Dr. Lucille B. Garmon: a great community leader

Dr. Lucille B. Garmon, Professor Emerita at the University of West Georgia (UWG) in the Department of Chemistry, passed away on Oct. 17 at Tanner Medical Center. She passed at the age of 79 after battling cancer.

Garmon began serving at the UWG in 1968 as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and later became an associate professor. A decade later in 1978, she took the role of professor for the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry. Five years later in 1983, Garmon emerged as Chair of the Department of Chemistry. In 2002, she formally retired and took the role of Professor Emerita.

Garmon contributed many great things to UWG and Carroll County over her lifespan. One of the most utilized programs she created was the chemistry workshop program at UWG. The chemistry workshop program is a Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) program where selected students lead problem solving sessions to teach and guide other students. These chemistry workshops are successful in helping students better understand chemistry and learn leadership skills. The chemistry workshops were so valued by the university and the chemistry department that they became a requirement for CHEM 1211 and 1212.

“Dr. Garmon was one of the original founders of the workshop program,” said Nick Blair, a chemistry workshop leader. “Because of her and the workshops, a number of students have been able to understand and pass chemistry, and many have found a love for chemistry they may not otherwise have known.”

Another way Garmon was involved with UWG was with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). She was appointed President of the West Georgia Chapter of the AAUP in 1983. She was treasurer of the AAUP Georgia Conference from 2011 until she passed last month.

Along with her contributions to the AAUP, Garmon also took part in the Carrollton League of Women’s Voters (LWV). She was a member of the LWV for over 45 years and served as chapter president multiple times. She was the chapter treasure of the LWV when she passed.

Faculty, staff and students alike all mourn the loss of such a great community leader. A memorial service was held in her honor on Friday, Nov. 6. All students, faculty, staff and community members were invited to recognize all of the accomplishments of Dr. Lucille B. Garmon.

“Directly or indirectly, she impacted every student who has taken a general chemistry class at the University of West Georgia, and for that, we owe her a debt of gratitude,” Blair said. “The department and the school will not be the same without her; she will be greatly missed.”

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