Posted on Friday, October 16, 2026
During Homecoming, LaGrange College will celebrate remarkable members of the College family whose lives reflect leadership, service and a lasting commitment to others.
This year, five individuals will be recognized on Friday, Oct. 23, with three awards during Homecoming at the Alumni Awards Luncheon. Here is an overview of the awards and their recipients.
The Shackelford Alumni Achievement Award is named for Dr. Walter Malcolm Shackelford, former professor of education and academic dean. The awards are presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and proudly represented the College.
Tracy Cornwell Gynther ’90, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, has dedicated 36 years to nursing and serving patients and communities throughout West Georgia.
Today, she serves as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, where she leads nursing services and clinical operations while championing quality, patient safety, workforce development and patient-centered care. Beginning her career as a bedside nurse, Tracy has risen through progressive leadership roles while mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
A Nurse Executive Advanced–Board Certified leader, she remains deeply connected to LaGrange College through service on the Leadership Council and Sims Nursing Scholarship Committee.
Tracy and her husband, Larry, live in LaGrange and have four children.
Norman A. Harris ’99 is an attorney, minister, educator, author and community leader whose career is grounded in leadership, service and advocacy.
As owner and senior attorney of Champions for Justice Law, LLC, in Tampa, Norman has represented hundreds of individuals and families while advising churches, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and professionals. He also founded the Law & Leadership Initiative, connecting attorneys with young people through civic education, conflict resolution, leadership development and character formation.
Norman earned his B.A. in English Language and Literature from LaGrange College before earning a J.D. from Mercer University and an M.Div. from Emory University.
Norman and his wife, Alicia, reside in the Tampa Bay area. He has three children: Journi Harris, Julian Fernandez and Jazir Johnson.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award goes to an alumna or alumnus who graduated from LaGrange College within the past 10 years and who has become distinguished in their career and community and represented LaGrange College with pride.
Caitlyn Deal McCollough ’19, Corporate Giving Senior Manager for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, is making an incredible impact through nonprofit leadership and community service.
From leading corporate partnerships to helping coordinate the 40th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Caitlyn continues to build on the foundation of servant leadership she developed on the Hill. She graduated from LaGrange College in 2019 with a degree in Nonprofit Leadership and minors in Poverty Studies, Religion and Servant Leadership.
She is married to fellow LaGrange College alumnus Dylan McCollough ’20, and they call Atlanta home.
The Honorary Alumni Award is conferred by the Alumni Association to recognize individuals who have achieved a distinguished record of service, support, advocacy, and commitment on behalf of the LaGrange College.
Dr. Greg McClanahan, beloved professor and academic leader, devoted 37 years to shaping generations of students through excellence in teaching, mentorship and faithful service to LaGrange College.
Dr. McClanahan joined LaGrange as an associate professor in 1988. Drawn to the College's faith-based mission, and active in the Methodist Church, he found a community that aligned with his values and commitment to education.
His legacy has left an enduring mark on the LaGrange campus and community. All of his children and one grandchild have attended LaGrange College, and his daughter Beth followed in his footsteps as a professor.
Dr. McClanahan and his wife, Charlene, live in LaGrange and have three children and three grandchildren.
Rebecca Roth Nicks, Chief Development Officer at Feeding the Valley Food Bank, has spent more than 25 years building relationships that turn philanthropic passion into meaningful impact.
She currently serves as Chief Development Officer at Feeding the Valley Food Bank, following a 19-year career at LaGrange College, where she advanced from Associate Director of Annual Giving to Vice President for Advancement. During her time at LC, she helped secure philanthropic support for scholarships, academic programs and student success initiatives.
A respected nonprofit leader and community volunteer, Rebecca continues to make a difference through her professional and civic service.
She and her husband, Clay, live in the Columbus, Georgia, area with their golden retriever, Nash.
These honorees embody the spirit of LaGrange College through lives of integrity, service, and purposeful leadership. They will be recognized at Homecoming during the 2026 Alumni Awards Luncheon.
Category: Community
Keywords: LaGrange, alumni, alumna, alumnus, awards, honorary,
