Professional Staff

Meet the Team

Wellness & Recreation Staff

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Drew Bruton

Drew Bruton

Director of Wellness and Recreation
478-445-4463
Biography

Drew joined the Georgia College staff in 2011. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Sport Management from Coastal Carolina University in 2009. He then continued on to complete his Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration at Georgia Southern University in 2011. During his time at GSU he served as the Graduate Assistant for Intramural Sports. He then joined the Georgia College staff as the Assistant Director for Recreational Sports, followed by the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation in 2017 and now currently as the Director of Wellness and Recreation. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their family at the beach. 

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Marie Puckett

Marie Puckett

Administrative Manager
478-445-7544
Biography

Marie joined the Wellness and Recreation Staff in 2015. Marie is a certified American Red Cross instructor and has a background in safety training and risk management, as well as accounting and administrative procedures. Marie enjoys living on Lake Sinclair with her husband and children. 

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Nolan Baugh

Nolan Baugh, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Athletic Trainer for Wellness and Recreation
(478) 445-7542
Biography

Nolan joined the Georgia College staff in 2021. He earned is Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Georgia College. Upon graduation, Nolan worked as a Clinical and Outreach Athletic Trainer in Roswell, Georgia. He then became the Head Athletic Trainer for Georgia Military College, Preparatory School for three years. As well as being a Licensed and Certified Athletic Trainer, Nolan is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In his free time Nolan enjoys staying active and spending time with his family. 

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Steven Wright

Steven Wright

Assistant Director for Aquatics
478-445-7540
Biography

Steven joined the Georgia College staff in 2014. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Coaching Education with a minor in Aquatic Facility Management from West Virginia University in 2012. He also received his Masters degree in Athletic Coaching Education from WVU in 2014. While in graduate school at WVU, he held the position of Graduate Assistant for Aquatics. Steven is certified as a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, CPR/AED instructor, water safety instructor and pool operator. He enjoys spending his free time with his four dogs.  

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Billy Copeland

Billy Copeland

Assistant Director Adventure Programs
(478) 445-7543
Education

M.Ed. in Outdoor Education Administration

Biography

Billy's path to becoming an Eagle Scout laid the foundation for his experience with a variety of outdoor adventures. After receiving his Master's degree in Outdoor Education from Georgia College in 2012, Billy rejoined the Georgia College family in 2016. Billy loves getting to share his knowledge and passion for the outdoors.

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Rachel Pope

Rachel Pope, M.Ed., CHES

Health Educator
(478) 445-1670
Biography

Rachel Pope is a double graduate from Georgia College with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services, and a Master's of Education in Health Promotion. Rachel is a Certified Health Education Specialist and has served as the University's Health Educator for the past 16 years. Now housed at the Wellness and Recreation Center, Rachel trains peer health educators, facilitates Alcohol and Other Drug screenings and interventions for Georgia College students, manages AlcoholEdu for all incoming freshman, serves as the GOHS YA Grant Project Coordinator, and provides health promotions on a variety of topics to the GC campus. In her spare time, Rachel loves camping and traveling with her family, sitting by the pool or riding the boat on Lake Sinclair.