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Armstrongs Liberty Center has new boss
Dorothy Kempson

SAVANNAH — Armstrong State University recently named Dorothy “Dot” Kempson as director of Armstrong Liberty Center in Hinesville.

Kempson has worked for the Armstrong Liberty Center for more than 15 years and acted as the interim director during the 2015-16 academic year.

“Dot has dedicated many years to the Liberty Center campus and provided leadership in a truly exemplary manner,” noted Armstrong Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert Smith. “We are delighted to have her officially on board as the director.”

 As interim director of the Liberty Center, Kempson oversaw a move to a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Hinesville. She also drove a successful enrollment campaign, resulting in more than 20 percent growth for fall 2016. Kempson’s retention efforts included an expansion of student support services and taking on the role as advisor to the newly formed Liberty Center Student Council, which promotes student engagement and inclusion in activities, events and student government.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Kempson is also a co-advisor of Armstrong’s Student Veterans Association and brings extensive knowledge of the military, current policies and procedures, as well as the needs of Armstrong’s military-affiliated students.

Prior to her interim role, Kempson was the Armstrong Liberty Center’s Assistant Director of Academic Support, working closely with the director, as well as faculty and staff in Hinesville and Savannah to ensure the success of Liberty Center students.

Kempson holds four degrees from Armstrong, including a M.Ed. in Adult Education, a M.A. in Professional Communication and Leadership, a B.A. in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Arts.

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BI hosts LCSS Gala
LibertyCountySchools

Bradwell Institute’s Friends Helping Friends will host the 3rdAnnual Liberty County School System Special Needs Gala Saturday at 7p.m.

The dance portion of the gala is free and open to the public.

FHF was started three years ago by BI special needs teacher Charlie Moon. FHF is comprised of a large group of general education students that connect special needs students with their general education peers. They have raised $20,000 in the last 30 months, for events like this, a new sensory room, music therapy equipment, and many other fun events. 

“FHF does so much for the special needs students. It really brings them out in their social skills. They become so much more comfortable around us all,” FHF Junior Danielle Hennessee said. 

FHF Junior Jada Naftzinger said it’s a two-way street. “It not only helps them, but us as well. It brings us out of our own shells and comfort zones.” 

Moon added, “For us, the Gala is not our calling card. I’ve told the students from day one, unless they truly know these special needs students, we won’t do the Gala at all. We’ll throw a big pizza party instead. The point is, we want the kids to really focus on the one-on-one, in-class work, hanging out in the halls, really talking to them. That’s the only way this program truly reaches its potential. Our motto is, “Changing lives, one friend at a time.”

During a private dinner which precedes the public dance, district office personnel, representatives from Congressman Buddy Carter’s office, district SPED staff, BI Football players and FHF members, parents and the honored guests – 50 special needs students from around the district will be in attendance.

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