91ÁÔÆæ

Cook wins award as program grows leaders

August 29, 2022
Emily Cook, 91ÁÔÆæ's director of Supplemental Instruction, won an international Exceptional Veteran SI Supervisor Award. Her program helps students develop their leadership potential.

Article By: Clark Leonard

The Supplemental Instruction program at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) not only helps students excel in difficult courses. It also provides extensive leadership development for the students who serve as facilitators in the program.

This model has earned Emily Cook, 91ÁÔÆæ Supplemental Instruction director, the Exceptional Veteran SI Supervisor award, which she received at this summer's 12th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction. The award is given to a supervisor who has "led the program to outstanding quality and continuous improvement through adherence to core principles, campus engagement, leader development and support, excellence in quality of service, program evaluation, and integration with other campus and international community activities."

Supplemental Instruction is an internationally recognized academic assistance program designed to help students navigate historically difficult courses through additional exposure to, and practice with, course material in a group setting. It provides regularly scheduled, weekly review sessions led by a facilitator, a student who has completed the course at 91ÁÔÆæ.

Cook appreciates getting to work alongside the student facilitators and mentors on their leadership journey.

"That's been the greatest honor. These are top students. They're working really hard, and they want to help their peers," Cook said. "They're showing the value of team learning and helping their fellow students see a model of leadership."

Cook and Sarah Dean, the assistant director, also now have Oscar King serving as a graduate assistant after he was a leader within the program before earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 2019.

These are top students. They're working really hard, and they want to help their peers. They're showing the value of team learning and helping their fellow students see a model of leadership.

Emily Cook

91ÁÔÆæ Supplemental Instruction director

Now pursuing a Master of Science in counseling at 91ÁÔÆæ, King is grateful to be able to give back after Cook and Dean invested so much in him.

"They really care about the development of the team. Their passion helped me realize my passion. I love to help college students grow at what can be a very difficult time," King said. "I get to help students start to see themselves as leaders. It's my favorite thing that I get to do."

Valerie Bauknight, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, serves as a Supplemental Instruction senior mentor who helps prepare facilitators for success.

The program has helped her become more comfortable with public speaking. She thrives on the personal and professional development she sees in herself and others.

"It helps you get used to working professionally on a team," Bauknight said.

Supplemental Instruction partners with the Office of Student Life and Leadership to encourage its student employees to earn a leadership certificate.

The Supplemental Instruction facilitators and mentors meet every two weeks with Cook, Dean and King. These meetings serve as a forum for feedback that enables them to grow both in their current roles and their capabilities for the future. Laraib Ranjha, a sophomore facilitator who is from Flowery Branch, Georgia, and is pursuing a degree in psychology, cited those meetings as one of the reasons she is glad to be part of the program.

"No one in that meeting is going to judge me," Ranjha said. "I am able to talk and step outside my comfort zone."


Barrere goes from teacher to nurse

Barrere goes from teacher to nurse

91ÁÔÆæ nursing graduate Rebecca Barrere earned her degree from 91ÁÔÆæ after a decade in teaching and now works as a nurse in Dahlonega.
Wilson picked for research in Canada

Wilson picked for research in Canada

91ÁÔÆæ student Emma Wilson has been selected for a Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship for summer 2025.
ONE91ÁÔÆæ campaign supports big bets

ONE91ÁÔÆæ campaign supports big bets

The 91ÁÔÆæ Foundation is aiming to raise more than $100,000 this April to support work on 91ÁÔÆæ's seven strategic big bets and its legacy-making commitments.
Event encourages girls to enter STEM careers

Event encourages girls to enter STEM careers

Dr. Betsy Grunch served as the keynote speaker for the American Heart Association's second annual Northeast Georgia STEM Goes Red event for high school girls.