GSW Alumni Association elects six new board members

AMERICUS, GA (June 10, 2022) – The Alumni Association at Georgia Southwestern State University is pleased to announce the addition of six new members elected to its Board of Directors: Pam Carswell of Macon, Luke Ellis of Americus, Marcus M. Johnson, Jr. of Macon, Tracy Law of Americus, Jessica Reese of Columbus and Hollie Scruggs-Walters of Americus.

“We’re excited to expand our board with six new members who will bring a variety of gifts and talents,” said Amy Benton, president of GSW’s Alumni Association. “Their diverse insight will help unite and encourage alumni loyalty, support and involvement in the University.”

Board members are nominated and voted on by current members. Their term will begin July 1, 2022 and they will serve a term of at least two years.

Pam Carswell (’78) holds a bachelor of science in education from GSW and had a successful career in elementary education as a teacher and later as an administrator in the Bibb County School System. She retired from education in 2012 and went on to serve as the president and CEO of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission. In 2018, Carswell was awarded GSW’s Aeolian Award based on her outstanding lifetime achievement as a distinguished alumni and community leader.

Luke Ellis (’08) earned his bachelor of business administration in marketing at GSW and served as president of Sigma Chi fraternity while at GSW. After previously working in the private sector, he has spent 11 years in higher education and returned to GSW in 2018. Ellis currently serves as the assistant director for the Office of Recruitment and Admissions and considers it an honor to recruit new students for Georgia Southwestern.

Marcus M. Johnson Jr. (’08) is an educator, writer, consultant, mentor to at-risk youth and dedicated member of his religious community. He holds an associate’s degree in English from Georgia State University Perimeter College, a bachelor of arts in English from GSW, and a master of arts in English from Clayton State University. Johnson has authored three books and currently serves as an English instructor at Central Georgia Technical College and is an active volunteer and mentor.

Tracy Law (’99) is co-owner of Accelerated Physical Therapy and a native of Americus. He received his associate’s degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 1991, his bachelor of science in exercise science from GSW in 1999, and his master of Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 2001. Law volunteers his time and talents in his community and his church. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of twin boys, Luke and Landon.

Jessica Reese (’19, ’21) is a financial advisor at Raymond James in Columbus. A native of Americus, Reese holds both a bachelor of business administration in management and a master of business administration from GSW. While in college, she served as tour coordinator and administrative assistant in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions and then as the assistant bookstore manager. Reese enjoys volunteering and community outreach. In her free time, she continues her education and studies for additional certifications as a financial advisor to deepen her ability to help her clients.

Hollie Scruggs-Walters (’99) obtained a bachelor of education in middle grades education from GSW where she served on the O-Team, as president of Gamma Beta Phi, as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and was crowned the 1998 homecoming queen. She is in her 19th year in education, having served in the classroom as a teacher and coach and now in school administration as an assistant principal at the Dooly County K-8 Academy in Pinehurst. Scruggs-Walters recently completed her doctoral studies from Liberty University with an educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She is married to Reginald Keith Walters, Sr. and together they have four children, Reggie Jr., Ryan, Eryn and Trey. She is active in her church and in her sorority.

“The Board of Directors has worked diligently to ensure this board reflects the makeup of our alumni, and the newest board members are no exception,” stated Angela Smith of the Office of Alumni Affairs. “I look forward to working with these dedicated volunteers to strengthen alumni engagement.”