by Roger Barnes

Sandee House (Photo by Bill Roa)

Sandee House did not plan to become an educator—engineering was her original major. But she discovered she had a gift for helping fellow college students master difficult material, so, she changed her major and began changing lives.

Now in her 21st year at Georgia Perimeter College, House, an associate professor of mathematics, is a champion of students helping students. She assisted in establishing two successful GPC programs: the Leadership Academy, a campus group geared to helping African-American males complete their college experience; and MESA, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Club. Both bring together students who encourage, tutor and learn from one other.

“I have long been a believer of the Uri Triesman research regarding student learning, which shows that students who form academically focused social groups will support each others’ aspirations for high achievement,” House says. “I saw the Leadership Academy as an opportunity to do just this for some of higher education’s most marginalized students.”

The MESA program, which helps underrepresented students pursue degrees in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), brings similar value, she says.

House grew up just minutes from the campus of the University of Alabama, where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees. Away from school, she enjoys spending time with partner Cheryl Totty, and her two “mutts,” Tigger and Brew.

House’s commitment to education extends beyond her work. To assist students and honor individuals who have inspired her, House created and funds five scholarships at GPC:

• The John and Jackie Thornberry Online Math Scholarship is for a former Learning Support math student going on to a four-year college. It honors House’s early mentor, Jackie Thornberry.
• The Joy Nikolva Memorial Scholarship assists a Gateway to College Academy student who has completed a semester at GPC. It is in memory of a Gateway teacher killed in an auto accident.
• The Triangle Pride Scholarship is for a gay, lesbian or transgender student.
• The Lucile House and Daisy Friday Visual Arts Scholarship is in memory of House’s two “extraordinary” grandmothers.
• The Gerald House Music Composition Scholarship is named for House’s late uncle, a country music songwriter.

“I believe that those of us who have been successful as a result of our access to education should help pave the way for others to have access, too,” House says.

“I’ve long been an advocate for finding ways to provide access to education for those who are most at-risk for dropping out because these are the students who can benefit most from what GPC has to offer. These students are frequently from underrepresented groups, are socio-economically disadvantaged, first-generation and often underprepared to do college-level work. The education they have access to at GPC may literally save their lives.”