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������Ƶ’s ROTC program, the Eagle Battalion, earned a ninth-place finish this year at the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge, a regional military skills competition held at Fort Benning, Georgia after partnering with the University’s Exercise Science program to create a rigorous, individualized training regimen.��

The Ranger Challenge took place Jan. 23-25 and featured ROTC programs from both junior and senior colleges across the Southeast and Puerto Rico, showcasing the mental and physical talents of highly skilled cadets. 

“Finishing ninth out of 43 teams in the 6th Brigade 2026 Ranger Challenge is a testament to the grit, discipline and resilience of our Georgia Southern Battalion,” said Georgia Southern Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Nick Bingham.

Against a field of 470 cadets and trekking more than 28 miles of rugged terrain in just 48 hours, the Eagle Battalion stands ready to pursue success and overcome every challenge with the support of Eagle Nation’s experts by their side.

Bridget Melton, Ed.D., and graduate student Spencer Bolling of the Waters College of Health Professions’ Exercise Science program conducted comprehensive screenings and baseline testing for each cadet. This included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure bone mineral density, and physiological assessments to establish team performance profiles. From there, unique training programs were designed to improve each cadet’s skills, providing a streamlined approach to train each individual. 

“This team trained in the dark, pushed through injuries and fatigue, and showed up ready to fight for each other when it mattered most,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Hay, MS III instructor and Ranger Challenge coach. “Ranger Challenge exposes who you are under pressure, and these cadets proved they have the toughness and heart to compete with anyone in 6th Brigade.” 

Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, the progress of each cadet was tracked and analyzed, with deliberate adjustments implemented throughout the training process to improve recovery, reduce risk of injury and enhance overall performance leading up to the Ranger Challenge.

“This competition demanded excellence under extreme physical and mental stress. Our team proved they belong among the best in the brigade,” Bingham said. “The Eagle Battalion didn’t just compete; they set the standard and built a foundation for even greater success.”

“This finish isn’t the ceiling, it’s the baseline,” Hay said.

Events in the 2026 Ranger Challenge included:��

Day One Events:

M17 Marksmanship Range
Day one opened with pistol marksmanship, where each cadet was individually graded on accuracy and the number of targets hit with the M17, emphasizing fundamentals under pressure.

Weapons Assembly / Disassembly
Cadets demonstrated technical proficiency by assembling and disassembling infantry squad weapons under challenging conditions. This included blindfolded M4 assembly and identifying and correctly assembling mixed components of the M240B and M249, testing muscle memory and attention to detail.

Communications (COMMO) Lane
Teams were evaluated on their ability to accurately transmit and receive information using military communications equipment, with an emphasis on proper radio procedures and clear, concise military language.

Malvesti Obstacle Course
A physically demanding obstacle course designed to test agility, endurance and teamwork as cadets maneuvered through a series of strength and coordination-based challenges.

Hand Grenade Assault Course
Cadets executed three different grenade throws from varying distances and positions, engaging targets while demonstrating proper technique, accuracy and tactical awareness.

Zodiac Lane
A mentally and physically demanding event requiring teams to maneuver a Zodiac raft through an obstacle course while simultaneously solving complex tasks, emphasizing teamwork, communication and adaptability under stress.

Functional Fitness Lane
Teams competed in a series of ACFT-style functional fitness events, aiming to complete the maximum number of repetitions within a 20-minute time limit, testing strength, endurance and team synchronization.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Lane
Cadets were required to rapidly assess and treat simulated casualties while moving through obstacles. Teams were evaluated on speed, correctness of care and the ability to operate effectively under realistic combat conditions.

Movement Between Lanes
Each event was linked by foot movement, requiring teams to conduct ruck marches between stations. Cadets covered over six miles throughout the day, compounding physical fatigue and testing endurance.

Night Land Navigation
Following the final daytime lane, teams transitioned directly to land navigation. This event included both a practical night land navigation course and a written exam, extending into the early hours of day two and demanding precision despite exhaustion

Day Two Events: 

Eight-Mile Ruck March to Simulation Center
After a short rest period, teams conducted an eight-mile ruck march to the simulation center, reinforcing endurance and mental toughness before the final set of graded events.

Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) & Call for Fire Simulation
Cadets demonstrated tactical proficiency through simulated weapons engagement and call-for-fire scenarios, testing decision-making, communication and understanding of indirect fire procedures.

Titan Challenge (Final Event)
The competition concluded with the Titan Challenge — a culminating event combining intense physical demands with complex mental tasks. Teams were required to work collectively to overcome obstacles and problem-solve under extreme fatigue, pushing through to the finish line and officially closing the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge.

������Ƶ Professor of Geography Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been elected president of the (SEDAAG). 

“In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as treasurer of SEDAAG, vice president, honors chair and Georgia’s state representative,” Potter explained. “It has served me well in terms of my career as an academic. I really look forward to the challenge of beginning this new position with the organization.”

Along with her new role in SEDAAG, Potter was also honored with the Excellence in Research Award for her work documenting historic communities throughout coastal Georgia. Her research has provided valuable insight into overlooked regional geographies. The award is presented annually to outstanding professionals in the field of geography. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” said Potter. “I was actually nominated by my colleague Derek Alderman, Ph.D., who’s at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I consider him to be the premier cultural geographer in our field. Derek is also an alumnus of Georgia Southern, so it’s fantastic to see our alumni thriving in our field.” 

She notes the University has a close connection with the organization as students get real world experience through many of its programs.   

“Georgia Southern students have quite a legacy at SEDAAG,” Potter said. “Our students have won the Geography Bowl twice and have received numerous awards recognizing the quality of their research. Each year, we bring both graduate and undergraduate students to the conference, where they engage with peers from other programs as well as with academics and professionals in the field. They have also gained valuable networking opportunities that have led to research collaborations.” 

Ultimately, Potter hopes her newly elected position will allow her to continue supporting students who are interested in studying and pursuing a career in geography. Focusing on opportunities for her students is the most important part of her job as an educator, she said.

“Georgia Southern is a special place, it really is,” said Potter. “The students are truly the best, and I love teaching them. I genuinely feel energized being surrounded by such brilliant minds.” 

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has selected a ������Ƶ leader for national honors. Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, is the recipient of the , recognizing his leadership and service within the student affairs profession. 

Gassiot was selected for this same award at the regional level in June 2025 by NASPA Region III at their conference in Savannah. NAPSA Region III is the largest region in NASPA and stretches from Texas to North Carolina.

Gassiot will be honored for his work, which demonstrates an outstanding commitment to student success, the development of impactful programs, the creation of campus environments that promote student learning and development, and active engagement in NASPA. He will be recognized at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in March in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Being selected for this national award by peers and other leaders around the country is truly humbling,” said Gassiot. “Serving at Georgia Southern along with the service opportunities gained through NASPA have been, without a doubt, the most fulfilling time during my career in higher education. I hope this award brings added spotlight to the incredible work happening at Georgia Southern, where our heartbeat is to create an unparalleled student experience. I’m thankful to be in a position and on teams that help shape that.”

The University has won several awards and national recognition from NASPA in recent years, and has earned a reputation for its use of analytics and assessment to improve all aspects of campus life for students. 

Gassiot said that legacy is built on a culture of student programming, engagement and support. 

“Full credit to the people and leadership across all of our campuses that embrace collaboration and are fully dialed in to meet the unique student and campus needs that change over time,” he said. “It’s that culture that maximizes student involvement, care and belonging.”

Gassiot’s involvement in NASPA includes serving as the 2025–27 chair of the NASPA AVP Steering Committee and co-chair of the 2026 NASPA AVP Symposium, in addition to extensive prior service across NASPA leadership, faculty roles and planning committees.

“The banging, the blasting, the buzzing and beating – that’s our comfort zone,” Joy Harden (’98) proudly said, surrounded by the symphony of sounds generated by band students at Keys Gate Charter School in Homestead, Fla., about an hour south of Miami. Typically, the band room is where Harden spends most of her time surrounded by the noise of young musicians. 

However, the first of the year brought a new sound, one that was uniquely unfamiliar to the experienced band director, but welcoming just the same. 

Harden was among a group of almost 400 band directors who gathered from across the country as well as Canada, Mexico and Panama to perform in unison for this year’s “Banding Together” float in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. 

“The route was over five miles long, but the energy of the group kept us motivated even through the rain,” Harden said, recalling the downpour that could have dampened the experience. “We were all proud to be there. Nothing could stop us from playing together.” 

Each year, the group of veteran educators is among the crowd favorites of the parade.  

“It felt like band camp, or honor band – it was like turning into band kids again, because in our hearts, we all are; we all grew up in band. Our group of people had never been together in one place prior to meeting for our first rehearsal on Dec. 28,” Harden explained. “But, the experience was incredible. We created a great sound in a short amount of time.” 

The parade itself wasn’t the only highlight of the adventure, however. 

“Almost every day after our initial meeting was a combination of rehearsals and community performances. We performed at Float Fest and Band Fest and had a ton of rehearsal time together as an ensemble. In less than a week, we were already one unified sound,” said Harden. 

This year’s parade theme centered around “The Magic of Teamwork.” But Harden said working together goes beyond performing with other talented music educators — it’s a life skill that marching band works to instill in the hearts of students everywhere. 

“It was great to be able to share ideas and concepts with other band directors. We love to share with each other. We started a group chat, and many of us are still talking a month later and sharing our worlds with each other,” Harden said as she reflected on the experience. 

Teamwork and togetherness is something that she hopes to not only embody, but to inspire in the students she teaches and mentors throughout her career.��

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She said, “It’s scary being in a position where you know you have a lot of influence on young lives, but Georgia Southern really prepared me for this role and I love what I do.” 

Harden grew up in a family of musicians and knew from a young age that she would pursue music education. After picking up a love for the flute in the fifth grade, she would switch to the piccolo later on

Before graduating from Georgia Southern’s school of music in 1998, she was part of the Southern Pride Marching Band. Unlike the rest of her family who pursued music in more concert-type and choral settings, Harden found a unique sense of community and energy from marching band that acted as a catalyst for her life-long career. 

“I did pursue a double major in woodwind ensemble and vocal arts. Dr. Matt Fallon was the leader of Southern Pride, and Dr. Daniel Pittman was the joyful, but powerful leader of the wind ensemble at the time,” she reflected. “They were amazing to work under. The faculty of Georgia Southern, along with my high school marching band directors, gave me challenging ensemble literature. That inspired me as a musician, but also shaped who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It also influenced what I wanted to share with other students.”

Although Harden had several schools to choose from with her extensive background in instrumental and vocal performance, she said that Georgia Southern’s program stood out as a clear choice for those seeking a high-quality, robust music program. 

As a native of south Georgia, the University held a fantastic reputation among aspiring music educators. 

“I graduated from Tift County High School, home of the Blue Devils, and Georgia Southern stood out to me as a great opportunity to expand my education,” Harden added. “I was very blessed to have incredible instructors, and because of them I was able to do what I love today.” 

Serving as a band director comes with a host of challenges and responsibilities. Despite her sometimes busy and chaotic schedule, Harden finds satisfaction in playing a leading role in the lives of her students. 

“Band directors often have students for an extended period of time,” Harden explained. “We often teach outside of school hours, participating in a variety of extracurricular activities involving our band. But, they are my people. Being surrounded by my people brings me a lot of happiness. Between competitions, festivals and community events, I spend a lot of time with my students – and that’s just band!” 

Harden looks forward to the future of current and aspiring instructors earning their education through the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music. She prides herself on earning her bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southern and hopes other potential music educators also choose the program and accept a career in enriching lives through music. 

With the sound of her percussion students filling the silence in her classroom, Harden said, “Georgia Southern’s strong foundation and history as a teaching school and vigorous musical program was exactly what I was looking for as a student and what I needed as an educator. I am proud to be an Eagle.” 

Six of ������Ƶ’s online programs were ranked in the top 100 in , which focuses on midcareer distance learners. 

Georgia Southern’s online master’s in education programs rose in the rankings again this year by more than 20 spots, landing at no. 64 on the best online graduate education programs list.  

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best online education programs underscores the strength of our online master’s programs and the commitment of our faculty and staff to delivering an exceptional educational experience,” said Amy Lingo, Ed.D., dean of the ������Ƶ College of Education. “Our continued climb in the rankings—including a 21-point increase in this year alone—confirms our success in making high-quality education accessible to hundreds of educators and preparing them to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.”

The online criminal justice and criminology graduate degree program remains in the top 30 of schools at no. 28 again this year. 

In the “Grad Business” category, which encompasses a variety of non-MBA master’s degrees in fields such as business analytics, accounting and supply chain management, Georgia Southern ranked no. 89 (tie).

Georgia Southern was recognized for its online MBA and Best Online MBA for Veterans program, both of which ranked higher on the list than the previous year. The online MBA program rose to no. 93 (tie) in the nation while the Veterans MBA program edged up to no. 56 (tie). 

“Our rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a clear indicator of the Parker College’s dedication to academic excellence and student success,” said Nivine Richie, Ph.D., CFA, dean of the Parker College of Business. “By climbing in the Grad Business as well as the MBA and Veterans-MBA categories, we are demonstrating that our programs provide a high-value, flexible education that meets the demands of today’s competitive market. We remain focused on providing our students with the specialized skills necessary to lead in a global economy.”

Additionally, the University was recognized for its online Master’s in Information Technology program, which ranked at no. 80 this year on the publication’s list of best online master’s in formation technology programs.

������Ƶ recently earned a series of national awards for its work with Eagle fraternities and sororities.

The University collected honors in seven categories from the (NPC), including the Academic Innovation Award, Innovation in Access, Belonging and Community Impact Award, Innovation in Leadership Award, Innovation in Recruitment Award, Innovation in Marketing Award, Innovation in Operations Award and the Excellence Award. Each category recognized between 11 and 29 institutions nationwide.

Georgia Southern’s Panhellenic Association qualified for and earned the Excellence Award, one of only 11 Panhellenic councils across the country to do social, because it received honors in all seven categories

Francisco M. Lugo, Ed.D., director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said these awards are a point of pride for the Greek life community at Georgia Southern, highlighting the commitment to leadership, scholarship, inclusivity and innovation on campus.

“What really sets Georgia Southern’s fraternity and sorority community apart is our genuine commitment to growth and connection,” he said. “We’re always striving to be better, whether that’s through service, leadership or supporting one another. Our strong alumni network and supportive administration play a big role in that too, by continuing to mentor, guide and invest in our chapters and members long after graduation.”

Georgia Southern’s Panhellenic president Jaylee Kilgo received the Alpha Phi/Betty Mullins Jones Scholarship, awarded to a Panhellenic leader who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the sorority experience.

Additionally, these Georgia Southern fraternities and sororities were recognized for the following awards:

Alpha Delta Pi

• Diamond Four Point Award����

Alpha Tau Omega

• Recruitment Excellence

Kappa Delta

• Recruitment Excellence Award

Phi Mu

• Top Contributing Collegiate Chapter of the Year (2024-2025)
• Philomathean Society Award Society Recipient (2022-2024)
• Phi Mu Foundation Scholarship Recipients (2025-2026): Lucy Park and Shelby Sorrells
• Phi Mu Chapter Consultant Program Recipient (2025-2026): Skylar Patterson��

Sigma Nu

• Rock Chapter Award

Zeta Tau Alpha

• Crown Chapter Award 2025
• Quota/Total Award
• Highly Commendable Academic Achievement Award��

The NPC is the umbrella organization for 26 national and international women’s sororities representing over four million members worldwide. The NPC provides support, resources and recognition for Panhellenic communities across the country, making these awards a distinguished honor.

������Ƶ and the City of Statesboro’s partnership to recruit more retail businesses to the area has been nationally recognized by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) as a finalist for one of its annual Awards of Excellence. 

The partnership, officially named the “Retail Recruiter Program,” is a collaboration between Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group and the City of Statesboro.

The program earned a final spot in the “Place” category. The UEDA defines this category as “the many and diverse ways in which institutions contribute to making attractive, competitive communities—places where people want to live, create and take jobs, raise their families, participate in civic life, and age and retire.”

Mayor of Statesboro Jonathan McCollar said the city is thrilled with the growth and revitalization brought on by its partnership with the Retail Recruiter Program. One example is the renovation of the space previously occupied by Kmart on Northside Drive, which will now be home to the national home furnishings chain HomeGoods. In May of this year, McCollar noted the impact this will have on the city.

“Our city is growing by leaps and bounds every day,” he explained.“This retailer’s decision to invest in Statesboro is a testament to the hard work of our team and the undeniable potential of our community. It’s about more than filling a vacant building; it’s about showing investors and developers that Statesboro is a thriving, vibrant city with a bright future.”

In just the first two and a half years, 26 retailers have toured the city, and nine of those are actively looking at area locations.

Additionally, Georgia Power designated Statesboro as “retail-ready” in June, as part of its new initiative to help communities outside the Atlanta metro area attract retailers. They consider Statesboro a catalyst for growing the initiative.

A planned collaboration with the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority could further the program, potentially bringing several million dollars of construction to the Main Street corridor, said Alan Gross, head of the Retail Recruiter Program for Georgia Southern.

Gross believes this is just the beginning, and recognition from the UEDA means similar programs could be replicated nationwide.

“It’s taken a while, but we’re finally starting to see some success,” he said. “Being a UEDA Award finalist is a chance to showcase that success, and more importantly, serve as a model for other communities.”

In a strong show of community partnership and commitment to local education, local business and community leaders came together at the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) board meeting to announce the creation of the Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship will support Liberty County students attending the Liberty Campus of ������Ƶ.

Representing Georgia South University, Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success Alejandra Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Academic Support Services Jessi Williamson, Director of the Liberty Campus Chante Baker Martin, Ph.D., and Col. George Fredrick were among those in attendance to accept the scholarship.

“This scholarship embodies the power of partnership and the promise of place-based education. At Georgia Southern, we are deeply committed to ensuring students can thrive, contribute and lead in their communities,” said Sosa Pieroni. “The Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship not only expands access to higher education but also fuels the kind of community-rooted success that transforms lives and strengthens regions.”

Created to encourage local students in their pursuit of higher education, the Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship Fund also demonstrates Liberty County’s deep support for Georgia Southern’s active involvement in the community and the unique opportunity it presents for regional growth and development.

“This scholarship reflects what Liberty County is all about—coming together to lift up our young people and strengthen our future,” said State Representative Al Williams, chairman of the LCDA Board. “Georgia Southern’s presence in Liberty County is a gift. When we invest in our students and in this campus, we are investing in the long-term success of our community.”

Founding contributors are each making a $1,000 investment to launch the fund. These local businesses and organizations, along with their representatives, include:

• Ameris Bank – James Rogers and Danny Creasy
• AIO South – Josh Wheeler
• Coldwell Banker Southern Coast – Leigh Smiley
• Liberty County Development Authority
• Osteen Law – Joel Osteen
• State Farm – Melissa Carter Ray
• The Heritage Group – Derek Sills

The Liberty County Eagle Excellence Scholarship will be administered by ������Ƶ and made available exclusively to Liberty County residents pursuing studies at the Liberty Campus. Application details and eligibility criteria will be announced soon.

This effort highlights the importance of strong local collaboration and shared investment in student success and long-term community prosperity.For more information about the scholarship, please contact Martin by emailing cmartin@georgiasouthern.edu.

This week, approximately 4,400 graduates from ������Ƶ’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on May 13, 14 and 15, and at the EnMarket Arena in Savannah on May 17.

“To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero said to the crowd. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community. ”

Speakers included: 

• Business leader Hemant Goel
• Atlanta Falcons place-kicker Younghoe Koo (‘17)
• Retired Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Buggs (‘90)
• Marketing leader Cecilia Tran Arango (‘02)
• Business leader Don L. Waters (’75)

Goel opened the graduation ceremonies at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, following a warm introduction from Marrero, who shared highlights about the speaker’s business leadership. He also shared his family’s commitment to the Goel Scholar program, which offers up to 20 full-ride scholarships and mentorship to Honors College students each year.

“It’s a privilege to witness this graduating class,” said Goel. “What I want you to know is that you are ready. You’re prepared. You’ve taken all this time for this moment in the last four years. 

“When you go out in the world, be curious. Ask questions. Assume nothing.”

After a few years in the workforce, Goel encouraged the students to have a mission vision for their lives. 

“That makes evaluating opportunities that much easier,” he said. “And you don’t just drift along. In fact, that’s what helped me and guided me throughout my career. And it came full circle and we decided to then partner with Georgia Southern for the scholarship program that was in alignment with my mission vision.”

As Koo stepped up to the podium on Wednesday, he celebrated the graduates’ hard work, late nights, tough choices and big dreams. 

“It’s also a celebration of something less visible, but even more powerful,” Koo said. “Perseverance. Now, perseverance doesn’t come with a certificate. There is no gold medal for showing up when it’s hard or pushing through when no one’s watching. But if you look back on your journey at the moments that truly shaped you, it probably wasn’t the easy victories. It was the setbacks, the failures, the doubts and the fact that you didn’t give up.”

Koo shared his own story, which included multiple setbacks after landing his dream job as a professional kicker for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he was released from his contract after four games into the season due to poor performance. After two years and 22 more tryouts for the NFL he was later signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he continues today.

“Perseverance defeats talent every single time,” he emphasized. “And it builds a strength that can’t be taught in books or earned in a classroom. Whatever you choose to do next — start a job, travel, study, create — know that your resilience is your greatest tool. You may not always be the fastest, the smartest, or the luckiest, but if you don’t quit, you will outlast the odds. 

“So class of 2025, go forward with pride. Be relentless in your pursuit. Be patient with your progress. And when life gets difficult — and it will — remember that the road to greatness is never straight but it is always worth walking. Because perseverance doesn’t just help you reach the finish line. It teaches you who you are on the way there. Congratulations and keep going.” 

Buggs, a decorated military officer whose three decades of service includes awards from around the world, reminded graduates what it means to move forward with honor and remembrance. 

“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will not be easy,” said Buggs. “I want to encourage you to embrace a new phase of change. The world will always change, so it’s essential to remember the lessons and experience you have gained here at Georgia Southern. 

“Life always presents challenges. It’s not fair, but you are shaped by the Eagle Creek water. Remember, eagles don’t fly, they soar. And when a storm arises, eagles are the only birds that embrace turbulence. While you cannot change the past, you have the power to shape the future. Be kind. Take time to discover your purpose. Challenge yourself every day and strive to make the world a better place.”

In Savannah, Arango shared her optimism.

“This is your day,” she said enthusiastically. “Take it in. Look around. Every person cheering you on sees the potential in you. Even on the days when you can’t quite see it yourself.”

As the child of parents who escaped communism in pursuit of a better life in the U.S., Arango shared she excelled in school with the sole focus of making her family proud. During her freshman year of college, she became pregnant. Terrified, she juggled academics with motherhood and still graduated magna cum laude. 

“I proved that nothing and no one could define my future but me,” Arango said. “What got me through? Resilience. People ask if I’d change anything. And no, I wouldn’t. Setbacks aren’t the end. They’re turning points. Mine made me a fighter and proved I can do hard things. And so can you.”

She encouraged the graduates to ignore the imposter syndrome — everyone is winging it every single day — and to not wait until they’re ready to try something new. She also emphasized the importance of building an intentional, solid community and focusing on internal growth.

“You’ve already proven you can do hard things,” she said in closing. “Explore boldly. Keep learning. Ask the big questions and then go build the answers. The world is waiting for you.”

In the final ceremony, Don L. Waters and Cindy Waters, for whom Georgia Southern’s Waters College of Health Professions is named, were each awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Following, Don Waters delivered the commencement speech.

“Today, we celebrate not just an academic milestone, but the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to caring for others,” he said. “Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this point, overcoming obstacles, dedicating yourself to what classical educators once called the healing arts. 

“As you prepare to step into the world, I want to remind you of the profound role you will play. Public health and all health professions are not just jobs. They are callings. You will be the ones who heal the sick, comfort the suffering and work tirelessly to prevent disease and promote wellness in our communities. Your work will touch every corner of society, from the intimate moments of patient care and the decisions that you will help families make to the broad strategies of public health policy. You are entering fields that demand not only skill and knowledge, but also heart and empathy to inspire you on this path.”

Waters also noted the importance of excellent health care indicators in the region, which are key to the success of the area’s economic growth. 

“Good health and prosperity go hand in hand,” Waters stated. “You are part of this growing health care industry. We need you to stay right here with us and help us build out this region of the state. In doing so, you will help others, but you will also enjoy a share of this prosperity. Congratulations, graduates. You are now ambassadors of health and healing. The world is better for having you in it. Go forth and make a difference.”

������Ƶ, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,506 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 .

For the 14th year in a row, ������Ƶ students have earned the highest rating at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City. The team was one of only 10 to receive the Outstanding designation from a field of about 150 schools. Model UN has a storied history at Georgia Southern that goes back to 1972.

“We are one of the oldest Model UN teams in this country,” said team advisor and professor of politics and international studies Barry Balleck, Ph.D. “When you think about Georgia Southern in 1972, you know, we were a school of only about 4,000 students.” 

Several groups on the team also earned their own honors. Four partners received the Outstanding designation for Position Paper Writing in their committees and two others garnered the Outstanding Delegate distinction in Committee. Balleck credits their success to their rigorous preparation.

“There are sessions that we hold on Saturday to drill our team to get them used to the process of parliamentary procedure, and working in committees and working as a partner,” said Balleck. “There’s work in the library. There’s a lot of work they do all over campus.”

The team draws strength from its diverse makeup with Balleck noting it attracts students from nearly every college and major on campus.

“If people are interested in international affairs and are interested in discovering and studying issues that are pertinent today, issues around the world – that’s who we’ve attracted since I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years now,” said Balleck. “I find a variety of students from many disciplines and majors who are attracted to this and have gone on to do amazing, wonderful things.”

Balleck notes that the Model UN program prepares students for whatever path they choose after college. He takes pride in seeing how many ways Model UN alumni find success after graduation.

“I have students working jobs all over the world,” said Balleck. “I have them at the CDC. I’ve had them at the UN. I’ve had them at international organizations. I have lawyers, doctors, teachers and others. I probably had a half a dozen or more who have done the Peace Corps over the last 15 or 20 years. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful program.”