Georgia Military College has named Ben Wheatley Employee of the Year for the 2017-2018 school year. Wheatley has had an impactful career at Georgia Military College. He is a Financial Aid Assistant at GMC’s Augusta campus. Wheatley has been a member of the Georgia Military College team for almost three years.

Wheatley moved to the Augusta area in 2015 to be closer to family. That’s when he began looking for a job in the Financial Aid field. It was his job at a call center that contracted with the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program that led him to furthering his career in Financial Aid. After
coming on at GMC-Augusta in November of 2015, Wheatley has since also taken on the role of Advisor
for the General Science Club at GMC’s Augusta campus, and he’s a member of the Georgia Association
of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

When considering who to submit for consideration for Employee of the Year, Wheatley’s colleagues at
GMC-Augusta say his contributions to Georgia Military College are significant and admirable.

“Mr. Wheatley has become one of the most valued employees of the Financial Aid team, and it is
precisely because of his character, his ability to be profoundly proactive, and the effortless way in which
he works ‘smarter not harder,’” Wheatley’s peers said. “There is never a moment that frustration
impedes his ability to do his job to the very best of his ability. He makes excellent judgment calls and
demonstrates strong leadership skills. The students recognized this and gravitate towards him for
assistance.”

Georgia Military College had each of the 14 campuses, as well as the online campus submit nominees for
the Employee of the Year Award. The criteria to be considered in selection are: contribute to student
success, grow enrollments, think and act as one institution, and invest in the future of Georgia Military
College. Wheatley’s co-workers say he exemplifies each of those qualities in his work.

“Some of Mr. Wheatley’s greatest accomplishments are his dedication to improving student success as the Science Club Advisor,” said Wheatley’s colleagues. “He goes above and beyond the standard club
2 meeting and includes the entire student body in exciting science experiments and day trips. He participates in a wide variety of community organizations such as Faith at Work, the North Augusta
Chamber of Commerce, and the North Augusta Professionals, to share GMC’s mission, vision, and impact.”

Wheatley says he is blown away that his peers chose him for this award.

“Being selected as the Employee of the Year is a little surprising and overwhelming,” Wheatley said. “I
have always been taught to do your best and help others. ‘Wheatleys are workers,’ is what my dad
always says. I am grateful that I was selected for this honor and that my hard work has been recognized.  Thank you.”