With recent renovations to the Scots Learning Commons, some new programs and resources have emerged in Thaw Hall. One of these is the Digital Edge program, designed to help students build technical skills and gain certifications that bolster their resumes. 

All Digital Edge programs are completely free the entire time a student is enrolled at MC, and offer courses through an online system called Coursera. Amelia Gorz is the digital edge coordinator, with a passion for teaching digital skills.

Gorz started in this role in August 2025, after attending Valdosta State University for a short time. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in December of 2014 with a B.S. in recording industry, with a focus on audio production and a minor in mass communications. 

Despite her degree in another field, Gorz has nine years of experience in the field of “learning and development,” after working in the call center for a company called Asurion. She liked how they trained new hires and applied for a trainer position. She has since held various positions in the learning and development space. While searching for a new job, a friend mentioned that Maryville College had a digital edge position open, and upon further research, Gorz found herself drawn to it. 

“After reviewing the position summary, I was excited to apply. I genuinely love helping others learn and grow; it’s one of the most satisfying aspects of being in learning and development. The thought that I would have the potential to help students learn and grow and be able to work with digital skills? It was perfect,” Gorz said. 

Headshot of Amelia Gorz, MC Digital Edge coordinator. Photo courtesy of Maryville College.

“Digital Edge is so important because digital skills are one of the first things potential employers are looking for,” Gorz said. “According to a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) study, two-thirds of employers are hiring based on the skills potential employees have. This means that knowing the concepts of a subject is not enough to get hired – students need to be able to use the programs, as well,” Gorz said. 

Gorz also explained that with so many students lacking confidence, there is no reason not to take advantage of these resources.

“Utilizing Digital Edge and Coursera to learn new software, dig deeper into a program you may use every day, or even earn a professional certificate, will set you miles apart from others when applying for internships or post-grad opportunities. It can also boost your confidence as you finish earning your degree,” she added.

Gabriel Panchame (‘26) is a finance and accounting major who has completed several Digital Edge courses through his time at MC.

“I took four digital edge courses. One taught me how to utilize mail and calendar applications, another one taught me how to get started with Microsoft Office 365,” he said. “One that gave me a foundation for marketing analytics, and lastly, [I took] a Microsoft Excel course.”    

“I got a course certificate for all four courses,” Panchame said. “The good part about this is that I can put these certificates in my resume to prove that I have a wide variety of skills other than academic knowledge, which might differentiate me from other potential candidates for employment.” 

Though it was required by one of his business courses. Panchame said he would recommend Digital Edge to other students, although he understands that they sometimes feel tedious.

“I think it’s definitely a worthwhile resource that we are being provided to learn useful skills that will help us become better, more well-rounded professionals,” Panchame explained.

“As an accounting major, learning how to use excel is definitely something that will make my professional life way easier, and I know there are equivalents to that for people of all majors in Digital Edge.”

Dr. Kavita Singh’s Marketing Focus (BUS 349) class poses with certifications after completion of Digital Edge courses.

Left to right:  Hannah Fritz, Amelia Gorz, Bryson Claiborn, Jay Bichardo, Belle Starnes, Jackson Garner, Gabriel Panchame, Kevin Golec, Edin Avila Calix, Dr. Kavita Singh

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Panchame

Likewise, Gorz encourages every single student to complete one course and learn at least one new skill through the digital edge program. She also encourages students to reach out to her with any questions about what courses are offered or which are most valuable to them. 

“I am here for every student, faculty, or staff member who wants to invest in themselves by learning new digital skills. I want each and every individual to succeed, and I promise, the hardest part is getting started,” Gorz said. 


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