The consolidation of 橘子视频 and East Georgia State College creates a network of opportunities, something Landry Thompson knows well. 

鈥淚 first intended to go to Georgia Southern because my brother had been taking classes there,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淏ut, I received a scholarship allowing me to attend East Georgia tuition-free, and I thought it was a great opportunity to ease into classes. So, I took the chance.鈥�

Growing up in a small town, building a tight-knit network of relationships while pursuing a degree meant a great deal to Thompson. 

鈥淎t East Georgia, I met wonderful people. I felt supported. If I had a question or needed direction, I always had that. Class sizes were small, so help was accessible. It was a great way to get used to a college environment, while still getting everything you needed and building close relationships.鈥�

However, Thompson would soon realize that one of his newfound relationships would become a bit more exceptional than the rest. 

鈥淟ittle did I know I鈥檇 be walking down the aisle with the girl I saw studying in the corner of the library,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I met Hailey.鈥� 

While working a job as a substitute teacher in college, he discovered another love 鈥� teaching. Thompson decided that becoming a teacher would be an excellent opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape the teacher he is today. 

鈥淚 halfway had an interest in teaching,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淢y mom is a teacher, and I had a lot of great teachers growing up, but I loved being in the classroom and wanted to continue being there for students.鈥�

Thompson was initially concerned about transitioning to a larger campus. After growing up in a small town, he had doubts that a larger campus could offer support comparable to a smaller campus. 

But, he quickly found that Eagle Nation still provided students the same opportunities and support as East Georgia.

鈥淕eorgia Southern鈥檚 College of Education felt like a small community of its own. I had a support system. People really cared for me,鈥� Thompson explained. 鈥淚 thought I鈥檇 lose the sense of community I had found at East Georgia, but the faculty truly provides students an incredibly supportive environment.鈥�

Georgia Southern also inspired Thompson鈥檚 passion for coaching while he was working as a student assistant. 

鈥淚 learned the game of football at Georgia Southern,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淏eing a good coach makes me a great teacher. Building trust with people, with your players and students alike, means bettering someone鈥檚 life, which I really enjoy doing.鈥�

Just days after graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 in middle grades education from Georgia Southern, Thompson married Hailey and looks forward to starting their next chapter. He continues to teach at Johnson County Middle School, and looks forward to carrying on the teaching legacy within his family and shaping the young lives of future leaders. 

鈥淢y college experience was more than I could have ever imagined,鈥� Thompson emphasized. 鈥淓ast Georgia and Georgia Southern are great schools, and I鈥檓 excited that they are merging together, giving students the opportunity to design their own futures wherever it may take them.鈥�

鈥淚f I can run 100 miles, I can finish this degree,鈥� said Katie Logsdon, a recent graduate of 橘子视频, avid ultramarathon runner, local business owner, and, proudly, a mother of four children.

In December 2025, Logsdon earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in interdisciplinary studies from Georgia Southern at 47 years old 鈥� a finish line she reached nearly 30 years after she began. Like many students, after graduating high school, she began taking college courses at what was then Armstrong State College and had completed all of the prerequisite courses required for her degree. With one final left to go in the semester, she looked forward to completing her program in the near future.

鈥淭he final was supposed to be in early December 2002, but it got pushed back. I took it days before my water broke, and I was in labor for 18 hours,鈥� stated Logsdon.

After her daughter was born, she made the difficult decision not to return to school. At the time, she felt that motherhood seemed more important than finishing her degree. When her youngest was born, Logsdon discovered that her daughter had multiple exceptionalities that required ongoing medical care.

鈥淎fter the birth of my first child, I wasn鈥檛 sure I wanted to finish my nursing degree,鈥� she said.

Motherhood was fulfilling, but the desire to finish college stayed with her 鈥� shadowed by insecurity about whether she was capable of doing it. For years, doubt outweighed ambition.

But the obstacles Logsdon faced throughout her life were a reminder of her incredible ability to overcome and persevere.

鈥淚 was meeting my daughter, who is also a student at Georgia Southern, across the street from the Armstrong Campus one day, and chose to walk into the Admissions Office and see if any of the credits I earned years ago might transfer.鈥�

That single decision would lead to a new, exciting chapter for Logsdon.

Following a conversation with Georgia Southern admissions and financial aid officers, she was told that with two children also attending college, she could receive substantial financial aid to return to school. Additionally, many of those credits she had earned nearly 30 years ago could transfer toward a degree.

鈥淏etween my former pre-requisites for the nursing program and taking care of my youngest daughter, I had an interest in the medical field, but felt nursing school wasn鈥檛 exactly the right path for me at the moment. Owning my own business and being a single mom, I needed a flexible program that could be done online that capitalized on my lived experiences,鈥� she said. 

With guidance from Georgia Southern鈥檚 admissions counselors, she was able to find a degree program that could build on her completed courses, while also complementing her experience as a business owner. 

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I found out about a bachelor’s degree in an interdisciplinary studies program where I could choose a concentration of human development and family science, health promotion and business.鈥�

Logsdon’s determination goes beyond academics. As a dedicated ultramarathon runner and active member of Savannah鈥檚 Rough Runners, supporting others who use running as therapy comes naturally. She aims to set a precedent for her family and anyone facing similar challenges.

鈥淚 think of myself as an example, not just for my children, but the people around me,鈥� Logsdon explained. 鈥淚f I say I鈥檓 going to do something, I鈥檓 going to do it.鈥�

And, in December 2025, she reached the finish line of a goal she set nearly three decades ago. 

Crossing the stage, Logsdon proudly carried the ashes of her father and stepfather while her mother and four children watched her receive the degree she fought so hard to earn. An emotional moment for all, she was thankful her family always had her back and could be with her in person and spirit during the ceremony.

Above all else, Logsdon wants people struggling with the idea to go back to school to know, 鈥淚f it scares you, that means you鈥檙e meant to try it.鈥�

Gracie Allen, a biochemistry major, has had quite the journey leading up to her 橘子视频 graduation.

The feature twirler with the Southern Pride Marching Band, a national champion baton performer and the reigning Miss 橘子视频, Allen has become a recognizable face on campus. However, long before this, her path toward medicine started at home.聽

When Allen was a little girl, her grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching a beloved family member go through treatment inspired her to pursue a career in medicine at a young age.

鈥淚 always said I wanted to be a 鈥榖aby doctor,鈥欌�� she recalled. 鈥淭hat’s what I said when I was very little. I always knew I wanted to work with kids in medicine.鈥�

Allen explored colleges beyond her Savannah hometown, but something kept pulling her toward Georgia Southern. From the beginning, Eagle Nation felt like home.

Throughout her days at South Effingham High School, she was able to shave off nearly a full year鈥檚 worth of college credits thanks to dual enrollment classes through Georgia Southern. This allowed Allen to graduate with her college degree halfway into her senior year of college.

Additionally, she was able to join Eagle Nation early thanks to being selected as a featured twirler for the Georgia Southern football team.

Allen鈥檚 mom is a dance studio teacher, and that put her on big stages where she competed and won national competitions. However, her love of dancing never compared to her passion for baton twirling, and that talent has taken her places she never thought she鈥檇 be able to go.

She began twirling at 11 and rose quickly, becoming the Southern Pride Marching Band鈥檚 feature twirler as a high school senior. Now in her fifth and final season, she鈥檒l take the field one last time at a bowl game this month.

This role proved to be pivotal to her college success.

鈥淭wirling taught me a lot of the hard work and determination and multitasking that was needed throughout college,鈥� said Allen. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also allowed me to travel to multiple places for competitions and with the team. Those life lessons have been so valuable.鈥�

Her involvement with the band quickly became one of the defining experiences of her college years. From daily rehearsals to performing in front of thousands at Paulson Stadium, Allen said the discipline and time management she learned through twirling has shaped her academic and professional development.

鈥淚t can all definitely be challenging at times, for sure,鈥� she said with a laugh. 鈥淎nd it hasn’t always just been the perfect experience. But I’ve always loved education. Earning my biochemistry degree and doing well in my classes allowed me to reach the full career goal.鈥�

Her performance background also opened the door to the state鈥檚 pageant circuit.

Despite very little background in pageantry, Allen passionately worked for the title of Miss 橘子视频 as an opportunity to spread awareness and support for adoption and foster care systems, which is a platform she cares about.

鈥淚 was adopted at the age of six months from Kazakhstan,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge and crazy part of my life. My parents went overseas, and it led them to the agency that worked with Kazakhstan, and I was the first one that they were shown. So it’s just really cool to see how all those pieces come and work together, and then to be brought here.鈥�

This year, Allen was crowned Miss 橘子视频 and competed at Miss Georgia, which became one of the highlights of her time as a student. Her twirling skills helped her win the Preliminary Talent at this competition.

During her year of service, she continued volunteering with organizations she already loved, including Royal Family Kids Camp, a Statesboro-based program for children in foster care.

鈥淚t’s been a huge honor to be able to represent this University,鈥� said Allen. 鈥淚’ve grown so much here over the past years. I’ve met some of my best friends. I’ve been able to grow both education-wise and personally. Being able to represent the school has meant so much, truly.鈥�

Through all of this, Allen has pursued a career in pediatric oncology and has already completed both pre-med and pre-PA requirements. Inspired by her parents鈥� belief in never turning away a child in need, she hopes to support young patients and their families through some of the toughest battles of their lives.

Allen said her time at Georgia Southern has been fast-paced and marked by opportunities she embraced wholeheartedly. But above all, she describes this season with one word: thankfulness.

As a school psychologist, Ambah Kioko, Ed.D., has grown accustomed to finding creative solutions to help children process complex mental health challenges.

That spirit of innovation would lead her to 橘子视频鈥檚 Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies program, where she will officially graduate in fall 2025. 

“I love Georgia Southern because the University makes you think outside the box,” she said. “Professors challenge students to face the question, ‘Whose knowledge is it?,’ which refers to the ownership and distribution of knowledge.”

Having immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, Kioko is keenly aware of the stigma that mental health carries among Caribbean families. But when designing her doctoral dissertation, the process of effectively changing that stigma piqued her curiosity. 

“It made me look into Caribbean history and how change has historically come about there,鈥� she said. 鈥淕rowing up in the Caribbean, everyone knew about folklore and storytelling. But, I didn’t realize the extent to which communities had utilized storytelling as a method of driving change,” Kioko explained. “When enslaved Africans came to the Caribbean, they were able to send messages and drive change through storytelling, which provided hope for a better future.”

By utilizing historic, and cultural methods of information sharing through storytelling, the stigma surrounding mental health can be better understood and overcome. 

While conducting her research, Kioko developed a unique methodology to better collect, analyze and assess data providing a new way to address and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in the Caribbean. 

“I want to help others think outside the box. How can we reach that next level of understanding through traditional storytelling? The future of research is limitless.”

With the encouragement of faculty, she is hoping to publish her methodology making it more accessible for other scholars. Her goal is to help researchers drive change in the Caribbean鈥檚 mental health system and improve the lives of children seeking help.  

For Kioko, earning an Ed.D. means opening pathways for new opportunities in educational settings while also establishing a solid foundation for participation in future research projects,  expanding her knowledge as a school psychologist and researcher. 

Kioko attributes the University鈥檚 flexibility and encouragement throughout the program with completion of her doctoral dissertation which allowed her to study and assess an area of research that held both personal and professional significance. 

“I ultimately chose Georgia Southern because the program was able to work with my schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey had classes when I was off in the summertime during one weekend a month, so I was able to keep working full-time while pursuing my Ed.D.”

Although she says working full-time while earning a doctoral degree is challenging, Georgia Southern’s hybrid model blends rigorous coursework with realistic expectations for working professionals. 

“I tell some of my psychologists that, if they’re looking for a good, helpful program, they should consider going to Georgia Southern,鈥� Kioko said. 鈥淚 wanted to be able to have my experience be both online and in-person, and the program allows a good combination of both.”

In December, Kioko will officially be a graduate of Georgia Southern鈥檚 Doctor of Education program after several years of determination, dedication and a commitment to learning. Although her journey as a student will come to an end, with her newly awarded doctoral degree, her work as an educator, scholar and changemaker are about to take flight. 

Mambwe Mutiti grew up in Zambia, where every day she saw how service could transform lives. Her father is a doctor; her mother is a nurse and some of her close relatives work in higher education. Surrounded by these examples of service, Mutiti developed a deep appreciation for learning and a desire to help others.

鈥淚鈥檝e always loved helping people, especially when it comes to navigating their health,鈥� Mutiti said. 鈥淚 knew a traditional clinical setting wasn鈥檛 the right fit for me, but public health felt like the closest match to my passions. I鈥檓 also deeply curious about how and why people make certain health decisions. This degree feels like the perfect blend of my interests and curiosity.鈥�

That clarity led her to 橘子视频, where she completed her Master of Public Health in 2022 and will be awarded a Doctor of Public Health from the at the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony. Coming to Georgia Southern, Mutiti knew that she wanted more than a degree. She wanted connection and community.

鈥淚 wanted a graduate experience on a lively, engaging campus, and Georgia Southern delivered exactly that,鈥� said the outgoing doctoral student. 鈥淔rom the start, I felt that the student experience here was vibrant and inclusive, no matter your classification.鈥�

Guided by that sense of belonging, Mutiti seized opportunities to serve. She became active in the Public Health Student Association and spent two years as the community engagement chair for the Maternal and Child Health Student Interest Group. In that position, she planned events and donation drives that provided direct support to mothers and children in the Statesboro area.

鈥淭hese experiences were especially meaningful to me because I excel in spaces centered on service and leadership,鈥� she shared. 鈥淗aving the opportunity to remain deeply involved on campus as a graduate student was a privilege I truly valued.鈥�

Along with her deep commitment to community health, sustainability education became another place where Mutiti鈥檚 passion came alive. While earning her degrees at Georgia Southern, she spent three years as a graduate assistant in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement (OLCE), helping launch the Sustain Southern program and revitalize sustainability education on the Statesboro Campus.

鈥淭he Campus Community Garden is truly my pride and joy,鈥� she said. 鈥淢anaging the space and helping meet students鈥� access needs brought me so much fulfillment. I managed the garden for three years, and I loved every person who came out to help, learn and grow in that space. It was one of the most meaningful parts of my time on campus.鈥�

To Mutiti, sustainability and community health are closely interconnected. They reinforce one another, she explained, and strong sustainability practices can significantly improve a community鈥檚 overall well-being.

鈥淢y interests center on improving access to essential resources 鈥� whether related to food, medical care or social support 鈥� and sustainability plays an important role in making those resources more accessible, equitable and reliable for everyone,鈥� she added.

Mutiti is in her fourth year in OLCE, where she has been a full-time employee since September as the sustainability and leadership coordinator. In addition to overseeing the Campus Community Garden, she manages a 12-student sustainability leadership certificate program. She noted a favorite activity 鈥渋s teaching students how to make candles out of equitably sourced materials.鈥�

The public health graduate holds a deep appreciation for Georgia Southern and the faculty who shaped her academic journey. She describes the University as 鈥渁 breeding ground for success,鈥� crediting her professors for providing consistent support and opportunities.

鈥淭he completion of the practicum gave me what I call 鈥榬eal life experience,鈥� allowing me to apply concepts from classes in front of real people and in real-life situations,鈥� she said.

With commencement day approaching, Mutiti looks forward to celebrating with her family. She knows that the moment she receives her diploma, she will be filled with pride, gratitude and relief.

鈥淚 will be over the moon and completely proud of myself for doing this and being done,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat excitement of being done is a common feeling for anyone completing a doctorate or Ph.D.  I’m trying to remain grounded and enjoy this accomplishment before moving on to the next task.鈥�

鈥淚 would struggle, I would flounder, I would face loss,鈥� said graduate Susan Hamilton. “I would rise, I would thrive, I would succeed. My personal journey to graduation has been long and hard, but I knew I was always on the right path.鈥�

Hamilton鈥檚 collegiate journey began over 25 years ago with an associate degree, and through the years, she faced many twists and turns, hills and valleys, on what seemed to be an endless road to her dream of attaining a master鈥檚 degree. 

For Hamilton, that day is finally here as she walks onto the stage once again and receives her Master of Arts in social sciences degree.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 believe I鈥檓 finally here!鈥� said Hamilton. 鈥淚t feels like a lifetime ago I received my first degree, and now, I鈥檓 completing my educational journey with my master鈥檚 degree. Over 25 years later, my dream, my parents’ dream for me, has finally been realized.鈥�

After earning her associate degree in marketing, Hamilton was married and soon welcomed a baby boy. 

鈥淚 wanted to get my bachelor鈥檚 degree, but I needed to take a step back and focus on raising my son,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 always kept my dream of completing my education simmering in the background. At that time in my life, we were young and just starting out with a new baby. I didn鈥檛 think we could afford it both financially and from a time perspective.鈥�

Hamilton has always been drawn to education since both of her parents were teachers with advanced degrees. After a few life changes, she wanted to work with students in some way so she began her career at 橘子视频. 

After three years, she was established in her role and felt it was the right time to get started on the path to earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree. 

鈥淚 knew about the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) for full-time employees and at 42 years old, I was finally at a place in my life where I was ready!鈥� she said. 鈥淚 applied as a transfer student and was accepted the following semester. I couldn鈥檛 believe my dream was finally going to come true鈥� to finish my undergraduate degree I started when I was 18 years old!鈥�

However, life had other plans. Shortly after beginning her undergraduate program, Hamilton lost her father to Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease and became the full-time caregiver to her ailing mother. 鈥淚 lost my hero,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ow was I supposed to finish school, be a mom and caregiver and work full-time? I wanted to give up, but I kept hearing my dad鈥檚 voice, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e not done. You can do this.鈥欌�� 

Five years later, pushing through many obstacles and hardships, she graduated in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in human and family development at the same time her son graduated with his degree from Ogeechee Technical College. Not only did Hamilton achieve one of her life-long dreams, she also watched her son achieve his own dream at the same time.

 鈥淎chieving one of my dreams was hard-fought and felt amazing, but watching my son walk across the stage to accept his degree in a field he was passionate about, was even more fulfilling than I could ever imagine,鈥� she said. 

Hamilton kept that positive momentum going and began the master of social science program with a concentration in sociology in the fall of 2024. But life had one more major twist in store for her. 

鈥淥n the first day of my master鈥檚 program, my mother unexpectedly passed away,鈥� she recounted. 鈥淗ere I was again, beginning a degree program with the loss of my last living parent. Like before, I considered giving up because the loss just seemed too heavy to continue. I didn鈥檛 know how I could move forward without my parents guiding me through graduate school. They had walked that same graduate journey, and I had been depending on them to help me through it, but now they were both gone. But, I had come too far to stop now. I had to keep going – I wasn鈥檛 done yet.鈥�

With a heavy heart and uncertain future, Hamilton was going through her mother鈥檚 personal papers and found an old thesis her mother had worked on many years before. Reading through it, she felt the heaviness in her heart lighten. 

鈥淎s I read over her work, I was able to better understand some difficult material I had been struggling with that semester,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was just the sign I needed to not give up and to keep going on the path to earn my master鈥檚 degree. I knew both my parents were with me and I wouldn鈥檛 have to do it alone.鈥� 

One year later, Hamilton is fulfilling her dream. She will take the last steps on a long and challenging path as she walks onto the stage and receives her master鈥檚 degree. 

鈥淚 know my parents are proud,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey always had faith in me, even when I didn鈥檛 have faith in myself. The road was long and I didn鈥檛 follow a traditional path, but I always had my parents and my family supporting me along the way. Education is a lifelong journey with many starts and stops, it鈥檚 not just a destination.鈥� 

Hamilton鈥檚 journey will continue and her new path begins as a Double Eagle. 

鈥淚鈥檓 not sure exactly what direction I will take this time, but I look forward to continuing my work at Georgia Southern and my volunteer role at Camp Brightside working with students who have special needs and disabilities,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ike me, their journeys are filled with many twists and turns, struggles and hardships. I鈥檓 ready to help inspire them as they travel down their own paths from education to career to success and achieve their dreams. I know firsthand what it takes to get there, all they need is the courage to soar.鈥� 

When Melissa Miles crosses the commencement stage this December, she won鈥檛 just celebrate the end of a rigorous academic journey, she will honor herself by accomplishing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

Miles waited patiently through marriage, raising children, a previous career in teaching and helping with grandchildren before finally giving herself permission to pursue her dream. Her first major pause came when she decided she needed to take time off to support her family.

鈥淚 always wanted to do nursing,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淏ut I got married, had kids and they became my focus.鈥�

Once her children were grown, Miles took a leap of faith and returned to the classroom. She began her prerequisites with her oldest daughter in 2021. Going back to school with a familiar face helped Miles ease her way back into academic life.

鈥淭here was this student who sat next to me in class who also sat at my dinner table,鈥� she laughed. 鈥淚t was sweet.鈥�

She felt she had finally found the balance between family and her academic responsibilities, but as she began pursuing her nursing degree, life once again led her to put her academic pursuits on hold when her family needed her full attention.

During this break, Miles realized she was too close to the finish line of a bachelor鈥檚 degree to give up. In 2022, she completed a health sciences degree from Georgia Southern.

鈥淚t was exciting for me and for my family to see me graduate,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut my husband looked at me and said, 鈥極k, that鈥檚 not what you want to do. You don’t want to sit at a desk in a hospital.鈥� He was right.鈥�

A call from her advisor and her husband鈥檚 support encouraged Miles to reapply to the nursing program.

鈥淚 was so scared to open the letter,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淏ut when I saw that I got in, it was one of the most unexpected and proudest moments of my life.鈥�

Between balancing family, work shifts in an emergency room and the demanding program, Miles knew this would be no small feat.

鈥淭here were missed dinners, missed bedtime stories,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut it was worth it. I just kept remembering my why.鈥�

Her family was her driving force through the nursing program at Georgia Southern.

鈥淚 wanted them to see me do something for myself,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f their 44-year-old mama could go back and get a very hard degree, they could know that they have time to figure out their own paths.鈥�

Miles proudly calls herself a nontraditional student. At Georgia Southern, she never once felt out of place.

鈥淪ome of my closest friendships are with people the same age as my kids,鈥� she laughed. 鈥淭hey welcomed me. They treated me like a peer.鈥�

Miles emphasized that Georgia Southern has shaped her to be more than prepared for her future. She credits her success to the support that she found, especially among the School of Nursing faculty in the Waters College of Health Professions.

鈥淭he professors have been amazing,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey understood where I was coming from, but they didn’t let me slack off. They encouraged me.鈥�

Miles found one professor in particular, Mary Bester, Ph.D., who made a profound impact on her journey.

鈥淪he saw me for me, not just Rebecca鈥檚 mom,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淪he remembered my family, my grandkids. She listened. Being seen like that made such a difference.鈥�

Before joining the program, Miles believed she wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse. However, through summer classes and an ICU rotation, Miles discovered her true professional passion.

鈥淚 fell in love with the ICU,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like a puzzle balancing things, figuring things out, staying organized. The teamwork there was unlike anything I鈥檇 seen. I saw their compassion. I realized this is where I鈥檓 meant to be.鈥�

Miles hopes to inspire others and show that it鈥檚 never too late.

鈥淛ust do it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here will be days you want to throw in the towel, but don鈥檛. Find your balance. Find your people. And remember your why. If one person at home sees me walk across that stage and thinks, 鈥業f she can do it, I can do it,鈥� then that means everything.鈥�

With a signed contract to work in the ICU at Memorial Health in Savannah, Miles finally sees her dream coming to fruition.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 give up,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淚 persevered. Now I get to help others not give up too.鈥�

Madison Buford was born and raised just a stone鈥檚 throw away from 橘子视频鈥檚 Statesboro campus. As she watched the University and the city grow, she knew exactly where she wanted to go to college.

鈥淵ou can feel Georgia Southern wherever you go in Statesboro,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge part of the community, and the community loves and appreciates all the things it鈥檚 done in our town. Growing up here, you can really see the impact it鈥檚 brought. Anywhere you go in town, the community is just like, 鈥榊es! We love Georgia Southern.鈥� Seeing that showed me this was where I wanted to be.鈥�

When Buford arrived at Georgia Southern, she fell in love with her community in a new way and thrived in her marketing program.

鈥淚 changed my major multiple times, but once I started in the Parker College of Business, things just made sense and everything started to flow,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淲hat we were learning was practical, and I felt like I could really apply it. I loved the marketing program completely.鈥�

Stepping into a full-time marketing role after completing her undergraduate degree didn鈥檛 fit her expectations. She realized that what she loved most about marketing, the openness and creativity, was also what made it challenging for her as a professional.

鈥淚 missed the structure that higher education has,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚n marketing, you鈥檙e always trying to figure out what the new trend is, and it is just very gray. Every part of the job was stressful because it鈥檚 a field that changes so rapidly and constantly. I always felt like I didn鈥檛 know what I was doing because what worked yesterday often isn鈥檛 the same as what will work tomorrow. I wanted more structure.鈥�

Thinking back on her time at Georgia Southern, Buford realized it wasn鈥檛 just the degree program that she loved, it was the community.

鈥淲hile working on my marketing degree, I got to work under Gene Sherry and America Minc at the RAC,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淲hen you think about wanting to develop the student completely, they are the two people who immediately come to mind for embodying that. They made even small tasks much more than they were so that we would understand work ethic, responsibility, character and our impact on each other. It wasn鈥檛 just a job 鈥� it was a community.鈥�

The whole-person growth mindset is what Buford wanted again. She became determined to get back to the community that built her and give back in her own way.

鈥淚 realized that there are full-time positions available at Georgia Southern and that I could build a career in the community I loved, so I applied for everything,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚 landed in the registrar鈥檚 office, and I am so thankful I did because I enjoy it so much.鈥�

She immediately clicked with her new role, enjoying the fact that there was a process for everything.

鈥淲e deal with policy and procedure, so everything is very black and white,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淭hat consistency and organization was perfect for me.鈥�

Buford knew that she wanted to continue to build a future at Georgia Southern, so in 2024, supported by the University System of Georgia鈥檚 Tuition Assistance Program, she decided to become a Georgia Southern student once again by pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in higher education administration.

鈥淢y day-to-day work keeps me involved with many areas of the University, but you don鈥檛 always understand why or what the bigger context of that work is,鈥� Burford said. 鈥淕oing through this program helped me understand all the little pieces and how they play a role in the overall institutional function.鈥�

The structural understanding and practical experience Buford gained through her master鈥檚 program prepared her to better support Georgia Southern students and the community as a whole.

鈥淭his program helped me see my role and my power to impact the student experience,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚t pulled everything together into one cohesive University story.鈥�

This December, Buford will once again walk the stage at commencement, this time as a Double Eagle.

鈥淚t felt overwhelming at times,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淏ut I am excited to be a Double Eagle. Now I get to reflect and take it all in.鈥�

Georgia native, University Police Department Investigator and, now, Double Eagle 鈥� Heiko Ellis will cross the commencement stage this December with a Master of Science in criminal justice and criminology, embodying his personal commitment to continuous learning.

鈥淓ducation stands among the most enduring commitments we can make to ourselves, to one another and to the future we share,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚t is not a task we complete, but a promise we uphold to keep learning, to keep questioning and to keep striving for a deeper understanding of the world around us.鈥�

Ellis鈥� educational journey began as an undergraduate student studying criminal justice and criminology and psychology at 橘子视频. He was drawn to the University because of the academics, but it was the people who made him want to stay.

鈥淕eorgia Southern is a place where curiosity is encouraged, where potential is recognized and where growth is not only possible but expected,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚 was initially drawn to Georgia Southern because of its strong academic reputation and its commitment to developing leaders who serve their communities. What kept me coming back is the sense of belonging and purpose that this university fosters. The support from faculty, staff and colleagues, combined with the opportunities for advancement and professional development, makes Georgia Southern a place where people can truly build their future.鈥�

He completed his bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2021 before beginning work with the University Police Department (UPD), where he continues to serve as an investigator.

鈥淚 have worked for Georgia Southern for approximately four years,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淒uring that time, I鈥檝e handled a broad range of cases that have significantly shaped my professional perspective.鈥�

His coursework in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has been directly applicable to his work with UPD.

鈥淢y academic work and my professional responsibilities truly grow together, each informs and strengthens the other,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淭he analytical skills and theoretical frameworks I gain through my coursework enhance the way I approach complex situations on the job, while the hands-on experience I鈥檝e gained at Georgia Southern provides context and depth to my studies. This side-by-side development has helped me become more well-rounded, more thoughtful and more effective in both arenas.鈥�

Ellis recognizes the Eagle Nation community, specifically his professors and leadership, for providing him with the support necessary to balance his growth and responsibilities.

鈥淢y time here has been shaped by individuals who reflect the very best of this institution,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淧rofessors who challenge us to think critically, colleagues who work with integrity and purpose, and leaders who set the example for what service truly means. Their guidance and support have strengthened my resolve and reminded me that progress is never achieved alone, it is built through community, cooperation and shared values.鈥�

Ellis鈥� education will not stop with this master鈥檚 degree. He is currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime program, which focuses on applied digital forensics. He is on track to complete the certificate in 2026.

鈥淢y goal is to strengthen my technical capabilities and enhance my abilities to investigate digital related incidents with precision and professionalism,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淭his program provides training on how to identify, collect and preserve digital artifacts using best practice methods that align with contemporary standards in the field. I see it as an important step forward in supporting the evolving needs of the community.鈥�

With two degrees and soon a professional certification under his belt, Ellis has no intentions of slowing down.

鈥淎s I look to the road ahead, I remain committed to the mission of bettering myself, uplifting others and honoring the principles that have defined Georgia Southern for generations,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to be part of this university鈥檚 story. I am proud to contribute to its continued growth, excellence and enduring legacy.鈥�

Isabella Mashack鈥檚 journey to earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from 橘子视频 was not straightforward. Art was her first love, nurtured at the arts-focused high school she attended in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Immersed in theatre where she designed costumes and built sets, Mashack developed the creative foundation that would later influence her career path.

The Pivot to Engineering

After high school, she enrolled in art school in Savannah. However, the experience didn鈥檛 meet her expectations. The shift to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic left her feeling disconnected and creatively stifled. This difficult time led to a surprising insight.

鈥淚 realized there were things that I was missing from high school 鈥� like math and science classes, which I was always interested in,鈥� the new graduate said. Driven by this realization, Mashack transferred to Georgia Southern, where she discovered a passion for mechanical engineering. She realized engineering allowed her to blend her earlier interests.

鈥淓ngineering allows me to combine art and science, math and creativity,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 really enjoy being hands-on with almost all my assignments and being able to utilize manufacturing machinery to turn an idea into an actual product.鈥�

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Rhythm

Mashack spent her first two years on the Armstrong Campus and the last two years on the Statesboro Campus. Growing up as the eldest in a large family with  five siblings, she admitted she was 鈥渧ery timid and shy,鈥� constantly second-guessing her decisions when she first arrived at Georgia Southern. Her main challenge quickly became mastering time management while balancing a demanding engineering curriculum, multiple part-time jobs and maintaining a personal life, which included caring for two adopted sibling cats, Reggie and Nami. She eventually found her rhythm, realizing, 鈥淚 should complete schoolwork almost as soon as I receive it. That way I鈥檓 not procrastinating and suddenly have a million things to do at once.鈥�

Overcoming the time management hurdle, combined with her academic growth, allowed her confidence to grow. Mashack acknowledged that the support from her peers and faculty members 鈥渟parked her curiosity and drive.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 constantly met with new challenges and have to figure out varying methods to overcome them,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith how much I鈥檝e grown, learned, and experienced, I can easily say my expectations were beyond blown away. I鈥檓 so grateful to have met everyone I did during my time at Georgia Southern. I鈥檓 the person I am today because of these experiences.鈥�

High-impact Research and Practical Learning

Mashack鈥檚 most significant experience was working as an undergraduate research assistant for Professor Bishal Silwal, Ph.D., a mechanical engineering professor in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. She explored the specialized field of metallography, concentrating on wire arc additive manufacturing.

鈥淒r. Silwal trusted me with a lot of big responsibilities and tasks, and I never felt like I wasn’t appreciated,鈥� Mashack said. 鈥淗e constantly made sure to let me know how my help has impacted the team overall, and I’m very grateful to have been able to work with him.鈥�

Beyond the lab, she continued her course of practical learning by joining organizations such as the American Foundry Society. She highly recommends the experience.

鈥淚t provides a fun and hands-on opportunity to learn metal casting and apply those techniques directly to create your own casts,鈥� she said.

The Next Chapter

As she moves into the next chapter of her life, Mashack has accepted a job as a process equipment engineer. She plans to continue learning by exploring other engineering areas 鈥� including supply chain, research, maintenance, and leadership 鈥� to understand how they all fit together. Her success at Georgia Southern proves that blending creativity with logical thinking truly drives innovation.