Reinhardt University Honors Cherokee Sheriff's Office Students

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — By day, they are students at a local university, and by night they are fighting crime across Cherokee County. To recognize their hard work, five Cherokee Sheriff’s Office employees were awarded for their exemplary work during Reinhardt University’s “Evening of Honors,” including Lt. Mark Anderson earning the Non-Traditional Student of the Year.

Anderson was selected out of all juniors and seniors in the non-traditional education pathway for his dedication and hard work during his time at Reinhardt. Scheduled to graduate magna cum laude on May 3 with his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership, Anderson was honored April 9 for his accomplishments.

Reinhardt President Kina S. Mallard presented Anderson with the award, announcing him as the winner while she read an essay he submitted, a requirement for anyone nominated for the award.

“Going back to school at the age of 46, with a family and a demanding full-time job has been a challenge. But I felt it was unfinished business that I needed to complete for the benefit of my family and career,” Anderson wrote in his essay. “My personal philosophy is to lead my life in service to God, my family and my community with honor and integrity. My Reinhardt education has helped me gain new perspectives in life that will only benefit my personal mission.”

His essay also highlighted his six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included several overseas deployments, and his work for nearly 20 years with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. Anderson currently is the commander of the Oak Grove Precinct, serving residents and businesses located west of Interstate 575 and south of Eagle Drive and Kellogg Creek Road. He also is the SWAT Team assistant commander and has served on the SWAT Team for 14 years.

Four other sworn CSO employees were recognized for their academic achievements during the
Evening of Honors.

Lt. Billy Mitchell, who completed his graduation requirements with a summa cum laude honors designation last fall, was recognized as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar given to students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership. Mitchell has been with the CSO for 11 years and is currently the commander of the K-9 Unit.

Lt. Melissa Shaw also was recognized as a Reinhardt University Academic Scholar and will graduate in May summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership. She is the Shift 1 Supervisor in the Adult Detention Center. She has been with CSO for 21 years and was the first female SWAT member for CSO.

Capt. John New and Sgt. Lee Stewart were recognized as Hugh Peterson Jr. Academic Scholars, given to students who earn a GPA of 3.6 to 3.89. Both completed their degree requirements for their Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership. New and Stewart also both
earned magna cum laude honors designation.

New is the commander of Special Ops and has been with CSO for 25 years. He is the SWAT
Commander. Stewart is the sergeant at the Waleska Precinct, the CSO Motor Unit supervisor and has been with CSO for 21 years.

“I am extremely proud of these CSO employees. They have shown their dedication to the agency, and their academic achievements while working full time, and with some raising families, are impressive,” Sheriff Frank Reynolds said in a release