Propel: GSW’s Campaign for Scholarships concluded at GSW's second annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Jan. 27, where the final total of $1,250,053 was announced to the 300 guests in attendance at the black-tie fundraiser.
“I extend heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors whose support helped us surpass our $1 million goal by 25 percent,” said Stephen Snyder, assistant vice president for Advancement and GSW Foundation executive director. “This achievement exemplifies the power of collective goodwill and shared commitment to Georgia Southwestern. Our GSW Advancement team is filled with pride at the success of our second annual Gold Force Gala and the scholarship fundraising campaign.”
The campaign announcement was made by GSW President Dr. Neal Weaver at the conclusion of the Gala’s program and was marked with a balloon drop to commemorate the significant occasion.
A total of 631 donors made contributions to Propel, with 14 gifts of $10,000 or more to the $1 million scholarship funding campaign, which launched in September 2022.
Scholarships are awarded to 650 students annually from 140 different GSW Foundation scholarship funds. During the Propel campaign, nine new scholarships were created and six scholarship endowments matured ($25,000 or more).
Read more about Propel and the Gala here.
GSW was ranked the #1 Best RN to BSN Program in Georgia by RNcareers.org, a leading nursing education resource.
More than 1,700 nursing schools were evaluated to compile these merit-based rankings based on critical factors such as NCLEX passing rates, accreditation, program offerings, tuition and fees and school reputation.
RN to BSN programs allow registered nurses (RNs) to advance their career, earn a higher salary, and assume more leadership and responsibility in the workplace by earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
"We are thrilled our RN to BSN program has achieved the top spot in Georgia," said Teresa Teasley, D.N.P., interim dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. "This recognition is a testament to our accomplished faculty, motivated students and strong partnerships with esteemed healthcare organizations. Given the high demand for careers in healthcare, particularly for registered nurses, our program stands out. The long-term outlook for registered nurses is rapidly expanding, with an even greater demand for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Employers actively seek and endorse RNs who are advancing their education."
Read more about this recognition here.
Early enrollment numbers at GSW indicate a notable 15% increase for Spring 2024, compared to the previous year, surpassing 3,200 students.
This growth follows an 11% increase in Fall 2023, setting a record with 3,415 students, and a 7.3% increase in Summer 2023.
“Georgia Southwestern continues to be a leading institution in the state, providing tremendous value to our students and region,” said GSW President Neal Weaver, Ph.D. “This growth reflects the strategic efforts and dedication of our faculty and staff who are focused on ensuring student success, enhancing the overall campus experience, providing programs relevant to our economy and graduating students who will make a real impact in our region’s workforce.”
GSW’s enrollment success largely stems from a proactive recruitment approach, expanded scholarship and program offerings, student success initiatives and quality programs which are consistently top-ranked regionally and nationally — all at an affordable cost.
Read more about GSW's enrollment growth here.
GSW has received $12,608 to participate in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Georgia Young Adult Program (GYAP). The GOHS addresses young adult driver crashes, injuries and fatalities, and partners with colleges and universities throughout the state to implement this program.
With the grant funds, GSW iHelp Peer Educators plan to host workshops and events on alcohol awareness. The mission of iHelp Peer Educators is to encourage GSW students to make healthy, low-risk lifestyle choices by promoting low-risk drinking behaviors, and educating students, faculty and staff about alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse. The University also plans to communicate the dangers of alcohol abuse throughout the school year by email and on social media.
Read more about the funding here.
Dr. Sandra Daniel retiring as Dean of GSW College of Nursing and Health Sciences after 36 years of dedicationSandra Daniel, Ph.D., dean of GSW's College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is retiring effective Jan. 1, 2024 after serving GSW for 36 years.
“It has been a privilege to serve Georgia Southwestern in several capacities,” said Daniel. “Starting as an instructor in 1986 and progressing through the tenure ranks to professor has been an honor. The most exciting thing has been to serve as dean since 2008, allowing me to form lasting relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and students at GSW, as well as collaborate with healthcare providers in our region.”
During Daniel’s tenure, GSW’s nursing program has increased its enrollment several times, including the addition of a Spring admission period for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, the development of several graduate programs and, most recently, the revival of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The Guaranteed Acceptance Program, a competitive early enrollment process, also attracts high school seniors.
“Dr. Daniel has played an instrumental role in the development and growth of GSW’s nursing program to meet the needs of our regional healthcare workforce,” said GSW President Neal Weaver, Ph.D. “Her leadership has been crucial to our accreditation efforts and to the enhancement of our institution as a whole. She doubled the enrollment of nursing students who are now able to serve more people. I can’t imagine a greater legacy than fostering opportunities for students and serving people in need.”
Read more about Daniel's time at GSW here.
GSW debuts new fight songGeorgia Southwestern debuted its new fight song during Homecoming Week 2023. The new fight song was composed and arranged, and words written by Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A.
It was recorded by the award-winning James Clemens High School Marching Band in Madison, Ala. under the direction of Keith Anderson.
The album cover was designed by GSW's Department of Univeristy Relations. The recording of the fight song can be found on most streaming services including Apple Music and Spotify.
The Computer Club led by Advisor Karen Cook, Ed.D., assisted the residents at Magnolia Manor with their technology needs on November 10, 2023. The Computer Club has had the honor of working with the residents for many years and hopes to continue this service for Magnolia Manor.
Over winter break, faculty members from the Department of Computing embarked on an academic journey to Zhoukou Normal University (ZKNU) in China. Karen Cook, Ed.D., Sai Mukkavilli, Ph.D., and Jonathan Hobbs, D.Sc., along with GSW staff member Hailey Henderson, participated in this collaborative initiative between GSW and ZKNU.
Their mission included teaching computer science classes at ZKNU, fostering cross-cultural education for a large cohort of students. This academic venture showcased the commitment of both institutions to global education and knowledge exchange. The faculty members were not only teaching but also embracing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant campus life of ZKNU, residing within the bustling community of 20,000 students in the dormitories.
During their stay, GSW faculty had the privilege of exploring some of China's iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall in Beijing. Beyond the classroom, the faculty members enjoyed meaningful interactions with the ZKNU faculty and students. The trip also included a memorable showcase of their talents in a full production show, where they performed in front of an enthusiastic audience of over 1,000 students, faculty, and staff members.
The faculty are eager to return for future collaborations.
As baseball and softball season approaches, several preseason rankings have been released.
GSW's baseball team has been named the favorite to win the Peach Belt Conference according to the league's preseason coaches poll. They were also ranked fourth in the southeast region according to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) preseason poll.
Several players have also received preseason accolades. Senior pitcher Nick McCollum, graduate outfielder Jake Blinstrub and senior shortstop Miles Hartsfield were named to the 11-player 2024 Preseason Peach Belt All-Conference baseball team. McCollum was also named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) 2024 Preseason All-America Second Team.
GSW's softball team has been picked to finish third in the PBC according to the league's preseason coaches poll. Senior second baseman Zoe Willis and senior shortstop Lacey Rutledge were also received preseason accolades and were named to the 10-player 2024 Preseason Peach Belt All-Conference softball team.
Both teams begin their regular seasons in February.
GSW's women's basketball team is ranking nationally in several NCAA Division II categories, including #2 in rebound margin and #4 in bench points per game and scoring margin (as of Jan. 21). The Lady Canes are also ranked 13th in the D2CSC national media poll, their second highest ranking ever in that poll.
The men's team is also near the top of several rankings, including #3 in the nation for 3-point percentage defense.
Regular season games for both teams continue through February, with several more chances to catch the Hurricanes at home in the Storm Dome.
Canes Spotlight announced for JanuaryCanes Spotlights highlight Georgia Southwestern students who hold leadership roles, are involved in extracurricular activities and/or excel academically in their degree programs.
The January Canes Spotlight was senior biology major Matthew Busby.
"I initially chose GSW because of its affordability and closeness to home. However, I found that GSW was the right place for me due to the tight-knit community that exists here which made me feel at home," said Matthew."
Matthew has made his mark academically at GSW. He has served as a tutor for the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success for two years and was named Outstanding Tutor of the Year in 2022. He and classmate Arul Thason also won first place for their oral presentation at GSW's 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium.
As a biology major, Matthew says he continues to be amazed by the subject. "Learning different subjects within biology has given me much appreciation and respect for all living things."
Canes Spotlights are nominated by GSW faculty and staff.
GSW student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom. The Hurricanes' 10 teams combined to post a 3.11 grade point average for the 2023 fall semester. It's the 19th consecutive semester the Hurricanes have had a GPA over 3.0.
The Peach Belt Conference recently released its 2023 Women's Soccer Team of Academic Distinction, presented by Barnes & Noble College. Georgia Southwestern had nine student-athletes earn the recognition which ties a department record for the most recipients on a team since joining the league in 2006.
Senior Geraldine Alvarez, sophomore Lucia Bustamante, junior Krystal Elie, sophomore Sarah Freddolino, junior Grace Grech, junior Sophia Kotopka, junior Zyandra Thomas, sophomore Marina Thompson and sophomore Karsen Winget were all named to the award.
Thompson led the Lady Hurricanes with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Read more about the team and requirements here.
The Peach Belt Conference recently released its 2023 Men's Soccer Team of Academic Distinction, presented by Barnes & Noble College. Sophomore Lucas Bedleg and senior Jack Malleret from Georgia Southwestern earned the recognition.
Bedleg, a computer science major from Andelarrot, France, carried a 3.55 grade point average. Malleret, an accounting major from Burlington, Ontario, maintained a 3.56 grade point average.
The team is a part of the PBC's larger initiative to celebrate the academic achievements of PBC student-athletes and is modeled on the CSC Academic All-America program.
Read more here.
Associate Dean and Professor in the School of Health Sciences Leisa Easom, Ph.D., authored a chapter in Volume 8 of Caring for Each Other: Family Caregiving Across the Generations.
The chapter is titled "New and Needed Care Manager Education Supports Aging and Disabled Populations" and is available online here.
Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology Stephanie Harvey, Ph.D., co-authored an article in the American Journal of Botany titled "Molecular phylogeography and historical demography of a widespread herbaceous species from eastern North America, Podophyllum peltatum." Her fellow authors are Chenxi Wang, Zhao-Yan Yap, Penglei Wan, Kuangqi Chen, Ryan A. Folk, Dixie Z. Damrel, Wayne Barger, Alvin Diamond, Charles Horn, Garrie P. Landry, Tharanga Samarakoon, David R. Morgan, Yingxiong Qiu, Pan Li.
Assistant Professor of Biology Surya Amarachintha, Ph.D., is one of several authors of an article in Blood, a journal from The American Society of Hematology. The article is titled "LepR+ niche cell–derived AREG compromises hematopoietic stem cell maintenance under conditions of DNA repair deficiency and aging." A summary of the article is available below.
"Authors have demonstrated that amphiregulin (AREG) released from bone marrow (BM) microenvironment cells which are leptin receptor positive (LepR+) plays an important role in mediating the cross talk between the BM microenvironment and Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs). This factor is particularly important in the maintenance of HSCs when there is DNA repair lacking and during aging. Purpose or potential impact: This study emphasizes the critical role of DNA repair proteins, particularly BRCA2, FANCD2, and ATM in maintaining the genomic and functional integrity of BM stromal cells, and the role of niche-derived paracrine factors in pathologic conditions, such as genotoxic injury, or during aging."
Dykes and Teasley present at Sigma Biennial ConferenceAssociate Professor Michelle Dykes, Ed.D., and Interim Dean and Professor Teresa Teasley, D.N.P. from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences presented at the international Sigma Biennial Conference in San Antonio, Texas in November 2023.
Their presentation, “Color me Happy,” was based on a project they developed to help with nurse educator burnout. The project provided a mindfulness motivational coloring poster for faculty to take a time out for a few minutes of relaxation during their busy class and lab schedules.
Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nursing, is the second-largest nursing organization in the world, with well over 100,000 active members.
The Department of Human Resources has launched an Employee of the Month program with the purpose of encouraging recognition of GSW faculty and staff who have significantly benefited the University and made contributions beyond the usual expectations or their employment.
Nominations can be made online each month here.
The November 2023 Employees of the Month were:
Associate Professor of Computer Science Sai Mukkavilli, Ph.D., has been awarded a $2,500 CCEP (CSSN Community Engagement Program) travel grant by ACCESS (Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support). As a requirement of this grant, Mukkavilli is mentoring a student from South Oregon University on a research project that will make use of the BRIDGES2 system at Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. The student and Mukkavilli will collaborate for three months (from Feb. 5 through May 5). The monies from the grant can be used for accommodation, travel and food for any national/international conference in the continental U.S.
Yemelyanov awarded second U.S. PatentProfessor of Computer Science Alexander Yemelyanov, Ph.D., D.Sc. received a patent award for “Express Decision: Decision-Making Augmentation System" (US Patent. No. 11,794, 771, US PTO) on October 24, 2023. This is his second US patent awarded within the past year.
When the US Patent and Trademark Office granted this patent, it marked the first implementation of a motivational decision-making model in the US. This augmentation system was specifically created to assist individuals in navigating challenging decisions within the context of risk and uncertainty, where it's quite common to rely on intuition. Express Decision users can leverage their self-efficacy to arrive at satisfying solutions to complex problems, upon recognizing the limitations inherent in human rationality when faced with difficult decisions. These limitations can stem from various sources, including time constraints, emotional factors and biases, information availability, and cognitive constraints. Express Decision demonstrates great potential for application in both everyday and professional decision-making scenarios. As a systematic method, it currently features several web applications that span the fields of healthcare and insurance. The innovative approach of integrating a motivational model into decision-making systems highlights a noteworthy paradigm shift in addressing complex decision challenges.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A., received a $21,000 grant from Affordable Learning Georgia. The funding will be used to provide Open Educational Resources and textbooks for all COMM 1110: Fundamentals of Speech courses. The grant will save GSW students enrolled in COMM 1110 approximately $58,000 per academic year. The OERs will be used in the courses beginning Spring 2024. Members of the grant committee include Jonathan Carter, Ashley Jones, and Hailey Henderson.
Scanlon-Richardson joins the Department of BiologyKaylyn Scanlon-Richardson, Ph.D. joined the Department of Biology on Jan. 1, 2024 as a biology lecturer after completing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at The University of Central Florida. She completed her B.S. in Biology in 2019 at Georgia College and State University and received her M.S. in conjunction with entering her Ph.D. candidacy at UCF.
As a Georgia native, she was drawn back to her roots to begin her career in teaching at Georgia Southwestern. Richardson has a passion for active and experiential learning, and hopes to foster a love of science in all of her students. Her interests include biochemistry, microbiology and infectious disease.
Richardson recently married her high school sweetheart, Shane. She and her husband spend time together through tending to their garden and many houseplants. She spends much of her time exploring the out-of-doors through visiting parks, kayaking, and hiking. She is also an avid reader, and enjoys curling up on the couch with a good book and her pet rabbit, Roscoe.
The following joined GSW on January 1, 2024:
Brett Weaver joined the Department of Student Health and Counseling as a counselor on January 23, 2024.
Alma de la Paz, Human Resources Specialist in the Department of Human Resources, exited that role on December 13, 2023.
Sisi Chen, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, exited that role on December 31, 2023.
Lindsey Slatton, Support Specialist and Transfer Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, exited that role on January 12, 2024.
Abby Morelock, Admissions Counselor in the Department of Recruitment and Admissions, exited that role on January 12, 2024.
Boris Peltsverger passed away on December 15, 2023. He was Dean and Professor Emeritus for the School of Computing and Mathematics and retired in 2019 after serving at GSW for 22 years.
William B. Dragoin passed away at his home on December 23, 2023 at age 84. Dragoin was Chair of the Psychology Department and retired from GSW after more than 25 years of service.
Patricia Ann Castellow Cook passed away on December 31, 2023 at age 81. Cook retired in 2004 as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing.
Shirley Joyce Litwhiler passed away on January 4, 2024 at age 86. After a career teaching English, Litwhiler retired from GSW in 1999 as an Associate Professor Emerita.
Michael Moir became Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages on January 1, 2024. He also serves as a professor in the same department.
The former chair, Paul Dahlgren, is now serving as professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and QEP Director.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Sociology Sally Merritt, Ph.D., and her husband Ryan proudly welcomed a baby boy on Wednesday, October 23, 2023 at 8:11am. Logan Edward Merritt arrived weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 20.5 inches long. He joins big brothers Fischer and Remi.
Congratulations to the Merritt family!
Professor of Music and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A., earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in History from Clayton State University in 2023, and he served as a faculty mentee for eCore faculty in U.S. History during the Fall 2023 semester. Laughlin also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Memphis, Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia College and State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of North Alabama.
On December 1, 2023 Georgia Southwestern hosted the Area 11 Special Olympics. The Storm Dome was full of athletes from Dooly, Sumter, Schley, Marion, Lee, and Worth counties who participated in various competitions and activities. This event was a true union of GSW College of Education and GSW Athletics. Individuals from both groups made sure this event was the best possible experience for the participants. In addition, the volunteers walked away fulfilled and touched by the joy and spirit of the athletes who they were able to help during this event.
Student-athlete Damean Dominguez, who is a member of the men’s soccer team, shares that sentiment: "This event made me feel great and I always enjoy being a part of events like this. I was doing it for a good cause because the kids don’t get to experience things like Special Olympics or Night to Shine everyday, and to be able to show them that they matter and are just as good and as important as us would put a smile on anyone’s face and would warm anyone’s heart. What I got out of this is to treat everyone with kindness and not make them feel like an outcast because of things they can’t control. Everyone is important and deserves a chance to experience the good in life, and these kids show that no matter the hand they are dealt with they find a way to keep a smile on their face, and put smiles on others as well!"
Furthermore, education major Mackenzie Edgcombe, had this to share about her experience: "The overall experience for the Special Olympics is great! I have been participating in Special Olympics since middle school, so I have loved being able to get behind the scenes for the past 2 semesters! Special Olympics' means a lot to me and many others. This event allows everyone to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It is one of the many ways that a community gets to show inclusion and just love to these people in our community."
Overall, the 2023 Area 11 Special Olympics event hosted at GSW was a great representation of what it means to be a Hurricane.
GSW hosted its 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation in the GSW Storm Dome on Wednesday, Jan. 24 with Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant serving as keynote speaker.
The theme for the event was titled “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems.”
The ceremony included performances from the GSW Concert Choir and Southwest Civic Chorus, Sumter County High School Gospel Choir, and the GSW Gospel Choir with the wreath presentation by the Sumter County High School JROTC.
The full ceremony is now available on GSW's YouTube channel, and photos are available on GSW's Facebook page. Read more about the event here.
GSW held its Fall 2023 Commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, when over 460 students earned their degrees.
The keynote address was delivered by Richard Woods, Georgia’s State School Superintendent.
Photos from the ceremony are available on GSW's Facebook page. Video is available on GSW's YouTube channel.
On November 29, 2023, GSW Accounting Club members Geanna Richard, Ansley Duffy, Curtis Raines, Maddie Barnes, Curtianna Johnson, and Mo Wilson visited GSW pre-K students and read to them. The goal was to promote financial literacy among children, which is part of the College of Business and Computing's mission to create a positive impact on society. It was a lively and fun visit.
Chemistry professor Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., her two sons, and two GSW students participated in the STEAM Day at Furlow Charter School on Dec. 18, 2023. The event was sponsored by GSW and the American Chemical Society local section. The demonstrations included making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, chill cereal with liquid nitrogen, and superconductor magnet levitation using liquid nitrogen. Iordanova and her assistants made liquid nitrogen ice cream for more than 300 1st through 6th grade Furlow Charter students who said that the experiments with ice cream and cereal were their "favorites of the day."
The College of Business and Computing's Personal Selling students wrapped up the Fall semester by putting their skills to the test for their final project. Senior Lecturer of Marketing Becca Jones and her student-led team went into the "field" and used their personal selling knowledge to recruit local high school students to come to GSW. The students developed their sales skills over the semester and highlighted core selling points about the University.
Find more events on the GSW academic calendar, on CanesConnect, and on the Events Open to the Community webpage.
