GAINESVILLE - For the 13th time, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia has honored a Gainesville Woman of Distinction, and this year's honoree is Dr. Martha Nesbitt, president of Gainesville State College.
While Dr. Nesbitt has received numerous honors in the past, she said this one was significant for her because it recognizes community service.
"But, I feel like I should be thanking the community because this community welcomed me from the very first," said Nesbitt.
Nesbitt became GSC's first female president in 1997. During her tenure, enrollment has exceeded 8,900 at the college's two campuses. In addition, the college now offers some baccalaureate degrees.
Since her arrival in Hall County, Nesbitt has been named Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association, and she has won the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Silver Shovel Award, both honors bestowed upon her in 2004. Nesbitt chaired the United Way of Hall County fund drive in 2005 and she served as President of the Northeast Georgia History Center in 2007. She is currently President-elect of the Gainesville Rotary Club.
The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia chooses honorees annually, selecting a woman who is a community servant and is a role model for girls of all ages.
Nesbitt said while she didn't spend much time as a Girl Scout, she remembered the fun she had as a Brownie Scout growing up.
"I was always pretty adventuresome," laughed Nesbitt. "I remember the little brown uniform and I remember at Brownie camp jumping off the [diving] board and showing off for my parents when they had Parents' Day."
Nesbitt's longtime friend Bishop Bevel Jones, a retired United Methodist Bishop, traveled from Atlanta to deliver the tribute at Tuesday's luncheon.
"I knew her when she was in high school...I did their wedding...and she's one of the most admired persons in my life," said Jones.
The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia began recognizing Gainesville women at their annual luncheons in 1997.
Sunday
May 19th, 2024
11:50AM
