Message from the Provost
Embracing Flexibility and Agility
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As I reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken at Georgia Southern University, I am profoundly inspired by the exceptional adaptability and innovation demonstrated by both our faculty and staff in Academic Affairs. In an ever-evolving landscape of higher education, it is your collective ability to embrace change and drive progress that has been a beacon of resilience and success.
The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges, from navigating the rapid shift to online learning to addressing new needs in research and student engagement. Yet, through it all, our team has not only adjusted but excelled, setting a powerful example of collaboration and forward-thinking.
Adaptability is more than just a trait; it’s a mindset. It’s about viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate and reimagine our approaches. Our faculty and staff have embraced this mindset with enthusiasm and creativity. Whether it’s developing new administrative processes, integrating advanced technologies into our operations, or working together across departments to support our academic mission, your ability to evolve has been nothing short of extraordinary.
One of the most inspiring aspects of our collective response is our unwavering commitment to student success. Faculty and staff alike have tailored their efforts to meet diverse needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Your dedication extends beyond the confines of your roles, with many of you engaging in cross-functional support, community outreach, and initiatives that address real-world problems.
I am particularly proud of the collaborative spirit that has flourished within our Academic Affairs team. The synergy between faculty and staff has broken down silos and fostered a culture of teamwork that enhances both our academic programs and the university community as a whole.
As we look to the future, I am confident that our combined ability to adapt and innovate will continue to drive our success. The willingness of both faculty and staff to embrace new challenges and support one another is what sets Georgia Southern apart. We are not merely adjusting to the future; we are actively shaping it together.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each member of our Academic Affairs team. Your flexibility, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence are what make Georgia Southern University a beacon of innovation and leadership in higher education. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Thank you for all that you do.
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Meet Destiny Williams:
SGA’s Voice for Academic Affairs
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As vice president of academic affairs for Georgia Southern University’s Student Government Association (SGA), Destiny Williams has made it her mission to amplify student voices and foster collaboration between faculty and students. Whether guiding first-year students through their academic journey or shaping future leaders through the Freshman Council, Williams’ leadership is paving the way for lasting change. | |  |
Bridging Policy and Practice: Advocating for Special Education at the Capitol | Georgia Southern University faculty members Caitlin Criss, Ph.D. and Karin Fisher, Ph.D., recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS). As passionate advocates for students with disabilities, they joined a nationwide effort to bring awareness to critical issues impacting special education. Both educators bring unique perspectives and experiences, which they shared during their discussions with U.S. senators, representatives, and legislative staff. | | |
Introducing Ready Day 1 Connect: Georgia Southern University’s New QEP for Career Readiness | |
We’re excited to begin providing regular updates about the QEP. Georgia Southern University is currently in the process of our reaffirmation of accreditation through SACSCOC. An integral component of the reaffirmation process is the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which will focus on an issue the institution considers important to improving student learning outcomes and/or student success.
The new Georgia Southern University QEP, Ready Day 1 Connect, is designed to enhance the post-graduation career outcomes for our graduates by creating intentional links between what students learn in their degree programs and the competencies that will make them successful professionals. While employers currently value the current “readiness” of Georgia Southern graduates and the impact that they make in the workplace, internal and external surveys have revealed gaps in workplace expectations. In response, campus-wide task forces and committees helped define and create Ready Day 1 Connect.
Ready Day 1 Connect aims to address these career readiness gaps by targeting student learning outcomes in the following areas:written and oral communication skills, critical thinking skills, and professionalism.
Beginning this year, also called “Year 0,” the implementation of the QEP will focus on two academic colleges – the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS). We are grateful for the partnership of those colleges and the faculty involved in implementing this plan. Be on the lookout for updates over the next several months or learn more on our Ready Day 1 Connect homepage.
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Norman Fries Distinguished Lecture Series presents Don J. Waters |
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Georgia Southern University’s Waters College of Health Professions will host the Norman Fries Distinguished Lecture Series with keynote speaker Don J. Waters on Oct. 30, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. The lecture, titled “A Native Son’s Vision for Southeast Georgia,” will be held at the Statesboro Campus Performing Arts Center.
Waters is the CEO of Waters Capital Partners, LLC, and the former chairman, president and CEO of Brasseler USA, Inc., a global leader in dental and medical instrumentation. He has been a prominent figure in Georgia’s business and health care sectors, serving on the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, including a term as chairman. Waters is also a member of the Chatham County Hospital Authority and the Augusta University Health System boards.
Recognized for his contributions to business and public service, Waters has received several accolades, including induction into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Savannah Branch of the NAACP and the Distinguished Service Scroll Award from the University of Georgia School of Law, his alma mater.
Waters will share his insights on the development and future opportunities for Southeast Georgia, making this event a must-attend for those invested in the region's progress. The event is free and open to the public.
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The CPE Administrative Professionals Conference: Empowering Excellence is a regional event dedicated to supporting and empowering administrative professionals in their pivotal organizational roles. This conference aims to provide attendees with the creative power and professional resources needed to excel in their careers and drive positive change in the workplace. | | |
The Community Engaged Research Conference, presented by MCG Savannah in partnership with Georgia Southern University, will be held on November 20th, 2024, at the Armstrong Campus' Savannah Ballroom. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., participants will engage with community leaders and researchers, discussing critical health topics impacting Coastal Georgia. Tracks are available for medical and pre-med students, faculty, staff, and community leaders. The deadline for submitting research is October 15, with opportunities for oral presentations, posters, panel discussions, and work-in-progress submissions. For any information please contact Dr. Shainaz Landge. | | |
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Office of Adult and Online Learning Update: New Micro-Credential Pathways and Credit for Prior Learning Opportunities
The Office of Adult and Online Learning at Georgia Southern University is excited to announce two new initiatives designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their education and improve their marketability in today’s competitive job landscape.
New Micro-Credential Pathways
In collaboration with the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern has developed three new micro-credential pathways. These pathways are designed to equip students with specialized skills that can be showcased on professional platforms such as LinkedIn through a micro-credential badge. These programs provide students with the ability to enhance their education while gaining practical skills applicable to their future careers.
The three micro-credential pathways include:
- Leadership in Public Health, which requires courses in leadership, public health systems, and healthcare advocacy, as well as a service learning project.
- Public Health and Safety, focusing on victimology, public health fundamentals, and substance use recovery.
- Data Analysis, where students will take courses in research methods, statistical software, and epidemiology.
To sign up for a micro-credential pathway, students can complete the form here. For more information, please contact the Office of Adult and Online Learning at GSAdultOnline@GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
New Credit for Prior Learning Opportunities for Incoming High School Students
Additionally, the School of Human Ecology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is offering Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities for incoming high school students who have completed specific pathways set by the Georgia Department of Education. These pathways allow students to receive credit at Georgia Southern for their prior experiences.
For example, students who have completed pathways in Hospitality Recreation and Tourism or Sports and Entertainment Marketing can receive credit for courses in recreation topics. Students who have studied Early Childhood Care and Education, Fashion Merchandising, or Human Services related to interiors, fashion, and textiles can receive credit in child development, fashion fundamentals, or design appreciation.
High school students interested in receiving credit for their prior learning experiences should contact the Office of Adult and Online Learning at GSAdultOnline@GeorgiaSouthern.edu to explore their options.
We look forward to seeing students take advantage of these new offerings to enhance their educational experience at Georgia Southern!
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| Georgia Southern University | P.O. Box 8022 | Statesboro, GA 30460 US |
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