Charles Doswell, III, 2023 Outstanding Scholar, among GSW graduates

AMERICUS (May 19, 2023) — Charles Doswell, III, a special education graduate from Blakely, Ga., was recently named Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) 2023 Outstanding Scholar, the University’s highest academic honor.

Doswell graduated with a 4.0 GPA, which put him among the top of his class. The Outstanding Scholars, recognized by the University System of Georgia (USG), represent the system’s highest scholastic ideals and are selected by each individual institution. These students have a high GPA, strive for excellence and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise.

"This is a very big honor for me to be named GSW’s 2023 Outstanding Scholar," said Doswell. "It still doesn’t feel real. I chose Georgia Southwestern because of the education program being one of the best in the state. So many teachers have helped me and made an impact on my college journey. I learned the importance of routine and making sure I can do the work in a reasonable time."

The summa cum laude graduate credits a high school resource teacher who Doswell says always looked out for him, helped him grow as a person and was instrumental in his choosing special education as a major.

At GSW, Doswell participated in the History Club and Anime Club. He completed his student teaching at Schley County Middle/High School.

"I am incredibly proud of Charles," stated Michele McKie, assistant professor of Education and Doswell’s advisor. "I have known Charles since he enrolled at GSW and have seen exceptional growth. He desires to learn and reflect on his studies. During student teaching this semester, he worked to ensure he provided his high school students with disabilities an appropriate education. I am proud of his accomplishments and look forward to watching him grow as an educator."

As recipient of this award, Doswell and the other USG top students were recognized at a special celebration on Academic Recognition Day by USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in Atlanta. He also received a signed resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives and Chancellor Perdue.

Doswell is returning to his roots in Blakely to teach at his alma mater, Early County High School.