Upon being named President, her life changed overnight. “Finally, it was more than just a dream. It was a reality!” Mallard said excitedly. Then she quickly followed with a poignant reflection, “It was by far one of my proudest moments, along with raising two wonderful daughters of my own.”
Sam Croce, a senior volleyball player at Reinhardt, remarks about Reinhardt’s new leader, “It’s awesome having a President that is so involved on campus. During preseason, in the apartments, she has the doors and railings painted blue to support our school colors and make it more lively instead of the regular old black paint. Also, I think it’s remarkable how I’m almost positive that I have seen her at almost every athletic event I’ve been to!”
The best thing that has happened to Mallard while she has been at Reinhardt is the bond she feels with her students.
“After a football game,” she says eagerly,
“[my husband] Steve and I were standing where the team leaves the field house and locker room to go onto the field. Well, one of the football players, I’m not sure who it was, stopped his entire line of teammates and pointed to me and said ‘That’s my President!’—and I still replay that incredible moment in my head.”
Obviously an accomplished woman, Mallard credits Jesus as being the most influential figure in her life. She says, “He keeps me on the right track and gives me the grace and forgiveness I need. And scrip-ture is what gives me guidance.”
That spiritual guidance is definitely reflec-ted when Mallard interacts with Reinhardt students. Football player Brandon Keith attests, “Dr. Mallard took the time to come and speak to the football team during team camp this summer. She brought a basket of small stones, or pebbles, and handed one to each football player on the team.
Mallard chatting with students
Photo courtesy of Reinhardt University
That's my President!
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