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About Us

We are internal consultants with knowledge of the University’s culture, organizational structure, and University-wide business systems. Our expertise allows us to approach an issue from the perspective of the whole: the business and the people. We seek to define all problems using data/information and provide our clients with the tools necessary to make data-driven, strategically sound decisions.

We share your vested interest in the success of our University.

Our Staff

	Deborah Covin Wilson I am the Director of the Organizational Development and Consulting Services (ODCS) unit of the Human Resources (HR) Department. I received a BA in Education from Concordia Teachers College and an MSW in Policy Planning & Administration from Atlanta University. I was one of the first 250 people to receive the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential from the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certification Institute. I also hold the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credential from the Human Resource Certification Institute Prior to my arrival at Georgia State University, I worked at Georgia Institute of Technology for twenty-one years. While there, I started the Workplace Education Program for staff. This program was honored by the Governor and cited by the Department of Labor. I created a Mentoring Program (MentorTech) recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as part of Georgia Tech’s Honorable Mention recognition as a Great College to Work For. I created a Career Development Program for our research faculty and staff that is now a requirement for new employees after their first year of employment. I am involved in several University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents (BOR) Initiatives: Chair, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) committee; Member, Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) and Chair of Evaluations; and Vice Chair, Learning Architecture for the Professional Development Consortium (PDC).  Professionally, I am a past president of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASTD and I served on a national level as a Member of the Program Advisory Committee for the ASTD 2011-2012 International Conference and Exposition. I am also an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). During my short tenure here at Georgia State University, we have been fortunate to be recognized as a “Champion of Learning” by the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASTD. Our unit is committed to providing value and developing programs that assist our stakeholders in achieving the strategic goals of the University.
	Doug Samuels   I am the Training Manager in the Organizational Development and Consulting Services (ODCS) unit of the Human Resources (HR) Department. I hold a BS in Mathematics from Valdosta State College, a BS in Computer Science from Chapman University, a BA in Psychology from Valdosta State University, an MEd in Adult Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Valdosta State University.   Prior to coming to Georgia State University (GSU), I held senior leadership positions in organization development and learning in several Fortune 50 companies as well as the military. I am a catalyst for human performance improvement delivering increased performance and effectiveness through successful leadership development, employee engagement improvement, and learning and development programs. I serve on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and the Georgia Oglethorpe Award (the state version of the MBNQA) and am an active leader in the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), the Organization Change Alliance (OCA), and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).   As a new employee, I look forward to helping the University produce leaders and create solutions to conquer the challenges of the 21st century.
	Oyin Jones Mitchell I am a Program Specialist in the Organizational Development and Consulting Services (ODCS) unit of the Human Resources (HR) Department.  I received a BA in Human Resources from Georgia State University (GSU). As part of my endeavor to enhance my professional skill set, I am also serve as an intern with the GSU College of Law and the Consortium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution while completing an MS in Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University. In addition, I am a certified facilitator in renowned lecturer, author and speaker Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.   Prior to working at GSU, I learned many leadership and organizational development skills by participating in leadership development programs, volunteering in leadership roles for various community activities, and working for ten year as a Team Performance Coach and Consumer Affairs Specialist for a major airline.    As a result of my education, training, and volunteer service, I have successfully delivered a variety of Human Resources initiatives and projects to support the strategic vision of the University. For example, I developed and implemented the updated Panther Tracks New Employee Orientation (NEO) for staff. My overall professional goal is to develop and create programs to strengthen engagement and professional development for employees across the University.
	Patsi Turner   I am a Training Specialist in the Organizational Development and Consulting Services (ODCS) unit of the Human Resources (HR) Department. I received a BS in Management from Fisk University and an MS in Human Resource Development from Georgia State University (GSU).   My prior employment with Bellsouth, AT&T and The Coca-Cola Company afforded me challenging opportunities to work on global affairs, provide internal consulting using the latest tools and techniques, manage operations, and improve workplace processes. In addition, I worked as a senior consultant providing human resource expertise for non-profit and for-profit companies. I served two years on the Executive Board of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), am a long-term member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), served as a past Director for Atlanta Women in Business (AWinB), and have affiliations with the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP).   I am eager to partner, collaborate and serve as a resource for training and development, strategic planning, and other organization development interventions. As a proud alumna, I am thankful for the opportunity to return to Georgia State University in this new capacity. I look forward to adding value and making a difference.
	Gigi Burke   I am a Training Specialist in the Organizational Development and Consulting Services (ODCS) unit of the Human Resources (HR) Department. I received my BA in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my MEd in Counselor Education from The Pennsylvania State University, and my PhD in Adult Education, Human Resources and Organization Development from The University of Georgia.   I have worked extensively in student affairs and enrollment management divisions at large and small institutions to implement talent development solutions that supported university goals. I also have a research background in the areas of emotional intelligence, leadership development, and trust.   I am passionate about engaging Georgia State University’s leaders and employees in identifying, cultivating, and/or reshaping their talents to enhance their performance and help the University successfully address 21st century challenges.