For the second year in a row, the College of Continuing and Professional Education’s Real Estate Property Management program was recognized with two prestigious awards. Velda Simpson was named Educator of the Year, and the program was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Educational Programs award by the Georgia Apartment Industry Education Foundation (GAIEF). Simpson helped launch the REPM program in 2013.
“I’m truly humble and honored to receive recognition in an industry that I’m so passionate 
about,” Simpson said. “This year has been amazing and I’m so thankful for everything.”
The certificate-based program prepares students to move directly and easily into real estate careers. The class, which qualifies for VA Education Benefits, is taught by a group of instructors possessing more than 150 years of combined experience.
Barbara Calhoun, dean said, “It’s truly remarkable to have a professional organization such as the GAIEF recognize not only our instructor but our program as a whole. We are grateful to be partnered with a phenomenal group of instructors to provide a quality program to those in this field.”
The course teaches the leasing and customer service responsibilities of the apartment industry. Topics include introduction to the apartment industry, marketing and leasing, fair housing, risk management and career opportunities. Additionally, students will have exposure to industry leaders.
In addition to Simpson’s honor, the remaining instructors of our program were all recognized with a High Impact Award. Those were awarded to:
Maria Bailey
Sherle Brown
Christina DeSantis
Kareem Slater
Deborah Westphal
Sebastien Obas, a special guest speaker of the class, also received a High Impact Award.
The next class will be offered in April 2016 and an Open House Information Session is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2016 at KSU Center. More information can be found online at ccpe.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6765.
