05/12/2026
This spring, we set out to celebrate the MCCB faculty members who make a bigger difference than they will ever know. We did not expect what happened next.
Today we want to introduce you to Dr. Larry Dennis — retired Professor, former Dean, and for a generation of North Georgia College business students, the figure at the heart of it all.
Kathy Tillman, Class of 1982 and MCCB Advisory Board member, tells this story:
"Back in the day when the heart of the school of business was the bottom floor of Dunlap Hall, we students gathered between classes at the staircase well — sitting cross-legged covering all available floor space. The prominent figure in that hallway was the very tall and distinguished Dr. Larry Dennis, who would peer down at us through those glasses on the tip of his nose in the most grandfatherly fashion, keeping in tune to the pulse of his students. His foremost desire for each of us was to help us realize our goals and achieve our chosen career path. Always at the ready to help and support — Dr. Dennis exemplified the perfect combination of professor, advisor, and friend."
Fellow alum Allen Earls, Class of 1986, experienced that impact firsthand. Dr. Dennis was his mentor and Accounting Professor — and Head of the Business Department.
"He introduced me to the Big 4 Accounting Firms, and as a result, there was a recruiting battle for me to work for them. EY won the battle, and it launched my professional career. I have had and continue to have tremendous success as a professional, and it would not have been possible without his mentorship. I will be forever grateful."
Kathy's tribute goes beyond words. She made a $5,000 challenge gift to our Faculty Excellence Fund in Dr. Dennis's honor — and inspired a second MCCB alum to step up with another $5,000 challenge. We are thrilled to share that our community rose to meet BOTH challenges — creating a total campaign impact of $20,000 for faculty professional development.
And we are not stopping. The campaign runs through May 31, and every gift from here forward supports the faculty who are shaping careers right now.
Do you have a story about an MCCB faculty member who changed your life? Send it to [email protected]. And if you would like to make a gift in their honor, the link is below.
https://tinyurl.com/8zp3r6ks
