Excite.

A Message from the Provost

As an educator and scholar, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible transformations that occur when students are empowered to pursue their passions and faculty are given the resources to advance their scholarly work. Each day, I am reminded of the profound impact a commitment to both teaching and research has—not only on the individuals involved but on the broader community.

Student success is more than achieving high grades or securing internships, though those accomplishments certainly matter. It is about fostering curiosity, resilience, and the confidence to take risks. It is about equipping students with the tools to navigate complex problems and the skills to become lifelong learners. In my experience, the most successful students are those who explore beyond the classroom, who are mentored by faculty who believe in them, and who engage in research that challenges their thinking.

A perfect example of this is the collaboration between Thomas Bailey, a geography major at Georgia Southern University, and his faculty mentors, Dr. Amy Potter and Dr. Helen Rosko. With funding from a COSM COUR grant, Thomas is conducting fascinating research on the historical tourism geographies of Statesboro and Bulloch County, using the 1950 Civic Scrapbook housed in the university’s Special Collections at Henderson Library. His project digs into the layers of tourism development and the historical narratives that shaped the region—work that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the local community.

This collaboration exemplifies the power of faculty-student partnerships. Under the guidance of Dr. Potter and Dr. Rosko, Thomas is not only developing his research skills but also gaining a deep appreciation for the history and culture of the area. In turn, his mentors benefit from his fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, as his research offers new insights into the region’s past. Together, they are producing work that contributes to the understanding of local history while showcasing the rich learning experiences available to students when they engage in faculty-led research.

Just as Thomas's story illustrates, the scholarly pursuits of our faculty members are the bedrock upon which innovation and progress are built. When faculty are given the freedom to delve deeply into their fields, they advance knowledge while bringing that depth of expertise back into the classroom. This creates a dynamic learning environment where students are exposed to cutting-edge thought and inspired to think critically about the world around them. Faculty research, in all its diversity, drives the academic mission of our institutions and ensures that we remain centers of learning that are not only relevant but transformative.

Our responsibility as leaders in higher education is to create environments where this synergy between student success and faculty scholarship can thrive. This means advocating for the resources to support faculty research, providing platforms for students to showcase their work, and recognizing the contributions that each member of our academic community brings to the table. We must champion both student success and faculty scholarship, understanding that the two are deeply interconnected.

I am inspired daily by the achievements of students like Thomas Bailey and the dedication of our faculty. Their commitment to excellence is a testament to the transformative power of education, and together, they are shaping a future that is bright, bold, and full of promise. It is an honor to be part of this journey, and I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together.

SACSCOC Accreditation Update

The moment we have been working toward over the last three years is upon us. Over the next academic year, Georgia Southern will undergo both an Off-Site and On-Site Review associated with our Reaffirmation of Accreditation by SACSCOC. This series of events kicked off with the submission of our final Compliance Certification on September 8.

Next, the Off-Site Reaffirmation Committee, consisting of nine peer evaluators from outside the state, will spend several weeks reviewing our Compliance Certification, along with those from two other institutions.

Around mid-November, Georgia Southern will receive the committee’s report that addresses any standards needing additional clarification or evidence, thus requiring a Focused Report. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), along with a Focused Report, are due on January 27 and will be followed by our On-Site Review from March 10 to 13.

The On-Site Review will further focus on our QEP as well as standards related to U.S. Department of Education requirements.

Forging a Path from College to Career with OCPD’s Career Showcase Week

Career fairs can be life changing. Just ask Glenn Gibney, associate vice president for career readiness and leader of the Office of Career and Professional Development at Georgia Southern University.

“I got my first job at a college career fair,” he explains.

That’s why his office has been pushing to bring career readiness and career fairs into focus. This year’s edition of Career Showcase Week promises to be bigger than ever. Taking place from September 16-19, this year’s event will feature an unprecedented lineup of over 250 employers—the largest number ever hosted by the university. It’s an exceptional opportunity for students to explore career paths, network with industry leaders, and potentially secure internships or job offers.

“I am extremely excited about our upcoming Career Showcase Week,” says Gibney. “Our OCPD team has worked hard to create networking and job opportunities for our students. I encourage all students to attend one or more events. Attending an employer networking event or a career fair gives students direct interaction with employers, presents new opportunities for internships and full-time jobs, gives them insight into what employers are looking for, and helps to build confidence in a professional setting.”

For more information on Career Showcase Week, visit the website.

Nominations Open for University Honorary Degrees

The University Honorary Degree Committee at Georgia Southern University is excited to announce that nominations for honorary degrees are now open! We invite current faculty, staff, students, and alumni to submit nominations for individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their academic fields, the arts and letters, the professions, or public service.

To be considered, your nomination should provide a comprehensive summary of the nominee’s career and achievements, highlighting how their work aligns with and advances Georgia Southern’s vision, mission, and values.

For more information, including detailed eligibility requirements, please refer to the nomination form.

Confidentiality is crucial throughout this process. For any questions or further assistance, please contact the University Honorary Degree Committee at honorarydegrees@georgiasouthern.edu.

Help us recognize and honor those who have made a significant impact in their fields and contribute to the prestigious legacy of Georgia Southern. Your participation in this important process is greatly appreciated!

Honoring Dr. Maxine Bryant: A Legacy of Preserving Gullah Geechee Heritage

As we celebrate the retirement of Maxine Bryant, Ph.D., we reflect on her incredible contributions to Georgia Southern University and the wider community. Bryant, the founding director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center, has been a champion of preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee people. Under her leadership, the center became a hub for cultural education, fostering a deeper understanding of the history, language, and traditions that define this unique community.

Bryant’s work extended beyond the walls of the center, as she was instrumental in hosting events such as the annual Juneteenth celebration, which brought people together to commemorate African American freedom and heritage. Her efforts to ensure that the Gullah Geechee culture remains an active part of the local and academic community have left a lasting impact on all who had the honor of working with her. As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, we celebrate her legacy and the invaluable role she played in preserving the Gullah Geechee story for generations to come. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement!