Winter Weather Update - 1/22

Virtual learning and campus operations will extend through Thursday, January 23. Additionally, please note that Sumter County is currently under curfew, extending through 1pm on Thursday, January 23. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time. Please monitor gsw.edu, social media, email, MyGSW and any other GSW channels of communication for further updates. 
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Jill Drake

Jill Drake, Ed.D.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Drake has 23 years of experience in higher education with ten years in both public and private educational settings.She received her Doctorate of Education from the University of Georgia in 1999. She also holds an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University. Prior to joining GSW as interim provost, Drake served as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of West Georgia (UWG) in Carrollton.

Bryan Davis

Bryan Davis, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison
Dr. Davis received his Ph.D in Medieval British Literature from Ohio State University in 1997, and came to GSW as an assistant professor in August 1998. He was promoted to associate professor in 2003 and professor in 2008. While at GSW, he has been Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages, Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences, and most recently, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning. He has also been GSW’s SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison since 2009. Dr. Davis believes in challenging students to exceed their own expectations for themselves, but only while providing support to insure their success.

Cheri Paradise

Cheri Paradise

Executive Assistant to the Provost and MFE Coordinator
Cheri Paradise joined GSW in 2000 as an Accounting Assistant in the Business and Finance department. She was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Provost and MFE Coordinator in 2010. Cheri is a fourth generation Sumter County citizen. She graduated from Americus High School and attended Georgia Southwestern State University, majoring in English. While at GSW, she has served on the University Wide Grievance Panel, the GSW Human Relations Council, and the GSW Staff Senate as the Academic Affairs representative. She is a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals. Cheri is dedicated to serving the faculty, staff, and student body of the campus and loves the challenges and the rewards of working in higher education.

headshot of George Banketas

George Banketas

Director of Institutional Research

George Banketas is the Director of Institutional Research, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data that supports students and the university.  His role involves stewardship for metrics that advance continuous improvement, strategic planning, and communication with external agencies.  He joined GSW in 2019 following roles in data management and analysis at Warner Robbins AFB and in financial services. He has broad experience developing programs and configuring data extraction tools (e.g. Crystal, Tableau) and applying these to the management of the enterprise. He has a BS Degree in Computer Science, and recentlly obtained his Master's Degree in Computer Science at GSW.

Sophia Aparicio-Malacara

Sophia Aparicio-Malacara

Reporting and Data Management Specialist, Institutional Research

Sophia Aparicio-Malacara serves as the Reporting and Data Management Specialist for Institutional Research at Georgia Southwestern State University. A first-generation college senior, she is currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a business concentration at GSW. Prior to her current role, Sophia interned as a Data Analyst within the Office of Institutional Research, where she contributed to the factbook featured on GSW’s website and supported various other data-driven initiatives. She also gained valuable experience in the IIT department, working as both a Helpdesk Assistant and IT Assistant. In her current position, Sophia oversees key metrics that drive strategic planning, reporting, and continuous improvement across the university.