Approximately 4,400 students will graduate with associate, baccalaureate, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees this semester during four ceremonies in Statesboro and Savannah. Candidates will have the option to choose the location where they would like to graduate. 

The dates, colleges and speakers for each ceremony are: 

Monday, May 11 
9 a.m. 鈥� Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for the College of Science and Mathematics, College of Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Bob Somers (鈥�83) is the senior vice president of global sales at Delta Air Lines where he is responsible for the company鈥檚 relationship with its largest corporate, agency and specialty accounts. Joining Delta in 1983, Somers also served as managing director of corporate and specialty sales and general manager of global corporate sales, following earlier roles in airport customer service and marketing, advertising and sales promotions.

He is a member of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and in 2016 was honored as the GBTA Allied Member of the Year and Business Travel News鈥� 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives.

Former chairman of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Somers currently serves on the boards for Foundation for Hospital Art, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Atlanta Sports Council.

Somers earned a bachelor鈥檚 in public relations from 橘子视频.

Monday, May 11 
6 p.m. 鈥� The Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro
Graduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus

Nick Westbrook (鈥�20), is the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Hinesville and has built one of the top-performing locations in Georgia, earning multiple national excellence awards.

A dedicated community leader who is passionate about leadership, mentorship and creating a hospitality culture, Westbrook has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship program. 

Westbrook earned an MBA from the Parker College of Business at 橘子视频.

Wednesday, May 13 
9 a.m. 鈥� Enmarket Arena in Savannah
Undergraduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus.

Berry Aldridge (鈥�15) is director of recruiting for the Banana Ball Championship League鈥檚 six teams.聽

Prior to this role, he served in various capacities for The Savannah Bananas from 2016 to 2020, including director of tickets and vice president. In 2021, Aldridge shifted his focus to help create and launch the new sport of Banana Ball. 

Additionally in 2021, Aldridge became a licensed real estate agent and has since helped buyers and sellers across the Coastal Empire.

Aldridge earned a bachelor鈥檚 in English literature from Armstrong State University. 

Thursday, May 14 
9 a.m. 鈥� Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for students in the College of Education, Parker College of Business and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Double Eagle Kim Hartsock (鈥�20, 鈥�21) is a certified public accountant. Appointed as the inaugural chair of the Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board, she also serves on the board of directors for the 橘子视频 Foundation and the Parker College of Business.

In addition, Hartsock is the board chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and a board member for Leadership Gwinnett. 

Recognized as a two-time Titan 100 Georgia award winner, Hartsock was named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2022 as 鈥淢ost Admired CEO鈥� and included in the 2014 Atlanta Business Chronicle鈥檚 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Class. 

Hartsock earned a BBA in accounting and a master鈥檚 in accounting from 橘子视频.

橘子视频 has received high honors from Forbes in recognition of its commitment to institutional culture with the recent announcement of the publication鈥檚 list of 鈥�.鈥� Out of 600 companies on the list, Georgia Southern impressively landed in the top tier at #33.

鈥淎t Georgia Southern, we prioritize investing in our people, being accountable leaders, and fostering an environment of high performance, evidenced by results aligned with institutional goals and ultimately, student success. It is that alignment and commitment to continuous growth (growing ourselves to grow others) that creates a positive institutional culture at 橘子视频,鈥� said 橘子视频 President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淭he successful implementation of our strategic plan and the achievement of our institutional goals, aligned with our strategic priorities, are only accomplished if each and every faculty and staff member is actively engaged.鈥�

This is the second year Forbes has published the list, and . Representing the education industry, Georgia Southern was second on the list behind Columbia University (#10). 

Marrero emphasized that persistent efforts to strengthen institutional culture must produce measurable results that positively impact faculty and staff. To support this, the institution tracks its initiatives, evaluates them through ongoing feedback, and uses key performance indicators to assess their effectiveness.

鈥淎 positive culture is maintained through continuous communication and connecting to the 鈥榳hy’ and ‘how,’ empowering the collective intellect to help be part of solving the challenges (solve and evolve),鈥� he added. 鈥淲e are in this together, always focused on the ‘why’ of student success!鈥澛�

橘子视频 has also been recently recognized on the Forbes lists for (#171), (#58 – Georgia), and (#243 in Research Universities and #100 in the South).

橘子视频 has named Jennifer Schroeder, Ph.D., as dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, effective July 1. Schroeder will lead efforts to expand graduate education, enhance student success and strengthen research and workforce alignment across the university.

Schroeder joins Georgia Southern from East Texas A&M University, where she serves as dean of the Graduate School, supporting more than 3,000 graduate students across a wide range of programs. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving access to graduate education, strengthening academic programs and building systems that support student success.

鈥淒r. Schroeder brings a strong record of leadership in graduate education and a deep commitment to student success,鈥� said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淗er collaborative approach, experience in program innovation and focus on aligning graduate education with workforce needs make her an outstanding addition to Georgia Southern. I am confident she will play a key role in advancing our graduate and research programs and expanding opportunities for our students.鈥�

Schroeder is recognized for her ability to bring together faculty, staff and institutional partners to create new opportunities for students. During her tenure at East Texas A&M, she helped launch a master鈥檚 degree in artificial intelligence and worked across campus to enhance admissions processes, student support services and program development.

Her background includes experience as a program coordinator, department head and dean, with academic training in school psychology. Her leadership reflects a commitment to access, quality and innovation in graduate education.

鈥淚 am excited to begin this new chapter at 橘子视频,鈥� said Schroeder. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students to build on the university鈥檚 strong foundation and advance graduate education to expand opportunity, strengthen research and support student success.鈥�

Schroeder鈥檚 appointment marks a continued investment in graduate education at Georgia Southern, positioning the University to meet evolving student and workforce needs while strengthening its academic and research mission.

Civil engineering graduate student Elsie Lappin will represent Georgia Southern at the state level in the inaugural University System of Georgia (USG) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Lappin was selected as the top candidate following the 2026 Eagle Fast Pitch event, a University-wide competition supported by 橘子视频鈥檚 , Parker College of Business and student-led organization the Eagle Entrepreneurs.

鈥淕eorgia Southern plays a vital role in cultivating entrepreneurs by giving students the tools and confidence to turn ideas into action,鈥� said Associate Vice President of Innovation Dominique Halaby, DPA. 鈥淔rom concept to execution, we鈥檙e preparing students not just for careers, but to lead, innovate and create meaningful impact.鈥�

Lappin鈥檚 winning pitch, Echo Oracle, is a physics-informed AI tool for automated ultrasonic inspection and structural code-based pass/fail decisions.

鈥淚 chose this project because it addresses a critical challenge in infrastructure inspection by reducing subjectivity and improving efficiency in defect detection and evaluation,鈥� Lappin said. 鈥淭his work began during my undergraduate studies and has continued to develop through my graduate research in nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring.鈥�

The pitch is a culmination of her passion for creating more reliable and accessible infrastructure assessment tools. She credits her mentor, Hossein Taheri, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering, and director of the Laboratory for Advanced Nondestructive Testing and In-situ Evaluation (LANDTIE), with guiding her through the process.

By going on to the system-level contest, she now has the chance to earn a trophy, professional mentorship and $25,000 in cash prizes. The USG Innovation Competition is a two-day event taking place on April 6-7 at Kennesaw State University鈥檚 Marietta Campus.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to presenting alongside such a diverse group of student innovators and seeing how different disciplines approach problem-solving,鈥� said Lappin. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique opportunity to refine how I communicate a highly technical idea to a broader audience and to gain feedback that can help push the project further.鈥�

ABOUT BUSINESS INNOVATION GROUP
The Business Innovation Group (BIG) at 橘子视频 works to build an ecosystem throughout the State of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. BIG works to facilitate access to university resources, to create opportunities for student experiential learning, and to foster an environment that supports a growth mindset throughout the state.

As a unit of the Office of Research at Georgia Southern, BIG is committed to developing and deploying new technological platforms, innovative programs, quality services and educational events to help meet the needs of area businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to expand business operations and/or launch new business enterprises, products and services. For more information explore the Georgia Southern Business Innovation Group.

橘子视频 hosted its annual Gratitude Gala to recognize key donors for their longtime support of institutional initiatives. The event was held March 27 at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside in Savannah, Georgia, where honorees were presented with awards.

The annual event recognizes alumni, partners and philanthropic leaders whose generosity continues to advance the University鈥檚 mission of preparing career-ready students, strengthening communities and driving economic impact across the region.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed guests and highlighted the transformational role of donor support in the institution鈥檚 continued growth.

鈥淭he people in this room represent Georgia Southern鈥檚 most loyal alumni, friends, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations 鈥� those who have given $25,000 or more to the University,鈥� Marrero said. 鈥淏ecause of supporters like you, more than $6 million in scholarships were awarded this year, and our momentum continues to grow across every area of impact.鈥�

Marrero noted record-breaking milestones for the University, including enrollment, research activity and $1.167B in regional economic impact, as well as continued progress toward the institution鈥檚 ambitious 鈥淭ogether We Soar鈥� campaign goal of $300 million by 2030.

The 2026 Gratitude Gala Award recipients are:

The President鈥檚 Ambassador Award: St. Joseph鈥檚/Candler

Built on tradition and driven by progress, St. Joseph鈥檚/Candler stands as a cornerstone of compassionate health care in Savannah. With roots dating back to 1804 for Candler Hospital and 1875 for St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital, these institutions have long served communities across southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry, now reaching 33 counties with a commitment to exceptional care, patient empowerment and holistic well-being. Their enduring partnership with Georgia Southern reflects a shared vision for the future, preparing the next generation of health care professionals through hands-on learning and real-world experience. From clinical training opportunities to the state-of-the-art St. Joseph鈥檚/Candler Nursing Suite, an 8,000-square-foot facility designed to mirror a hospital environment, this collaboration equips students with the confidence, skill and compassion needed to lead in health care. Through their generosity and dedication, St. Joseph鈥檚/Candler is not only shaping students鈥� careers but also investing in the health and future of the entire region.

The President鈥檚 Innovator Award: The Leonard Bevill Family 

The Bevill family exemplifies what it means to be true champions of 橘子视频. Leonard 鈥淟enny鈥� Bevill and his wife Sandra, along with their sons Josh and Andrew and daughters-in-law Jenna and Taylor 鈥� all proud Georgia Southern alumni 鈥� share a deep and enduring connection to the University. Through their generosity of time, talent and resources, they have made a meaningful impact, particularly in support of Eagle Athletics and student-athletes. Together, they have championed Georgia Southern through the Eagle Victory Plan 鈥� especially the Eagle Nation Fund 鈥� as well as capital projects, sport agency accounts and initiatives that expand opportunities for our student-athletes. But what makes the Bevill family鈥檚 support especially meaningful is the way they continue to give back 鈥� strengthening athletic programs and advancing initiatives like the Erk Russell Fund while helping elevate the entire Georgia Southern community. Leonard truly embodies what it means to be an innovator for Georgia Southern, and the Bevill family鈥檚 legacy reflects a spirit of dedication, leadership and gratitude. Georgia Southern sincerely appreciates the continued support of the Bevill family.

The President鈥檚 Visionary Award: Greg Parker

Greg Parker鈥檚 vision, leadership and generosity have made a profound and lasting impact on Georgia Southern, particularly within the Parker College of Business. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation in 1976, he transformed Parker鈥檚 Kitchen into a thriving company processing more than one million customers each week across 110 locations, redefining the convenience store industry through innovation and excellence. Yet his success is measured not only in business growth, but in his deep commitment to giving back, donating more than $30 million to support education, health care, childhood hunger initiatives and veterans throughout the region. 

In 2019, Parker made the largest gift in Georgia Southern鈥檚 history, transforming the College of Business into the Parker College of Business and creating scholarships, faculty support and expanded opportunities that continue to shape students鈥� futures. Beyond his philanthropy, Parker remains personally invested, sharing his time, insight and experience with students in meaningful ways. His belief in Georgia Southern, its people and its future reflects the true spirit of a visionary leader and dedicated partner. 

To learn more about the award recipients visit the Gratitude Gala web page here.

To learn more about Georgia Southern鈥檚 campaign, visit . 

Romanian lecturer Mihaela Udristioiu, Ph.D. has returned to 橘子视频 for her second time as a Fulbright research scholar fellow.

“I was always a curious child,” said Udristioiu. “I love questions. The answers we find help us better understand the beauty of nature and the laws that govern our universe.”

That curiosity is what encouraged the Romanian lecturer to apply for the Fulbright research scholar program to work on physics education and environmental science with 橘子视频 associate professor of physics Dragos Amarie, Ph.D. 

The two first met during a study abroad program in Romania in 2017, during the Science and Culture Study Abroad program. Amarie said the teaching style of Romanian universities was different from what he was used to.  

Udristioiu was especially interested in learning how university faculty in the U.S. engage with their students and create active learning environments.

“How students understand physics is very important to me,” Udristioiu said. “My American colleagues have shown me how much better teaching is when it is interactive and involves students.”

Things are a little different in Romanian universities, she says.  

“Romanian universities teach differently than how we do in the States,” Amarie said. “The lectures are formal, and you’re doomed if you miss a single one.”

“I prefer a more student-centered approach, especially when it comes to teaching difficult science courses,” he explained. “Classes should be interactive. Students should be encouraged to ask their professors questions. Having them engage and question what we teach, that’s how a student learns.”

Udristioiu, impressed by his teaching style, hoped to join Amarie in the States in 2020. COVID-19 had other plans. The study abroad program stopped, but their collaboration continued. Then, in 2022, she was awarded a Fulbright research scholar grant, joining Amarie in the classroom at Georgia Southern. 

“She did such a great job while she was here,” said Amarie. “The Fulbright Romania encouraged Dr. Udristioiu to submit a new application to strengthen the collaboration.” 

That’s why she applied for the Fulbright grant again. She’s back in the states now, working on a research project focused on air pollution monitoring, modelling, making predictions and forecasting. 

“Science crosses borders, and collaboration helps us open new doors to knowledge,” she said.

What can a handheld grip test reveal about military readiness? According to 橘子视频 researchers, it turns out quite a lot.聽

It鈥檚 one of several tools 橘子视频鈥檚 Tactical Athlete Initiative (TAI) is using in partnership with the University鈥檚 Army ROTC program to improve how cadets train.

Under the direction of Professor of Exercise Science Bridget Melton, Ed.D., and Associate Professor and Director of Tactical Performance Joseph Kardouni, Ph.D., DPT, and supported in part by a Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) grant, the initiative brings in researchers to enhance military training through fitness assessments. 

Cadets complete a series of physical tests 鈥� such as rowing and jumping 鈥� while wearing top-of-the-line monitoring equipment. Data is collected during these assessments and then analyzed by TAI researchers to provide individualized training enhancements for cadets.

Graduate coaching education student Spencer Boling is leading this effort as the first graduate assistant assigned to the TAI.

鈥淚t has been nothing short of special,鈥� Boling said. 鈥淏eing the first in this role means I am actively building this from the ground up, and there is a real responsibility that comes with that.鈥�

Student Jacob Mullins supports the collaboration by helping calibrate the VO2 Master testing system 鈥� a mask that measures oxygen intake in real time and gives highly accurate data on aerobic capacity.

鈥淚t is fun to be a part of a team doing something meaningful like gathering data,鈥� Mullins said. 鈥淚t gave me a better understanding of performance testing and the importance of teamwork and preparation.鈥�

One of the initiative鈥檚 biggest highlights was placing ninth at the Ranger Challenge, a regional military skills competition, a result of the work put in at the lab. 

鈥淎 top-10 finish is a genuine achievement and a direct reflection of the cadets鈥� commitment to physical preparation,鈥� Boling said. 鈥淲atching a cadet hit a personal record in the weight room, seeing them pass their Army Fitness Test with flying colors, or simply noticing them develop healthier daily habits are all moments that remind me exactly why this work matters.鈥�

For Boling, the initiative has been transformative both in and out of the lab. 

鈥淭his collaboration has changed the trajectory of my career,鈥� Boling added. 鈥淚 always thought I wanted to work in traditional sports, but after seeing the impact of training the tactical population, people who rely on fitness for life and service, I know this is where I belong.鈥�

橘子视频’s student-led media group, The George-Anne Media Group, recently earned recognition for excellence in design and reporting from The Georgia College Press Association (GCPA) and The College Media Association (CMA).

The group claimed nine total awards from the two organizations, which annually recognize excellence in student-led journalism and media organizations. 

The GCPA awarded The George-Anne, based on the Statesboro Campus, and The Inkwell, based on the Armstrong Campus, with first place for Newspaper Layout and Design Excellence. The Association is known across Georgia for upholding the industry standard of collegiate journalism, as well as connecting member colleges to student journalists across the state. 

The George-Anne also took home second place in General Photography Excellence, Best Newspaper website and Best News Article Based on Investigative Reporting. The Inkwell took second place for Best General News Article and Best Entertainment Story. 

The Inkwell earned an honorable mention for Best Newsletter at the CMA鈥檚 Apple Awards in New York City, New York. The Apple Awards highlight the best in student-produced journalism nationwide.

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) at 橘子视频 has received the Gold Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) for some of its student programming for advancing student leadership and engagement. 

The Student and Organization Leadership Development (SOLD) Workshop Series received the Gold Award in the Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Union, and related category of the 2026 NASPA Excellence Awards.聽

The SOLD Workshop Series is a free leadership development program designed for students to help cultivate the next generation of campus and community leaders. Offered during the fall and spring semesters, the series provides high-impact learning opportunities for students across all majors and classifications who want to strengthen their personal leadership skills, prepare for roles within student organizations, and contribute meaningfully to the University and broader community.

鈥淭he SOLD Workshop Series reflects the Division of Student Affairs and Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to developing career-ready leaders who will positively impact their communities,鈥� said Memory Littles, director of OSA. 鈥淭he program is aligned with the University鈥檚 SACSCOC Quality Enhancement Plan, the National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies, NASPA鈥檚 professional competencies and several other strategic priorities. We are honored that NASPA has recognized the work being done at Georgia Southern to empower students through leadership education and engagement.鈥�

Championed by Littles and Cat Hoopaugh, associate director of OSA, the series is additionally supported by all of OSA鈥檚 team members, and connects faculty, staff, community members and Georgia Southern alumni to current students. 

The workshop series was selected for its outstanding impact on student leadership development and campus engagement. Since its pilot launch, the SOLD Workshop Series has educated tens of thousands of Georgia Southern students, building a strong culture of leadership and involvement across each of our campuses. Over the past five years alone, more than 15,500 students have participated in SOLD workshops, reflecting the program鈥檚 broad reach and sustained impact, said Hoopaugh.

As part of this recognition, Littles and Hoopaugh were invited to present the SOLD Workshop Series at the 2026 NASPA National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in March, where they shared the program鈥檚 model and impact with higher education professionals from across the globe.

The NASPA Excellence Awards represent one of the most respected recognitions in the field of Student Affairs, honoring innovative and high-impact programs that transform student experiences in higher education around the world. The national recognition from NASPA underscores OSA鈥檚 dedication to fostering student success through innovative programming and leadership education.

橘子视频鈥檚 Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Community Programs are buzzing this spring, with a lineup of community courses ranging from beekeeping and wine education to regional historical experiences. 

Through the Community Programs series, CPE offers a variety of courses, workshops and events designed to engage learners of all ages.

“Continuing and Professional Education exists to make Georgia Southern accessible to everyone, not just students pursuing a degree,” said Business and Marketing Manager Jamie Burke.

The six-week course will begin March 24 at 5:15 p.m. at the CPE Center. Designed for the enthusiast looking to start their own hive or better understand bees, the course will be led by expert Bobby Colson and include lessons on bee behavior and hive management to promote health, production and sustainability.

Wine enthusiasts can also get a taste of CPE offerings with . This exclusive event features wines from Poggio ai Laghi, a Tuscan winery known for its regional craftsmanship and dedication to traditional winemaking. Guests 21 and older will have the unique opportunity to taste a curated selection of wines guided by professional sommeliers traveling from Tuscany, offering firsthand insight into the vineyards, varietals and winemaking traditions of the region.

The sessions will be held at Savannah Technical Institute鈥檚 Culinary Institute April 9 and at the CPE Center in Statesboro April 10. 

“Experiences like this create a meaningful bridge between education and culture,” said CPE Director Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D. “Through our partnership with Poggio ai Laghi winery, guests have the opportunity to engage directly with the people and traditions behind the wines. It’s a unique way to connect our local community to the global village.”

Later in April, Professor Emeritus of History John K. Derden, Ph.D., will take history enthusiasts on a guided tour tracing Sherman鈥檚 March to the Sea through Emanuel, Jenkins and Burke counties. Starting at the Fulford Center Meeting Room on the East Georgia Campus, the tour offers rare access to historic roads, visiting authentic campsites, antebellum plantation sites and the legendary Camp Lawton. 

Additional programming this spring includes a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process of stained glass through , as well as a workshop to design a one-of-a-kind accessory ready to wear to CPE鈥檚 Run for the Roses Gala and watch party May 2. 

“These types of programs open the door for community members to explore new interests while engaging with the University,” said Burke. “They are helping build a culture of lifelong learning across our area.”

for more information on CPE’s community programs.