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$2.04 million in federal funding flows to Georgia Southern’s Institute for Water and Health for coastal Georgia safe water research and education

Molecular Microbiology Laboratory at the Institute for Water and Health

Georgia Southern University proudly announced today $2.04 million in federal funding to support the Institute for Water and Health’s (IWH) Safe Water Together initiative. This significant allocation, secured by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, underscores a commitment to ensuring sustainable access to safe water among coastal Georgia communities.

“The Safe Water Together project will unite partners across a wide range of networks – including municipalities, environmental agencies, businesses, school districts, and local communities – to collaboratively address current challenges to water resources through research and education, and to apply innovative approaches to water quality diagnostics,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “This new initiative will allow Georgia Southern to further our reach and our impact — all to better serve the people who live and work in Georgia.” 

Water security stands as the cornerstone of community resilience and is inseparable from issues of economic growth, food security, and environmental health. The IWH is dedicated to bridging scientific and technological solutions to support a collective vision of safe water, sustainable environment, and resilient communities. Through the Safe Water Together program, IWH will accomplish key elements of its public impact mission.

Marrero cited Carter’s role as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials as a crucial position to influence the coastal Georgia community’s water resources infrastructure and thanked him for being an advocate for the project.

Guests explore the new Institute for Water and Health during the ribbon cutting ceremony

“I want to thank our partner Representative Buddy Carter, an unwavering champion of Georgia Southern, for seeing the vision and for securing the necessary funding for this project to move forward,” Marrero continued. “Representative Carter understands the practical impact of water on our region’s ability to attract and retain business and industry, to grow jobs and ultimately to improve our economy. I also want to offer my sincere appreciation to our U.S. Senators, Senator Warnock and Senator Ossoff, for their support of this project in the Senate.” 

The Safe Water Together initiative will engage partners from various sectors to tackle issues stemming from the region’s rapid population growth and economic development, its aging infrastructure, the longstanding presence of natural and man-made contaminants, and saltwater intrusion into the Floridan aquifer. By leveraging cutting-edge water quality diagnostics, the program aims to serve the unique needs of local communities while providing a model for public-private partnership solutions.

“Our district has been blessed with rapid economic growth and development, attracting people and businesses from around the world who want to call it home. Safe water collection practices are critical to maintaining GA-01 as a great place to live and work. I’m proud to support Georgia Southern’s Safe Water Together Initiative, which will boost our local economy and preserve our district’s health and beauty by ensuring safe and sustainable water access for all coastal Georgians,” said Carter. 

Established in 2021, the IWH harnesses transdisciplinary research expertise to provide scientific and technological solutions to support a collective vision of safe water, sustainable environment, and resilient communities. With 18 affiliated faculty members spanning natural sciences, public health, environmental engineering, education, and social sciences, the Institute is at the forefront of water sciences research. The IWH team is engaged in grant-funded projects sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Division, National Science Foundation, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The team leads convergent water research projects, applies cutting-edge technologies, and partners with communities to tackle complex issues supported by data driven solutions.

(L-R): Benjy Thompson, immediate past chair of the Georgia Economic Developers
Association; Christopher Curtis, Ph.D, Georgia Southern interim vice president for Research and Economic Development; Asli Aslan, Ph.D., MSc, director of the Georgia Southern Institute for Water and Health; Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero; U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, R-GA; Victoria Clower, second-year Georgia Southern doctoral student in the Community Health Behavior and Education program and IWH graduate research assistant; Annalee Ashley, Ed.D., Georgia Southern vice president for External Affairs, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff to the President; Carl Reiber, Ph.D., Georgia Southern provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

The funding announcement took place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the IWH. Situated within the Georgia Southern Research Complex on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the 6,000-square-foot facility enhances the Institute’s capacity to provide timely and accurate water analyses and solutions for coastal communities. The IWH’s real-world impact extends beyond research, offering community water testing and environmental risk assessment, hydrologic modeling, K-12 environmental education, and professional development services.

Although the facility formally opened today, the IWH has already been making a meaningful impact across the communities throughout southeast Georgia and the entire state. The research facilityrepresents another landmark in the growth of the University’s real-world impact upon the region and its development.

Last updated: 3/26/2024

There are new residents buzzing around Georgia Southern’s  Armstrong Campus

Bee hives are installed on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. The two conventional hives house about 10,00 bees and a queen, and are located by the SARC greenhouse on the north side of the Armstrong Campus.

There’s some news buzzing around Georgia Southern University – literally! The Armstrong Campus EcoAdvocates Club in collaboration with the Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center (SARC) has taken steps toward environmental sustainability by introducing bees to campus. 

Sarah Beth Waller, a biology junior at Georgia Southern, began beekeeping five years ago while living in suburban Atlanta. Since then, she has become a certified beekeeper through the University of Georgia, has received grants through The Bee Cause Project to build additional beehives and has been featured in Bee Culture Magazine.

As part of their ongoing commitment to fostering a greener and more eco-friendly campus, Waller and the Armstrong EcoAdvocates Club have embarked on a new project that’s sure to sweeten the air and promote biodiversity. They’ve recently welcomed a hive of honeybees, and these industrious pollinators are now calling Georgia Southern home. 

The two conventional hives house about 10,00 bees and a queen, and are located by the SARC greenhouse on the north side of the Armstrong Campus.

Bees play a crucial role in pollination which help local flora thrive and ensure the production of many of the fruits and vegetables. By establishing a bee colony on campus, the club aims to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of these essential pollinators. 

“Bees are essential both to our ecosystems and our society, since they pollinate about 75% of all flowering plants, which includes much of our food,” said Brigette Brinton, MS, SARC director and lecturer of biology at Georgia Southern University. “They’re a great addition to our campus to support the thriving campus arboretum and gardens, serve as an educational resource for courses and to facilitate research on the threats to bee populations globally.”

But their new place on campus isn’t just about expanding their place – it’s about saving their home. Last year, the yellow-legged hornet, a species of hornet that preys on honeybees was first detected in Savannah and the beekeeping community was put on high alert. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, this invasive insect has the potential to endanger both domestic and wild honey bee populations, as well as native pollinators. Additionally, it could disturb the pollination process of numerous crops and further harm already vulnerable populations of native bees, which have been significantly reduced due to various factors.

The EcoAdvocates Club has not only brought bees to campus, but has also committed to caring for and maintaining the hive. Members of the club have undergone training in beekeeping and have collaborated with local experts at the Savannah Bee Company to ensure the well-being of our new winged residents. 

This initiative aligns with the University’s broader sustainability goals and demonstrates the power of student-led initiatives in creating positive change. The bees on campus will serve as a living example of the positive impact individuals and groups can have on the environment when they come together with a shared vision.

Last updated: 3/26/2024

Georgia Southern receives national recognition for Eagle Engage from NASPA

Georgia Southern University has received even more national recognition from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).  Eagle Engage, the University's portal for featured student events and involvement opportunities as well as student organizations and service opportunities, was chosen as a 2023-24 Excellence Award winner (Silver Level) in the Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics category.  
Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, and Shay Little, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs, present on Eagle Engage at the recent NASPA conference. Their work earned the University an award from the organization.

Georgia Southern University has received even more national recognition from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).  Eagle Engage, the University’s portal for featured student events and involvement opportunities as well as student organizations and service opportunities, was chosen as a 2023-24 Excellence Award winner (Silver Level) in the Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics category.  

The Division of Student Affairs has been leading efforts since 2021 to better engage and track student involvement at Georgia Southern and this award is reflective of a University-wide commitment to exactly that.

“Student engagement in co-curricular activities such as events, involvement in registered student organizations, and other activities is correlated with student success,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Shay Little, Ph.D. “Students who participate in those events and activities report a higher sense of belonging at Georgia Southern as well.”

In 2022-2023, 76% of Georgia Southern students participated in co-curricular activities and events.

“When students do participate, they are more successful academically,” Little noted. 

In the last three years, the University has received four awards from the NASPA Excellence Awards.

“Eagle Engage and the University’s efforts to proactively involve students in events, activities, service and other experiences speaks to how intentional Georgia Southern is and the passion we have about students getting involved,” said Ken Gassiot, Ph.D, associate vice president for student development. “We’re using assessment and data as tools to show the impact engaging in campus events and community service can have on the student experience.”

Last updated: 3/22/2024

Nick Dillon recognized with ASME ICEF Research Award and admitted to AFCS Pathway Program upon graduation

Nick Dillon

Nick Dillon is a Warner Robins, Georgia, native who is anything but average. 

Dillon is on track to graduate magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University’s Honors College in May as a Goel Scholar with a degree in mechanical engineering. He won one of two prestigious American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Internal Combustion Engine Forward (ICEF) Conference undergraduate research awards from entries nationwide. 

Dillon’s research paper, “Investigations of Low-Reactivity X-98 Ethanol in Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition with High-Reactivity Jet-A for Performance and Emissions Improvement,” was presented at the conference.

“I was on vacation and I checked my email and it was an email of congratulations from ASME ICEF, and I was totally blown away because I wasn’t expecting it,” said Dillon.

The conference hosts leading researchers and major companies in the combustion industry where they discuss research and what’s next in the field.

“I was excited and a little nervous when I presented to that audience full of industry experts, but that award goes a long way toward my career plans,” said Dillon. “I made some great connections and they offered me some interesting opportunities in internships and research programs.”

The dedication of the attendees kindled more excitement for Dillon to continue his research. 

“Everyone was so passionate about the greenhouse gasses reduction technologies field because there is so much involved,” said Dillon. “There’s chemistry, there’s mechanics, there’s systems and even mechatronics, the blending of mechanical and electrical systems.”

Awards aren’t new to Dillon. He was also selected as a member of last summer’s Department of Defense – National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates paid engineering research program at Georgia Southern, where he continued his award-winning research under the direction of Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy and a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

“Nick is a great example of the outstanding research conducted in our Aerospace Laboratory,” said Soloiu. “In the last two years he has produced three research papers under my supervision. Many of our students win research awards and have positions offered to them well before graduation.”

Dillon has a unique job waiting for him when he graduates. The Air Force Civilian Services pathway program simultaneously pays for graduate school and a full-time job back in his hometown of Warner Robins. He will work as a civilian at Warner Robins Air Force Base for the first year. Then he will get his master’s degree in just one year while still receiving his AFCS salary. Finally, he’ll return for another year as a regular AFCS employee.” 

Dillon is thankful for the research mentorship he has received in the last two years from Soloiu and his experiences at Georgia Southern.

“Georgia Southern is a very special place because you get to do undergraduate research that shows commitment and actual results” said Dillon. “That shows that I can work hard and my research is interesting and effective. I think that is a tangible way to prove that I am actually in research and doing things and producing things instead of just being in the lab, unlike students elsewhere.”

Last updated: 3/21/2024

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