Georgia Southern University Student Awarded Phi Eta Sigma Scholarship

Georgia Southern University student Jessica Spaleta has been awarded a $6,000 scholarship by Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Inc.

Spaleta, a rising senior majoring in exercise science, has a perfect 4.0 GPA and is president of Georgia Southern’s Phi Eta Sigma chapter. Spaleta won the scholarship because of her academic record, outstanding contributions to Phi Eta Sigma, and her other contributions to the University and community. She is active in the Volunteer Involvement Board, Honors Ambassadors, Exercise Science Club, and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society.

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen. The honor society is part the First-Year Experience at Georgia Southern, which is designed to ease the transition of freshmen entering the University. Spaleta has worked directly with first-year students as a peer leader and peer instructor in the First-Year Seminar, a required course all students take in their first semester at the University.

“We are so proud of Jessica and very pleased that her outstanding work both inside and outside of the classroom has been recognized by Phi Eta Sigma,” said First-Year Experience Director and Phi Eta Sigma faculty advisor Dr. Chris Caplinger. “Our goal with Phi Eta Sigma is to recognize our first-year students who are excelling academically and challenge them to grow and serve. Jessica is the embodiment of that philosophy.”

Membership into Phi Eta Sigma’s Georgia Southern chapter is open to full-time, first-year students with a fall semester GPA of 3.6 or higher. In March, the Georgia Southern chapter initiated 377 students.

“I am honored to have been picked out of so many qualified and deserving applicants. I enjoy working with first-year students and volunteering in the community,” said Spaleta. “I have a passion for bettering the lives of others around me. Giving back to Georgia Southern and the community is fun and part of who I am.”

Spaleta and other members of Phi Eta Sigma will play an integral role when the next freshman class reports to campus in August. The honor society will work with new freshmen as they participate in “Conversations with Professors,” a program that pairs all first-year students with a faculty member in their college and a student leader to discuss what will be expected of them academically.

 

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern University Graduate Samantha Young Presented University System of Georgia Award for Leadership

Georgia Southern University graduate and outgoing Student Government Association President Samantha Young is the 2010 recipient of the Regent Willis J. Potts Leadership Award presented by the University System of Georgia’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).

Young, a Dublin Ga., native who graduated this month with a degree in history and a minor in political science, was presented the award during a recent meeting of the SAC.? The SAC is a group composed of the Student Government Presidents of the 35 public colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia.? The SAC was established to advise the Board of Regents, through the Chancellor, on issues that are important to students. The award specifically recognizes her contributions to the SAC 2009-2010 academic year.

‘Samantha is known for having a unique way of obtaining results and connecting with people,” said Tonya Lam, University System of Georgia associate vice chancellor for student affairs.? ‘She has made positive contributions to the University System’s Student Advisory Council through her contagious enthusiasm and ability to communicate.”

In 2009, the University System of Georgia’s SAC established the annual Leadership award named after Regent Willis J. Potts for his strong support and involvement with SAC students; for his leadership and knowledge, and for his open, honest, and enthusiastic engagement in SAC activities.

“Samantha is not only an outstanding person, but an outstanding leader,” said Teresa Thompson, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Georgia Southern University.? ‘As President of the SGA, Samantha has been one of the best student leaders I have had the pleasure of working with at Georgia Southern.? We are extremely proud of her achievement and congratulate her on this award.”?

Now that Young has completed her degree at Georgia Southern, she will be moving to South Carolina to begin a master’s degree program in Higher Education and Student Affairs with a graduate assistantship in Student Engagement.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern’s William Irby, Ellen Murkison Honored by National Academic Advising Association

A Georgia Southern University professor and a staff member have been honored with a national award for their commitment to helping students.

Biology professor William Irby and First-Year Experience program academic advisement coordinator Ellen Murkison have each received a 2010 Outstanding Advising Award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

For years, Irby has chaired the Department of Biology’s Advising Committee. He holds advising workshops for faculty, gives advising updates during faculty meetings and volunteers to meet with prospective students who visit the department. Irby serves in the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology Advising Center and represents the Biology Department during SOAR (Southern’s Orientation, Advisement and Registration) sessions for new students held during the summer and between semesters.

“Dr. Irby is recognized as one of the biology department’s best instructors, and he brings the same enthusiasm and level of engagement to the advising process. For years, he has been the department’s go-to person for advising questions of all types. He is compassionate, understanding and truly interested in each student’s success,” said Stephen Vives, chair of the Biology Department.

Murkison came to Georgia Southern in 2006 to establish the University’s first advisement center solely for undeclared students. Her contributions include implementing a major exploration exercise during summer orientation to guide students to earlier declaration of major, organizing FYE’s inaugural Majors Fair and integrating peer academic advisors into the advisement and major exploration processes. Her colleagues from across the state elected her the Georgia representative to the NACADA Region IV steering committee, and she co-chaired an academic advising conference on the Georgia Southern campus that featured NACADA executive director Charlie Nutt.

“Ms. Murkison conveys patience, caring and empathy in the process of helping students discover their passions. She teaches students the importance of asking for help and creating an environment conducive for academic success. Students leave a meeting with her knowing that they are responsible for their success, but that they have a strong advocate in her,” said Chris Caplinger, director of First-Year Experience.

Irby and Murkison will be honored along with this year’s other recipients at an awards reception in October during the NACADA Annual Conference in Florida.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 115 degree programs serving 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern University to Host Political Consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin

Georgia Southern University will welcome political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin to campus on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. The 7 p.m. event at Hanner Fieldhouse is free and open to the public.

“This event is for anyone who enjoys spirited political conversation,” said Teresa Thompson, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “James Carville and Mary Matalin will be on our campus just six weeks before the mid-term elections. Politics, and political strategy, will be among the topics dominating news headlines this fall. This is the perfect time for our students to hear from two top political consultants, one Democrat and one Republican, who spent years in the campaign trenches.”

Carville, a Democrat who ran President Bill Clinton’s campaign in 1992, and Matalin, a Republican who ran President George H.W. Bush’s re-election campaign that same year, are a married couple whose wildly differing political views have made them sought-after guests on political news programs for nearly two decades. The pair co-wrote the best selling bookAll’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President that chronicled the 1992 presidential campaign. Both are known for their steadfast loyalty to their parties and ideals, and for their quick-witted political humor.

“At Georgia Southern University, we believe an important part of education is providing our students the opportunity to hear from leaders with different views and life-experiences,” said Thompson. “James Carville and Mary Matalin are engaging, passionate speakers and advocates for their political parties. They are also terrific examples to our students who prove you can have differing viewpoints on important issues”and engage in some fairly heated debate”but still walk away with your relationship in tact. That is a lesson that will serve our students well while they are in college and for the rest of their lives.”

James Carville serves as a Professor in Practice at Tulane University. In addition to his political campaign work in the U.S. and abroad, Carville is a frequent contributor to CNN and co-hosts Sirius XM radio’s 60/20 Sports show. He is a best selling author, actor, and political speaker. Carville is also one of the founders of Democracy Corps, which is an independent, non-profit polling organization.

Mary Matalin is editor-in-chief of Threshold editions, which is a division of Simon &Shuster. Matalin is a CNN political contributor who has also hosted her own political radio talk show and served as host of the television show Equal Time, which she co-founded. Matalin’s 2004 book Letters to My Daughters made the New York Times and Washington Post’s best-seller lists. Matalin and Carville will serve as co-chairs of the host committee for the 2013 Superbowl, which will be played in the Louisiana Superdome.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern University Student Wins Prestigious National Security Education Program Scholarship

Georgia Southern University honors student and Statesboro, Ga. native Kendra Mosley has been awarded a prestigious National Security Education Program David L. Boren Scholarship for study in Moscow, Russia.

Boren Scholarships are awarded to students who wish to study in countries and regions of critical importance to U.S. interests. Language learning is a key component of study for many undergraduate recipients as is developing a cultural understanding of the country. Boren scholars also must commit to a year-long service requirement in a government agency with national security responsibilities.

Mosley, who is a history and international studies major in Georgia Southern University’s Honors Program, will spend the 2010-2011 academic year in Russia where she plans to immerse herself in the Russian culture and advance her Russian language skills. Mosley plans to travel around the country, visit the cities near Moscow, and make a trip to explore St. Petersburg. ‘Most importantly,” she says of her goals, ‘I plan to earn my minor in Russian, which means I will reach the high intermediate level in my language training. I also plan to complete my honors thesis research which will focus on Russia.”

Mosley is an ROTC cadet and upon her return to the United States she will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Her plans following graduation are to become either a military intelligence officer or air defense artillery officer. Still, she also has plans for more studies. ‘I want to attend graduate school for Russian studies and history. My goal is to become a military advisor to the U.S. Army on Eastern European and Russian affairs. I also want to be a Russian history professor at some point,” she says.

The University Honors Program at Georgia Southern University provides a small college atmosphere in the context of a large comprehensive university. The program is designed to foster the development of a critical sense of inquiry, a spirit of creativity, a global perspective and an ethic of civic responsibility. The program also advises students from across the University in their pursuit of national and international competitive scholarships.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern University Survey: Consumers Still Spending Cautiously as Economy Slowly Starts to Recover

Consumers across Georgia are starting to feel better about the economy but are still spending cautiously, according to a Georgia Southern University study. The Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED) in the College of Business Administration has completed its first Spring Consumer Confidence Survey for the State of Georgia and the nine counties in the Coastal Empire.

‘The economy is in the early stages of recovery – every economic indicator is moving in the right direction – but consumers are still psychologically in a recession,” said Ed Sibbald, director of the Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development.

The Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED) within the College of Business Administration at Georgia Southern University has completed its first Spring Consumer Confidence Survey for the State of Georgia and the nine counties in the Coastal Empire.

Supported by students in market research classes in the College of Business Administration, this study summarizes the responses of 567 participants based upon a stratified random sample of 3,100 households throughout the state of Georgia. Approximately 10% of the responses were obtained from individuals living within the Coastal Empire.

Following is a summary of the survey:

Purpose and Focus

Most economists see signs of an improving national economy based upon leading economic indicators and recent trends in consumer spending. Financial markets have stabilized and the stock market is celebrating a year-long ‘bull” rally.

The purpose of this survey was to get the sense of ‘Main Street”  how people in Georgia feel about the state and local economy and their personal financial situations. Assessing consumer confidence levels provides a valid measurement of potential future behavior in terms of spending by individuals, families and businesses. In addition, the survey sought to determine how much underlying strength exists at the grassroots level to support a sustained and robust recovery.

It is widely accepted that consumers’ view of the economy and employment has a significant impact on consumer confidence levels. In addition to their own personal experience as well as knowledge about their siblings, friends and professional contacts  individuals get information and develop opinions from various media sources (television, radio, newspapers and the Internet). This survey collected media usage by individuals to determine its role in influencing the responses to the questions.

 

Key Conclusions

• The average Georgian surveyed has not felt any real impact from the early stages of the economic recovery underway since the third quarter of 2009.

• Georgians are slightly more positive about the economy than in 2008 and 2009, but are still highly ambivalent about the economic prospects in the next year.

• Consumers in Georgia continue to be cautious in their spending and increasingly are price conscious. This does not mean buyers shop for the cheapest price across the board, but they are now more likely to consider both price and quality in their purchasing decisions.

• The average respondent is happy with their job. More than 80% are either satisfied or highly satisfied with their current employment. This is an unusually high percentage even in prosperous times and may reflect, in part, their ability to retain their jobs during the unemployment crisis during the past 24 months.

• The improving but still weak levels of consumer confidence combined with continued caution in spending suggests the economic recovery in Georgia will be slow and gradual during the 2010-2011 period.

Summary Highlights

• Georgia consumers are ambivalent but somewhat pessimistic about the trends in the national, state and local economy. Thirty-four percent (34.4%) believe the economy has not changed and is about the same as 2009. The remaining respondents were split 2-to-1 that the economy is worse than last year  44.6% believing it to be worse than 2009 and only 21% seeing an improvement.

• Respondents were a bit more optimistic about their personal financial situation with 57% believing it has not changed. Nevertheless, 29.1% feel that that their financial situation is worse compared to only 13.9% of the respondents who believe they are stronger financially than 2009.

• The survey indicates that improvements in the overall economy have yet to be experienced by ‘Main Street” Georgia. One factor influencing this is the lag between perception and reality. As noted by many economists, the national economy is in recovery, but individual consumers are still in a ‘psychological recession.” Nevertheless, two other factors are also important and appeared to shape the responses by the participants income and cost of living considerations and job growth.

• A majority (66.4%) of the respondents do not expect higher income levels in 2010. However, 67.5% of the participants believe their cost of living has increased during the past year. This perception is rooted in such daily realities as a 30% increase in gasoline prices since March 2009, rising grocery prices and increasing health care premiums.

• The disparity between income and cost of living expenses translates directly in terms of responses regarding savings. Although the national savings rate has increased above 4% of personal income, 47% of the respondents believe they are saving about the same as 2009, and 39.1% indicated they are saving less than they did last year.

• In terms of future prospects, 33.8% believe economic conditions will improve during the next six months and 28.9% feel the economy will weaken. In terms of job growth, 39.9% see no real change and the remaining responses are evenly split between fewer or greater job availability.

• The most notable response in the survey was the degree of job satisfaction. The vast majority (82.7%) are either satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs. In fact, 45.8% of the respondents felt very satisfied with their jobs. By contrast, job satisfaction levels were in the 60% range during the more prosperous 2004-2007 period. This is a remarkably high level and is probably influenced by the fact that people are thankful they have jobs.

• Opinions on the economy are shaped by personal experiences and economic information is obtained primarily through network/cable television coverage and increasing Internet information sources. Newspapers continue to decline as a primary source of daily and weekly information on non-local ‘big picture” issues such as the economy.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 115 degree programs serving 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Georgia Southern University Celebrates Largest-Ever Graduation

More than 20,000 people packed into Georgia Southern University’s Paulson Stadium on May 8 to honor a record number of graduates at Spring Commencement. Approximately 2,400 graduates participated in the ceremony.

New Georgia Southern President Brooks Keel, who took office in January, served as the speaker at the event. ‘This is the largest graduating class we have ever had, and one of the best classes we have ever had. I believe this is a sign of what the future holds for Georgia Southern,” he said. ‘I don’t know who is more excited, me or the graduates. This is my first graduation and I have been looking forward to this since day one.”

The honorees included Sara Plaspohl, the first graduate in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health’s Doctor of Public Health program. The first doctoral graduate is a key step as the JPHCOPH continues the process to earn accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. ‘Even though I’m the first one, I feel like I’m sharing it with my DrPH cohorts who are right behind me. I feel like my colleagues are the trailblazers for a program that is going to continue to grow,” said Plaspohl, who took classes full-time while working full-time as the research ethics officer at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Along with the ‘traditional” graduates, Georgia Southern recognized 153 fully and 63 partially online graduates, the most ever for the University. One of them, Canadian resident Derek Rice, earned his degree entirely online while living in Ontario and made his first-ever trip to Georgia for his graduation.

Rice was the first graduate in the College of Business Administration’s online Master of Science in Applied Economics program. ‘I researched degrees in economics taught at a distance and was really interested in this one. The concentration in regional economic development was what attracted me because I can actually use that in the work I do,” said Rice, who works for an accounting office that does economic development consulting.

An addition to Spring Commencement this year was recognition of the University’s newly-commissioned ROTC cadets. Another highlight came at the end of the ceremony as Freedom, the bald eagle that flies at Georgia Southern home football games, made his second flight at graduation.

Keel provided graduates with memorable advice saying, ‘Never, ever forget that you are an eagle. Your colors are true blue and white and this will always be your house.”

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Record Number of Graduates to Receive Degrees at Georgia Southern University’s Spring Commencement

Georgia Southern University will honor its largest-ever graduating class at Spring Commencement on May 8 at 9 a.m. at Paulson Stadium. Approximately 2,900 graduates are receiving their degrees this spring, including more than 2,400 who will participate in the formal ceremony.

New Georgia Southern President Brooks Keel will not only confer the graduates’ degrees, but will also serve as the guest speaker. ‘I am looking forward to my first graduation ceremony at Georgia Southern,” said Keel, who took office in January. ‘With a record number of graduates, it will be a memorable day for many in the Eagle Nation.”

An addition this year to Spring Commencement will be recognition of the University’s newly-commissioned ROTC cadets. Georgia Southern’s ROTC battalion has been chosen as one of only eight in the country to receive the MacArthur Award, the U.S. Army’s top honor for ROTC battalions that exemplify the leadership qualities personified by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

‘We are thankful to Dr. Keel for this initiative to showcase our cadets, some of the finest in the nation, on this very special day,” said Lt. Col. George Fredrick, commander of Georgia Southern’s ROTC battalion.

Along with the ‘traditional” graduates, this year’s class reflects a national trend that more students are choosing to earn their degrees online. Georgia Southern will recognize 153 fully and 63 partially online graduates, the most ever for the University.

A highlight from last year’s ceremony will return this year as Freedom, the bald eagle that flies at Georgia Southern home football games, will make his second flight at graduation.

If you’re going

Graduates’ families and friends are encouraged to get to Paulson Stadium early. Given the large number of graduates, the University is expecting around 25,000 people for commencement. The gates will open at 7 a.m. and the processional will begin at 8:40. Once the available seats and concourse areas are full, the grass seating area at the scoreboard end of the field will be opened to manage any overflow.

The University suggests parking in one of the designated parking areas on-campus and utilizing the campus shuttle services to get the stadium. Shuttle service will start at 7:30 a.m. and will continue until one hour after the ceremony ends. Carpooling is encouraged.

Web cast available

Again this year, Georgia Southern University will present the Spring Commencement ceremony as a live web cast. Anyone with RealPlayer installed on their computer and access to the Internet can view the web cast from the Georgia Southern web site (www.georgiasouthern.edu) by following the Commencement link. Spring Commencement information for graduates and spectators is available at: www.georgiasouthern.edu/commencement.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 115 degree programs serving 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

Last updated: 2/2/2018