Three Cheers for Three Grads!
At Perimeter we celebrate graduations twice a year, but here’s an exciting twist. Three Perimeter College staff members graduated in December. We are so proud of these Panthers for continuing their education.
Below, please enjoy a short Q&A with each of our graduates. And when you see them around campus, be sure to give them a big congratulations!
Jakiah Hayes
What is your position/job title at Perimeter?
Business Manager I in the Financial Affairs department
Which location is your home campus?
Decatur campus
What school did you graduate from and what degree did you earn?
Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business; Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management. I also earned Lean Six Sigma Certification which was embedded in the curriculum.
What inspired you to continue your education?
I was encouraged to apply to graduate school by a mentor which sparked an interest as I do consider myself a life-long learner. While the program was demanding, it challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. I’m proud to add this achievement to my educational background and to continue applying what I’ve learned in my work.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this accomplishment and your academic journey?
I am a proud first-generation college student.
Susan Stanford
What is your position/job title at Perimeter?
I have served as the administrative coordinator in Perimeter's Facilities and Event Services since July 2023. Before that, I was an administrative coordinator for English, Social Sciences and Business at the Newton campus from January 2022 to June 2023. I was in the last graduating class of Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) in summer 2015, the same year I started working full-time in the Panther Card and Parking office.
Which location is your home campus?
Currently Decatur since 2023.
What school did you graduate from and what degree did you earn?
Valdosta State University (another USG school); Bachelor's in Office Administration and Technology, Cum Laude
What inspired you to continue your education?
Dr. Salli Vargas, who retired in 2024, encouraged me to finish my bachelor’s degree and suggested Valdosta State University’s online programs. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and we were all spending more time at home, I decided it was the right moment to go back to school and finally start my bachelor’s degree.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this accomplishment or your academic journey?
Before beginning my academic journey, I was navigating an abusive marriage while raising three young children, often with inconsistent support. At the time, pursuing higher education felt unrealistic and out of reach. Choosing to return to school became an act of self-belief and determination. Through learning, perseverance and growth, I rebuilt my confidence and discovered a strength I hadn’t fully recognized before. This journey showed me that circumstances do not define potential and that with courage and commitment, it is possible to pursue goals that once felt unattainable. I hope my experience encourages others to trust themselves, embrace new possibilities and take meaningful steps toward the future they envision.
As a side note that still makes me pause and reflect, in 2012 at the Newton Campus, there was a domestic abuse awareness presentation that offered extra credit for attendance. I chose to attend, and during the presentation, some of the material resonated with me more deeply than I expected. It became overwhelming, and I stepped out to the restroom to collect myself. Dr. Deborah Manson noticed my exit and came to check on me. That moment, being seen and supported became a quiet but powerful turning point. It was truly where my journey of empowerment began. I later took honors classes with Dr. Manson and even later became her Admin Assistant. We are still friends today!
I continued my education at GPC from 2011 to 2015, taking one to two classes at a time while balancing life’s responsibilities. Each class was a step forward, and over time those small steps added up. I graduated with High Honors, a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful, and that resilience, consistency, and self-belief can transform a life.
Further still, there are so many faculty and staff that were supportive of my journey at Newton Campus. I am thankful to be at Decatur, but Newton will always have my heart.
Ortilia Perez-Harris
What is your position/job title at Perimeter?
Administrative Coordinator for the Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering department
Which location is your home campus?
Decatur Campus
What school did you graduate from and what degree did you earn?
Perimeter College, Georgia State University; Associate of Arts in Communication
What inspired you to continue your education?
My 83-year-old mother who is working on her master's degree in divinity and my husband who is my cheerleader and hype man.
My mother convinced me to return to school, and because of her passion and dedication to seek knowledge, I said if she can do it so can I. My husband has been cheering for me even when I thought I couldn’t do it. He can’t wait for me to reach my next plateau.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this accomplishment or your academic journey?
It all started while I was working on my prerequisites for my bachelor’s degree. I realized that if I took three more communication classes that I could get my AA. I asked my advisor if it was possible for me to obtain my AA and pursue the bachelor's degree, and he said yes. Here I am with an AA in Communications. I plan to continue working on my bachelor's in business. I couldn’t be happier!