May 22, 2009 – In recognition of her professional accomplishments, Pamela J. Moolenaar-Wirsiy, Ph.D., M.P.A., has been appointed to the rank of professor at Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus, Atlanta, Georgia. A native Virgin Islander, she attended Ulla F. Muller Elementary School and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School with honors in 1987. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Hampton University and a Master's in Public Administration from Georgia State University. She received her doctorate from Clark-Atlanta University/Morehouse School of Medicine in 1996.
As a tenured professor at GPC, Moolenaar-Wirsiy teaches microbiology, Principles of Biology and the Diversity of Living Organisms, and is the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. She has been a visiting professor at UVI and is a consultant for the Atlanta Metropolitan College.
Some of her special recognitions include a Governor's Teaching Fellowship, Who's Who Among America's Teachers and The National Honor Society for Public Administration. She is a member of the American Association of Higher Education Black Caucus' Leadership and Mentoring Institute, and also has numerous professional presentations and publications, including those recently published in the Journal of Immunotoxicology.
"Choice not chance determines destiny, which exemplifies how I see myself, my career and my life," says Dr. Moolenaar-Wirsiy. She also states that her philosophy of teaching, especially at the college level, is to relate to students the importance of critical, independent thinking.
"One must not only strive to memorize material, but know how, when and why to use that material. I am thoroughly devoted to teaching our future leaders," she said.
Dr. Moolenaar-Wirsiy is the daughter of George and Lillian "Sadie" Moolenaar, and great-niece of educator Ulla F. Muller.