Gainesville area. To address a critical shortage of qualified teachers
for school systems across the state,
Brenau launched a new program
called TigerTeach. Through new
partnerships with dozens of Georgia school systems, it created a
fully online teacher certification
program that allows employees in
partner systems who work outside
the classroom to earn teacher certification while maintaining their
current jobs. The program provides
these school systems with more
certified teachers while retaining
productive employees. The program is accelerated for quick progress, fully online for convenience
and offered at a discounted tuition
rate to make it affordable.
Like nearly every other part
of Georgia, and the country in
general, the healthcare workforce
48
One core initiative
I am currently focused
on is an assessment of
the university mission
and its relevance in
the current climate.
— DR. DAVID BARNETT
shortage is also a priority. “We have
partnered with the Technical College System of Georgia to provide
graduates of Associate of Science
in Nursing programs with an online
program to complete a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree,” said
Barnett. “These students often are
already working in hospitals or clinical settings across Georgia. Stu-
JAMES SEPTE M B E R/O C TO BE R 2 0 2 6
dents enrolling in the program can
complete their bachelor’s degree in
as few as 18 months. This provides
enhanced employee profiles for the
clinical providers and opportunities
for advancement for the students.”
That collaboration with regional leadership on workforce development is just one way that Brenau’s
commitment to Gainesville and
