Five Inducted Into Columbus State University’s College of Education & Health Professions Hall of Fame

Staff Report

Columbus State University’s College of Education & Health Professions has inducted five distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to education, nursing and community service. The honorees were celebrated during a ceremony on Feb. 19.

“Our newest inductees demonstrate the power our graduates and partners have in shaping the quality of life in their communities,” said Margie Yates, dean of the college. “When people evaluate a community’s quality of life, they often do so based on the quality of its education and healthcare infrastructure—two important indices to which our honorees directly contribute.”

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees:

• Jerry “Pops” Barnes ’01 (posthumous) – A former Columbus City Council member, Barnes earned his nursing degree after a 20-year Army career and worked as a community wellness educator. He was a champion for public health and nursing advocacy and remained actively involved with Columbus State’s Alumni Association until his passing in 2024.
• Marianne Jordan ’06, ’10 – An elementary Pre-K teacher at Rigdon Road Elementary, Jordan has been recognized for her leadership in special education and advocacy for inclusive learning. She has played a key role in securing resources such as an inclusive playground for her students.
• Kimberly Shepherd Lester ’15 – A fifth-grade teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy, Lester has more than 25 years of experience in education. She has mentored students and teachers, presented at educational conferences, and was named a Top 10 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist in 2016.
• Katherine Gemes Lopez ’92 – Director of St. Luke Early Learning Center, Lopez has more than 30 years of experience in education. She is known for her servant leadership and contributions to curriculum development and professional training for educators.
• Gwendolyn Miller ’06 – An associate professor and Family Nurse Practitioner program coordinator at Columbus State’s School of Nursing, Miller has combined her experience as an ER nurse with academia. She mentors students and advocates for the nursing profession at the local and state levels.

About the Hall of Fame

Since its inception in 2005, the Hall of Fame has honored nearly 70 alumni from the fields of education, nursing and health professions. Originally focused on education graduates, it expanded in 2018 to include nursing and other health-related disciplines. Honorees must have at least 15 years of experience in their field and have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to their profession.

The nomination process remains open throughout the year, with a selection committee comprising faculty and community leaders reviewing submissions.