Featherbone Communiversity Academy
We are all teachers. We are all students.
Our Objectives
- To grow personally and professionally
- To discover future community builders
- To encourage “giving back” to the community
- To understand the concepts of “Communiversity”
- To better understand career mastery in all careers
About Featherbone Communiversity Academy
In 2005, former Warren Featherbone Company CEO and philanthropist Gus Whalen founded the Featherbone Communiversity. Communiversity is more than a place to become educated; it is an evolutionary way of learning. At Featherbone Communiversity, people from all walks of life and ages come together to collaborate, to engage in the flow of ideas, and to make discoveries that ultimately extend benefits outside the walls of a building.
The Communiversity is a partnership of local schools and businesses. Featherbone Communiversity is home to the Brenau University Department of Nursing, the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK), Lanier Technical College Manufacturing Development Center, University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, and the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute.
Mr. Whalen also began the Masters Series at the Communiversity to honor and recognize teachers, entrepreneurs, nurses, craftsmen, and public servants in the community for their dedication and excellence. He believed that we are all teachers and that we are all students. Featherbone Communiversity Academy was established to connect local high school students with career Masters.
Featherbone Communiversity Academy Members
East Hall High School
Gainesville High School
Lakeview Academy
Orientation
Academy Orientation will be held on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 in Thurmond McRae Lecture Hall from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- a Strong Work Ethic.
- a Positive Attitude.
- Communication Skills.
- Time Management.
- Problem Solving.
- Learning to be a Team Player.
- Flexibility.
Featherbone Communiversity Academy Sponsors
Featherbone Communiversity Masters Series
Masters Craftsmen… Builders of America
Wednesday, October 24, 2019 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
at the Lanier Technical College Oakwood Campus Lecture Hall Room 301
More information at www.laniertech.edu/mastercraftsmen2018
Entrepreneurs… Masters of Innovation
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
at the Rotunda in Brenau Incubator at Featherbone Communiversity
Masters in the Healing Arts… Healers Among Us
Returning in Fall 2020
Masters in Teaching… Life Changers at Work and Academy Graduation/Luncheon
Thursday, March 26, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
at the Northeast Georgia History Center
Masters of Safety… Builders of Community Trust
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
at the Downtown Center
Georgia Mountain Food Bank Visit
Friday, December 6, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Featherbone Communiversity Academy Faculty
Dr. Lisa McCoy – Brenau University, Co-Director
Dr. Brandi Worsham – Brenau University, Co-Director
Dr. Laura Cantu – Brenau University, Co-Director
Dr. Suzanne Erickson – Brenau University
Elizabeth Hinton – East Hall High School
Helen Perry – Gainesville High School
Steve Lewallen – Lakeview Academy
Lila Weaver – Brenau University
In Memoriam
Gus Whalen, Founder of Featherbone Communiversity
As another academy class begins their journey, we would like to remember Mr. Gus Whalen for his dedication to inspiring others, thinking creatively, and celebrating masters in their fields. We hope that we embody his ideals and spark passion within these Academy students, our future leaders within their own communities.
Contact Information
For further information about Featherbone Communiversity Academy, please contact:
Dr. Lisa McCoy, Co-Director
lmccoy1@brenau.edu
ph. (770) 531-3141
Dr. Brandi Worsham, Co-Director
bworsham@brenau.edu
ph. (770) 531-3142
Resources
Recommended Reading
Badowski, R. & Gittines, R. (2004). Managing up: How to forge an effective relationship with those above you. New York, New York: Random House.
Carnegie, D. (2010). How to win friends and influence people. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Carson, B., Lewis, G., & Lewis, D. S. (2015). You have a brain: A teen’s guide to T.H.I.N.K.B.I.G. Grand Rapids, Michigan: American Business Collaborative, LLC.
Carson, B. & Murphey, C. (2015). My life: Based on the book of gifted hands. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Yates & Yates.
Covey, S. R. (2013). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Crothers, T. & Williams, R. (2011). Hard work: A life on and off the court. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
George, B. & Sims, P. (2007). True north: Discover your authentic leadership. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.
Maxwell, J. C. (2006). The 360 degree leader participant guide. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Peale, N. V. (2012). The power of positive thinking. New York, New York: Fireside.
Powell, C. (2014). It worked for me: In life and leadership. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.