KSU's Continuing Education Recognized at Regional Conference

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University was recognized at the 2017 University Professional and Continuing Education Association’s (UPCEA) regional conference in Richmond, VA. Instructor Tim Sanders and Megan Harpine, Paralegal graduate, were honored for their achievements at the UPCEA South annual awards luncheon on Oct. 12.

Tim Sanders won the Professional Continuing Educator Award. This award honors leadership through innovative programming. The now-retired pharmacist developed the Pharmacy Technician certificate program at KSU’s Continuing Education and has been teaching over a 15-year period. In recent years, he has also led the Pharmacology portion of the Medical Assisting certificate program.

“Dr. Sanders has taught hundreds of students during his time with our college,” said Andrea Cochran, program director. “He brings his years of industry experience and shares that knowledge with the students he teaches.”

Wendy Tartaglia, Pharmacy Technician program graduate, said Sanders was instrumental in her education and employment. The 40-year-old wife and mother was admittedly nervous returning to school after a 16-year gap but said Sanders put her at ease.

“From the beginning, Tim was a breath of fresh air,” Tartaglia said. “He offered encouragement and hope. Two weeks after class, he contacted me with a job opportunity. As a result, I am gainfully employed as a pharmacy technician.”

In the same week Tartaglia was hired, she also took the Pharmacy Technician Certification board exam. As soon as she passed the exam, one of the first calls she made was to Instructor Sanders.

“My goal is to always help students obtain their goals,” Sanders said. “They never cease to amaze my appreciation and what they are able to accomplish when they apply themselves.”

Megan Harpine received the Continuing Education Student Award. She was honored for her determination in completing the Paralegal Certificate program while balancing extraordinary circumstances.

“Megan said she wanted to become financially independent and that her interest in the legal field could help her achieve that goal,” said Jennifer Henderson, Paralegal program manager. “While maintaining high grades in her classes, she was able to work and advocate her for special-needs son where she would spend time researching laws and speaking with school administrators.”

David Currie, attorney-at-law and instructor said Harpine was an exemplary student.

“I know Megan will do well in her career,” Currie said. “[She] will be a superb representative of KSU and the paralegal program.”

After the completion of her Paralegal Certificate, Harpine accepted a job offer at a district attorney’s office.

“I’m honored KSU recognized the hard work I’ve put into completing the Paralegal program,” Harpine said.

UPCEA serves hundreds of higher education institutions through national and regional conferences, webinars, training and more. UPCEA South represents 12 states and Puerto Rico. The award nominations include letters of support from staff and students.

For a complete listing of awards or additional information on continuing education programs, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.