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Writer's pictureEricJones

Dr. Emmett Griswold BHS Class of '89: A Beacon of Criminal Justice and Educational Success Rooted in Baldwin Pride


Baldwin County School District takes great pride in its alumni, and Dr. Emmett Griswold stands as a shining example of the district's commitment to fostering success. An honored member of the Distinguished Alumni 2024 cohort, Dr. Griswold's journey from Baldwin High School student to the President of Albany Technical College is a testament to the transformative power of education and community support.


Growing up in Harrisburg, he started his education at Midway Elementary School and continued through Harrisburg Elementary and Baldwin Junior High. His connection with the district runs deep, as his father, Emmett Griswold Jr., was an educator at Boddie High School schools during the 1960s, prior to the integration of Boddie and Baldwin. The foundation of respect, humility, and academic excellence instilled by his teachers has resonated with Griswold throughout his life. "In Baldwin High, I learned not just academic lessons but also the importance of being a respectful and humble individual. The teachers instilled in us the values that go beyond textbooks, shaping us into productive citizens," Dr. Griswold fondly recalls.


"In Baldwin High, I learned not just academic lessons but also the importance of being a respectful and humble individual. The teachers instilled in us the values that go beyond textbooks, shaping us into productive citizens."

Graduating in 1989, his senior class was the first to graduate from the new Baldwin High School facility, having transitioned from the old building to the larger, more modern space. He served as a team manager for Coach James Lunsford, a Distinguished Alumni of 2023, for whom the basketball court is now named. Griswold remembers the thrilling basketball games, the camaraderie among friends, and the valuable life lessons imparted by dedicated educators.


"Coach Lens taught us more than just basketball. He taught us the importance of presenting ourselves professionally, both on and off the court. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my life," said Griswold.


While Dr. Griswold's initial academic journey focused on criminal justice, his career took an unexpected turn. After twelve years in law enforcement and corrections, he transitioned to education. Starting as a criminal justice instructor at Albany Technical College in 2004, he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the college's president in 2022.


Griswold's commitment to education is a family affair. His wife, an educator in Albany, Georgia, shares his passion for shaping young minds. Their two children, both successful in their academic pursuits, benefited from dual enrollment opportunities, completing their undergraduate degrees in three years.


Dr. Emmett Griswold's journey from Baldwin High School to the presidency of Albany Technical College exemplifies the rich legacy and success stories that the Baldwin County School District takes pride in. His dedication to education, community, and lifelong learning serves as an inspiration for current and future students, reinforcing the idea that Baldwin County School District is not just a place of education but a launching pad for remarkable careers and meaningful lives.



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