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Georgia Military College and Georgia Southern University provide pathways for post-Bachelor-level degree pursuits

(L-R) Lt. Gen William B. Caldwell, IV, USA (Ret), Georgia Military College president, and Carl Reiber, Ph.D., Georgia Southern University provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs sign articulation agreement on March 8, 2024.

In the spirit of academic cooperation, Georgia Military College (GMC) and Georgia Southern University (GSU) have solidified an articulation agreement, emphasizing their commitment to academic collaboration. The agreement streamlines the transition of GMC Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) graduates into graduate programs offered at GS through the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, and the Parker College of Business.

Georgia Military College is dedicated to expanding avenues for students to realize their educational aspirations beyond the undergraduate level. In harmony with this ethos, Georgia Southern University extends its graduate programs to GMC BAS graduates, opening doors to advanced academic pursuits and career opportunities. Georgia Southern offers a diverse range of degree programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

“We are excited about this collaboration with Georgia Southern, which will undoubtedly enrich the academic landscape for our students and contribute to their professional growth,” said Lt. Gen William B. Caldwell, IV, USA (Ret), president of Georgia Military College. “This partnership offers a well-defined and supportive pathway for students pursuing graduate degrees, with both institutions committed to guiding and assisting students at every stage of their journey.”

Under this transformative agreement, GMC BAS graduates with enthusiasm for academic advancement can explore various program options at GSU, including the Georgia WebMBA® (WebMBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MSLSCM), Master of Criminal Justice and Criminology (MSCIC), Master of Public Administration (hybrid -track) (MPA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), alongside Graduate Certificates in Cybersecurity (CCyb), Logistics and Transportation (CLT), Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Innovation (CNMU), and Public Health (PHC).

“Georgia Southern University is committed to providing leading-edge educational opportunities that ensure student success while meeting industry demands,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We are proud to partner with Georgia Military College to offer a clear pathway to academic and career achievement with Georgia Southern’s valuable graduate degrees.”

For further details on the expansive opportunities made available through this agreement, interested parties are encouraged to contact either academic institution.

Georgia Military College is an accredited public-independent liberal arts college with multiple satellite locations throughout the state of Georgia, a Global Online Leadership College, and a main campus in Milledgeville serving both residential cadets and non-cadet/non-residential commuter students and intercollegiate athletes. GMC is a federally recognized Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) with 56% of the student body being minority students. A primary focus of Georgia Military College is awarding Associate Degrees and preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.  A second focus is to provide pathways for students to attain their four-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree. Georgia Military College’s mission is to produce educated citizens and contributing members of society in an environment conducive to the development of the intellect and character of its students. “Start Here…Go Anywhere!” For more information about Georgia Military College, visit www.gmc.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/georgiamilitarycollege, follow us on Twitter @GaMilCollege and Instagram @_georgiamilitarycollege.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

Last updated: 3/13/2024

Largo-Tibet Elementary School students embark on eye-opening educational journey as ‘Teachers for a Day’ on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus

Georgia Southern Call Me MiSTER program participants James Jenkins III, left, and Franklin Stevens, right, described what it’s like to be a college student to Largo-Tibet Elementary students.

In a recent collaboration between Georgia Southern University, Largo-Tibet Elementary School and 100 Black Men of Savannah, 12 eager children immersed themselves in a day of higher education, local civil rights history and a glimpse into the world of teaching. The program, “Teacher for a Day,” exposes young minds to the college experience and possibilities within the teaching profession.

Under the guidance of College of Education faculty members, Calvin Walton, Ph.D., Alisa Leckie, Ph.D., and Tracy Linderholm, Ph.D., and members of Georgia Southern’s Call Me MiSTER program, which focuses on attracting underrepresented individuals to the teaching profession, children from Largo-Tibet Elementary embarked on a transformative journey. 

“It was incredibly rewarding to see the impact even a single day of experiences can have on young minds, and how excited they were to experience this day on campus,” said Georgia Southern MiSTER participant Jozlynn Carson. “I also appreciate the University’s and the school community’s time and effort to help support events like these.”

The day began with a tour of the College of Education on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. The elementary students engaged in various learning activities, giving them a taste of the academic environment and sparking curiosity about higher education. They ate lunch in the University’s dining hall, The Galley, to see what life is like as a college student.

A highlight of the day was a session hosted by Jonathan Winbush, CEO of The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center, who discussed the importance of genealogy and tracing one’s roots, as well as local civil rights history. 

The students were also treated to a reading of the book, “Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon,” by Kelly Starling Lyons, a compelling story with themes of perseverance, education and the pursuit of dreams. The literary experience was designed to inspire and ignite a passion for learning, and the students participating in the program were asked to teach part of the story to kindergarten students at their school when they returned from the field trip.

The MiSTERS played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the young students throughout the day as they shared their experiences as college students and helped guide learning activities.

“It was very enjoyable seeing the wonder and excitement displayed on the faces of those children,” said MiSTER Franklin Stevens. “The thought of those kids being inspired because of this event excites me greatly, and personally reinforces the passion I have for cultivating the minds of the next generation!”

The 12 participating elementary students are all a part of a year-long mentoring initiative that Georgia Southern’s Call Me MiSTER program, which is funded by donations from Georgia Power and the National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference, offers at Largo-Tibet Elementary. The program is under the coordination of school counselor Lawanna Rucker and social worker Jamal Piankhi, both of whom work collaboratively with Walton and MiSTER James Jenkins III to design and provide life skills-based mentoring for the Largo-Tibet students for one hour each Friday afternoon. The “Teacher for a Day” project serves as a field-based activity that is designed to provide the participating students with real-world experiences that will help them develop and clarify their education and profession.

The 100 Black Men of Savannah, an organization that seeks to improve educational and economic opportunities for Black youth in the region, and provides mentoring services in K-12 schools throughout Savannah, is the primary sponsor for Call Me MiSTER’s mentoring initiative at Largo-Tibet Elementary. Raleigh Taylor, mentoring coordinator for the 100 Black Men of Savannah, was in attendance to support the program and engage with students. The group’s presence underscored the importance of community engagement and collaboration in fostering educational opportunities as they provide tutoring and other educational activities at Largo-Tibet Elementary.

“As MiSTERs, it is crucial for us to plant the seeds of educational success in students within our community,” Jenkins said. “In the brief span of a day, I witnessed their bright, young minds take interest towards the field of education. The day allowed their young minds to develop life lessons that they will carry on with for the rest of their lives.”

Last updated: 3/7/2024

Georgia Southern University honors the legacy of Mike Sanders with naming of the Mike Sanders Tunnel at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center

Georgia Southern University administrators with the family of Mike Sanders.

Georgia Southern University announces the naming of the home team tunnel at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center as the Mike Sanders Tunnel in memory of the late Michael “Mike” Robert Sanders, a distinguished alumnus and devoted supporter of the University. Sanders, who passed away on December 26, 2023, left an indelible mark on the institution through his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to foster educational opportunities for future generations.

​​”Mike epitomized the spirit of Eagle Nation, not just through his enthusiasm for our University and devotion to Georgia Southern athletics but, more significantly, through his personal mentorship of our students,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “His financial generosity was substantial, but the legacy he truly forged lies in the invaluable time he invested in nurturing our young minds —investments that will continue to flourish.”

Sanders graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in marketing in 1981 and remained deeply connected to his alma mater throughout his life. His impact on the University was profound, as evidenced by his pivotal role as co-chair of the comprehensive campaign, Together We Soar. His contributions, spanning both time and resources, were instrumental in helping to shape the growth and development of Georgia Southern.

A stalwart supporter of the University, his contributions, both in time and resources, have been pivotal in shaping the growth and development of Georgia Southern. Sanders served as a member and chair of various boards and his role as chair of the Georgia Southern Foundation Board of Trustees for the past three years was marked by significant advancements in the University’s position as a leading institution in south Georgia. The alumnus played an instrumental role in the formation of the Atlanta chapter of the Southern Boosters and spearheaded several large-scale fundraising projects. Sanders and his family endowed a scholarship for students in the Honors Program, reflecting his commitment to providing educational opportunities for future generations. In 2015, his contributions to the University were recognized when he was honored with the Alumnus of the Year Award. As a student, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and Pi Sigma Epsilon.

Beyond Georgia Southern, Sanders carved an impressive career in the financial services industry. He served as a financial advisor for more than 25 years with Morgan Stanley, originally Dean Witter. He followed that with 15 years as senior vice president for wealth management with UBS Financial Services. He viewed his clients not merely as customers but as friends, a philosophy that earned him deep respect and trust in the industry.

An avid sports fan, Sanders attended the Masters at Augusta National for decades, and his enthusiasm extended from coaching his son Robbie’s baseball teams to serving as the football stadium announcer at two high schools. However, his heart belonged to Georgia Southern football. For years, his legendary tailgate at every home game was a focal point for fans and friends, embodying his spirit and love for the game. 

“This fall, we eagerly anticipate the inauguration of the magnificent Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center,” continued Marrero. “This versatile venue will be able to host commencement ceremonies, speakers, concerts, job fairs, and numerous other university and community gatherings. It will also proudly serve as the new battleground for our Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA basketball games—a sport that Mike passionately adored.”

The naming of the Mike Sanders Tunnel serves as a lasting tribute to a remarkable individual whose impact will continue to inspire the Georgia Southern community to run toward opportunity for years to come.

Last updated: 3/6/2024

A statement from President Kyle Marrero about the passing of Nick Henry

Nicholas L. Henry, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s 10th president

The Georgia Southern community is mourning the loss of Dr. Nicholas L. Henry, the 10th President of Georgia Southern University.

Nick was a beloved president who served the second-longest term (1987-1998) at Georgia Southern, during which time he helped to transform the University into a regional force. During his administration, Georgia Southern was the fastest-growing university in the United States for seven years.

His most consequential achievement was leading Georgia Southern to achieve University status from the Board of Regents in 1990. That same year, he invited his friend Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to campus to speak at convocation, an event faculty and alumni recall as one of the most significant at the University.

His tenure was marked by national and international recognition for Georgia Southern. He supported efforts to establish the Smithsonian Institution and National Institutes of Health National Tick Collection at the University, which launched our national reputation for research. He also established educational outreach centers, including the Center for Wildlife Education and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center — which paved the way for our bald eagle mascot, Freedom — and the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden.

Nick believed southeast Georgia needed engineering to improve the economic development outlook for the region. Though he didn’t get to see its realization as president, he lived to see the result of his advocacy for the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.

He was a friendly soul who left a legacy of beauty at Georgia Southern. His landscape plan still drives the gorgeous flowers and greenery on campus today, and he garnered $125 million in funding for new buildings and a standard architectural style for the University. It’s difficult to look around the Statesboro Campus without seeing his influence at work.

There is so much more that Nick accomplished in 11 years as president. He was an advocate for students, staff and faculty. He raised the bar for what a University president could do for the community, region and state. He will be sorely missed by all of Eagle Nation.

— Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University 

Last updated: 3/6/2024

Georgia Southern’s Honors College and Undergraduate Admissions welcome more than 300 select students to interview for merit scholarships

Georgia Southern University’s Honors College and Office of Undergraduate Admissions will welcome more than 300 new students to the Statesboro Campus and Armstrong Campus in Savannah over the next two weeks as they interview for valuable merit scholarships from the Honors College during Honors Scholars’ Days.

“We are excited to welcome these newly admitted Honors College students to campus,” stated Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Amy Smith, Ed.D. “Georgia Southern University is a top destination for high achieving students, and our Honors College is able to provide an enhanced educational experience through a community of scholars interested in research, curiosity and creativity. These unique Honors Scholars’ Days allow our faculty and staff to get to know the incoming class while considering them for valuable merit scholarships. Simultaneously, our new students are able to see how Georgia Southern and the Honors College can help them achieve their educational goals.”

On Feb. 23, more than 50 students will visit the Armstrong Campus, and more than 250 will visit the Statesboro Campus on March 1.

“This year we have had over 1,000 applications for the Honors College and honors scholarships, and the quality of our applicants has never been higher,” said Honors College Dean Steven Engel, Ph.D. “Our faculty and student interview teams will have a very difficult job selecting the scholarship recipients from such a strong pool. Having these students in person on our campuses is valuable for us to get to know them better and for them to meet our outstanding faculty and learn more about how we can help them be successful in college and beyond.”  

During their time on campus, these outstanding newly admitted students will interview with Georgia Southern faculty, staff and current Honors students. They, along with their guests, will also be treated to a meal hosted by administration and faculty, attend informational sessions on campus engagement, and learn more about how they can benefit from an Honors education at Georgia Southern.

Last updated: 2/22/2024

English Department’s Annie S. Mendenhall to receive 2024 Outstanding Book Award

In April, Georgia Southern University Associate Professor of English Annie S. Mendenhall, Ph.D., will be honored with the 2024 Outstanding Book Award in the Monograph category at the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC).

The CCCC is a constituent organization within the National Council of Teachers of English that honors books within the field of composition and rhetoric. Single and multiple-authored books, as well as edited volumes, are evaluated for scholarship and research in the areas of pedagogy, practice, history and theory that have informed the work of past award recipients.

The nod is a distinct honor for Mendenhall, whose work, “Desegregation State: College Writing Programs after the Civil Rights Movement,” was eight years in the making before being published in 2022.

“CCCC is the oldest and largest professional organization in my field, and I have been a member of the organization for my entire professional career,” Mendenhall said. “It is a major career achievement and a huge honor to be recognized by the CCCC with this award and to have my work included with so many other outstanding scholars who have won this award in the past.”

Mendenhall is also the director of the First-Year Writing Program at Georgia Southern. She received a Ph.D. in writing, rhetoric and literacy at The Ohio State University in 2013. Mendenhall has published on the history of writing and rhetoric and writing program administration in College English, the Journal of Basic Writing, WPA: Writing Program Administration, and edited collections in the field. In addition, she has served on the CCCC Executive Committee and the editorial board for Young Scholars in Writing. 

Mendenhall will be announced as a recipient of a CCCC Outstanding Book Award during the CCCC Awards Presentation on April 5 during the 2024 CCCC Annual Convention in Spokane, Washington.

For more information about the CCCC Outstanding Book Award, including past winners, see https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/oba

The Conference on College Composition and Communication, with more than 4,000 members and subscribers, supports and promotes the teaching and study of composition, rhetoric, and communication skills at the college level, both in undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information, visit http://www.ncte.org/cccc.

The National Council of Teachers of English, with more than 25,000 individual and institutional members worldwide, is dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education.  For more information, visit http://www.ncte.org.

Last updated: 2/20/2024

Three Honors College seniors named Fulbright U.S. Student Program semifinalists

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program has selected three Georgia Southern University Honors College seniors as semifinalists for 2024-2025. Being chosen as a semifinalist is a significant step in the Fulbright competition as these three students were chosen by Fulbright’s national screening committees. Their applications have moved on to their respective host countries’ selection committees for final selection. 

The three Georgia Southern semifinalists are:

James Landers
History ’24
Semifinalist for the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Taiwan
James Landers is currently working on his honors thesis, “Unilateralism and Strategic Ambiguity in American Foreign Policy: The Taiwan Relations Act in Context” with Mao Lin, Ph.D., Department of History. Landers’ research fueled his desire to travel to Taiwan and apply for this opportunity. If he is awarded the ETA, his main goal for the year is “to increase my proficiency in Mandarin so that upon my return to the United States I can jump right into my graduate research on the United States’ relationship with Taiwan and China.”

Rylee Stanton
International Studies and World Languages & Cultures – Spanish ’24
Semifinalist for the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Colombia
Rylee Stanton studied abroad in Colombia in the summer of 2022, and is eager to return. “My time teaching will be spent creating powerful educational experiences for students and building a community of lifelong learners and global citizens,” she said. Stanton is currently working on her honors thesis, “The Edge of Paradise: Consumer Experiences with Sustainable Development” with William Biebuyck, Ph.D., Department of Political Science and International Studies. Stanton hopes to continue to explore this topic further if she is awarded the Fulbright.

Lilly Thompson
International Studies ’24
Semifinalist for Study/Research Grant to Latvia
Lilly Thompson has been working on her thesis, “Examining Populist Political Parties in the Baltic States and Slovenia” with Jacek Lubeccki, Ph.D., Department of Political Science and International Studies, and she hopes to continue to research the Baltic States in graduate school. Thompson applied for a study grant to earn a master’s degree in international governance and diplomacy in Latvia. She is interested in pursuing research on transitional justice. “The legacy of transitional justice still informs Latvia’s governance and foreign policy today, especially regarding the treatment of ethnic minorities and support for other victims of gross human rights violations, such as in Ukraine,” she said.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research or teach English abroad.

During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.

The Honors College at Georgia Southern is an inclusive community of scholars that fosters intellectual and professional development through undergraduate research and creative scholarship, experiential learning, global engagement and personalized mentorship.

Last updated: 2/20/2024

Singing their way to praises: Southern Chorale’s harmonies garner a Top 10 ranking in ‘most impressive college choirs’

Students in the group say the secret sauce for the Chorale’s success is a recipe of inclusivity and community, adding that every voice is valued and every member is embraced for their unique contributions.

Georgia Southern University’s Southern Chorale secured the sixth position in College Rank’s “Most Impressive College Choirs,” a resounding testament to its musical prowess.  Directed by Shannon Jeffreys, DMA, professor of music and director of choral activities, the Southern Chorale has garnered acclaim not only nationally but also on the international stage.

With a repertoire spanning various styles and periods, the Southern Chorale has become a sought-after performer at music conferences across the United States, including appearances at the National Collegiate Choral Organization, American Choral Directors Association and National Association for Music Education.

Jeffreys is immensely proud of her choral students and their recent achievements. 

“Their dedication and hard work, evident in every performance from international competitions to national conferences to our everyday rehearsals, fill me with pride as they represent Georgia Southern University with excellence,” said Jeffreys. “In Southern Chorale, we foster a supportive family environment where high standards are maintained and mutual encouragement flourishes. One of the things that makes Southern Chorale stand out is our deep passion for the texts and music we present.”

Students in the group say the secret sauce for the Chorale’s success is a recipe of inclusivity and community, adding that every voice is valued and every member is embraced for their unique contributions.

“Chorale places a strong emphasis on collaboration and ensemble unity as essential components of storytelling through music,” said Amare McJolly, voice area graduate assistant. “We recognize that music is a universal language that transcends words, allowing us to communicate emotions and experiences in ways that words alone cannot.”

In 2022, the Southern Chorale clinched first place in their sixth international choral competition at the “Sing Berlin Choral Competition.” Three years earlier, they were successful in the Ave Verum International Choir Competition in Austria and the International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany.

“Preparing for these performances pushes us to be the best we can be,” said Sarah McHan, Southern Invitational choral assistant. “International travel gives us a glimpse into other cultures. These experiences grow our network amongst musicians and introduce us to the choral traditions of other countries.”

Last updated: 2/14/2024