Awards and Recognition - 91Âţ»­app Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:01:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Georgia Southern graduate student selected to represent University at USG system-wide competition /2026/04/02/georgia-southern-graduate-student-selected-to-represent-university-at-usg-system-wide-competition Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:53:03 +0000 /?p=67220 Civil engineering graduate student Elsie Lappin will represent Georgia Southern at USG system-wide Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

The post Georgia Southern graduate student selected to represent University at USG system-wide competition first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern graduate student selected to represent University at USG system-wide competition

Civil engineering graduate student Elsie Lappin will represent Georgia Southern at the state level in the inaugural University System of Georgia (USG) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Lappin was selected as the top candidate following the 2026 Eagle Fast Pitch event, a University-wide competition supported by 91Âţ»­app’s , Parker College of Business and student-led organization the Eagle Entrepreneurs.

“Georgia Southern plays a vital role in cultivating entrepreneurs by giving students the tools and confidence to turn ideas into action,” said Associate Vice President of Innovation Dominique Halaby, DPA. “From concept to execution, we’re preparing students not just for careers, but to lead, innovate and create meaningful impact.”

Group photo of Eagle Fast Pitch 2026 participants standing indoors in front of a presentation screen. Three central participants hold certificates while smiling, surrounded by fellow participants and organizers on either side. The slide behind them reads “Welcome to Eagle Fast Pitch!” with event details and logos. Elsie Lappin is in the center and is also the winner of the competition.
Elsie Lappin (center) takes home the win at Eagle Fast Pitch 2026

Lappin’s winning pitch, Echo Oracle, is a physics-informed AI tool for automated ultrasonic inspection and structural code-based pass/fail decisions.

“I chose this project because it addresses a critical challenge in infrastructure inspection by reducing subjectivity and improving efficiency in defect detection and evaluation,” Lappin said. “This work began during my undergraduate studies and has continued to develop through my graduate research in nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring.”

The pitch is a culmination of her passion for creating more reliable and accessible infrastructure assessment tools. She credits her mentor, Hossein Taheri, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering, and director of the Laboratory for Advanced Nondestructive Testing and In-situ Evaluation (LANDTIE), with guiding her through the process.

By going on to the system-level contest, she now has the chance to earn a trophy, professional mentorship and $25,000 in cash prizes. The USG Innovation Competition is a two-day event taking place on April 6-7 at Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus.

“I’m looking forward to presenting alongside such a diverse group of student innovators and seeing how different disciplines approach problem-solving,” said Lappin. “It’s a unique opportunity to refine how I communicate a highly technical idea to a broader audience and to gain feedback that can help push the project further.”

ABOUT BUSINESS INNOVATION GROUP
The Business Innovation Group (BIG) at 91Âţ»­app works to build an ecosystem throughout the State of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. BIG works to facilitate access to university resources, to create opportunities for student experiential learning, and to foster an environment that supports a growth mindset throughout the state.

As a unit of the Office of Research at Georgia Southern, BIG is committed to developing and deploying new technological platforms, innovative programs, quality services and educational events to help meet the needs of area businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to expand business operations and/or launch new business enterprises, products and services. For more information explore the Georgia Southern Business Innovation Group.

The post Georgia Southern graduate student selected to represent University at USG system-wide competition first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern clinic continues to improve access to speech therapy resources ahead of Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026 /2026/03/24/georgia-southern-clinic-continues-to-improve-access-to-speech-therapy-resources-ahead-of-parkinsons-awareness-month-2026 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:30:28 +0000 /?p=66607 Georgia Southern's RiteCare® Center improves access to vital community health resources through the PVP’s SPEAK OUT!® Therapy program.Ěý

The post Georgia Southern clinic continues to improve access to speech therapy resources ahead of Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026 first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern clinic continues to improve access to speech therapy resources ahead of Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an annual observance held in April designed to increase awareness and support for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease. 

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, it’s , and that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. It’s considered the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.

After receiving a grant totalling more than $280,000 in 2023 from (PVP), RiteCare® Center for Communication Disorders at 91Âţ»­app on the 91Âţ»­app Armstrong Campus has worked to improve access to vital community health resources through the PVP’s program. 

Georgia Southern was one of 16 universities chosen to receive a grant from the organization’s national funding opportunity, “Campaign to Reach America,” which awards higher education clinics for their compassion and commitment to serving their communities. The free program provides accessible, high-quality care through in-person and remote speech therapy, as well as encouragement and hope to patients in the community.

Tory Candea, Ph.D., SLP.D., director of clinical education in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Georgia Southern, understands the importance of providing these invaluable services to community members living with Parkinson’s. As a certified SPEAK OUT! provider and the primary clinician of the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy & Research Center located at RiteCare, Candea is a first-hand witness to the benefits of the program.Ěý

“One of the most rewarding parts of this work is watching participants rediscover their voice,” Candea explained, “When therapy is accessible and consistent, the progress people make can be truly remarkable.”ĚýĚý

Candea worked with Assistant Professor of Psychology Robert G. Franklin Jr. from Anderson University in South Carolina to conduct research evaluating leadership qualities in patients before and after participating in SPEAK OUT! Therapy. The work was then published in the .

“When people living with Parkinson’s strengthen their voice, they often strengthen their confidence as well,” Candea said. That ripple effect is one of the most powerful outcomes we see through SPEAK OUT! Therapy.” 

PVP’s commitment to provide grant funding to university-based clinics across the country exemplifies the organization’s dedication to providing speech therapy, encouragement and hope to individuals and families living with Parkinson’s. 

The post Georgia Southern clinic continues to improve access to speech therapy resources ahead of Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2026 first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern Honors student receives fellowship from New York Public Library /2026/03/23/georgia-southern-honors-student-receives-fellowship-from-new-york-public-library Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:41:24 +0000 /?p=66528 Ariana Taylor-Williams will spend her summer in New York City after earning a Schomburg-Mellon fellowship.

The post Georgia Southern Honors student receives fellowship from New York Public Library first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern Honors student receives fellowship from New York Public Library

Ariana Taylor examines a document. Boxes of archive material are laid on a table in front of her.

Georgia Southern junior Ariana Taylor-Williams will spend her summer in New York City after earning a Schomburg-Mellon fellowship. This prestigious opportunity will allow her to advance her undergraduate research on the Harlem Renaissance by giving her access to unique documents in the New York Public Library’s extensive archives.

“Being able to do research with primary sources is a big deal,” said Taylor-Williams. “This will be the highest level of research I have gotten to do and I’m really excited for the opportunity. It’s exactly what I need to be able to advance my thesis.”

The Schomburg-Mellon fellowship is given to 10 rising college seniors annually.

Taylor-Williams is an Honors College student double-majoring in history and English while working as an archivist in the Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections. She is the head delegate of the University’s Model United Nations team and the vice president of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society. Her research into the effects of Cumberland Island’s commercial development on the Gullah Geechee community earned her the history department’s Richard S. Beene Scholarship. Now she is preparing her Honors thesis: “Harlem’s Federal Writers: Transnationalists, Humanitarians, and Public Historians,” which examines how the work of African American authors in the 1930s contributed to the preservation of American history. 

Associate Professor of History Julie de Chantal, Ph.D., noted that Taylor-Williams took her work beyond expectations when teaming up with graduate students to produce an exhibit on American Independence.

“She operates at a level I have never seen before and she is tenacious like no other,” said de Chantal. “She has a profound ability to read text and subtext, so she finds patterns nobody else sees.”

Ariana sits at a table and listens to headphones while transcribing content onto a notepad

Taylor-Williams believes her success in so many fields comes from the supportive environment created by Georgia Southern faculty.

“Attending Georgia Southern is one of the best decisions I have made,” said Taylor-Williams. “I feel very lucky to have gotten these opportunities because not many students, especially in my field of archives, get to do this as an undergraduate student. All of the different extracurricular activities I have been able to hold leadership positions in, that’s not something you see at a lot of other universities.”

De Chantal notes that a common theme in Taylor-Williams’s studies is using her own success to help others grow.

“Not only does she excel in her own work, she helps others to accomplish their goals too,” said de Chantal. “With the Model U.N., she’s not only using the feedback that the faculty give her on her submissions, she shares the lessons that she learns with high school students whom she mentors. She does not just take knowledge in, she gives it back.”

As Taylor-Williams prepares for a busy summer filled with rare books and handwritten notes, she already has her sights set on her next educational challenge. 

“I plan to get my master’s in history and library science because I really want to pursue a career as an archivist,” said Taylor-Williams. “Once I started working in Special Collections at the library, I realized it combines both history and English, so that became my goal. I want to do hands-on work that will help preserve historical documents for future generations to make their own discoveries.”

The post Georgia Southern Honors student receives fellowship from New York Public Library first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern radiation therapy student selected for 2026 national leadership development programĚý /2026/03/04/georgia-southern-radiation-therapy-student-selected-for-2026-national-leadership-development-program Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:42:01 +0000 /?p=64990 Ariyana Braxton was chosen to participate in a competitive student to leadership development program.

The post Georgia Southern radiation therapy student selected for 2026 national leadership development programĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern radiation therapy student selected for 2026 national leadership development programĚý

Radiation therapy student Ariyana Braxton poses for a selfie in the sunlight with a warm smile

Ariyana Braxton, radiation therapy student at 91Âţ»­app’s Waters College of Health Professions and native of Savannah, has been selected to participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Student to Leadership Development Program. This competitive three-year initiative is designed to cultivate future leaders in medical imaging and radiation therapy. Braxton is one of three students representing the state of Georgia at the national level.

The Student to Leadership Development Program provides selected students with opportunities to attend educational sessions, engage in national conferences and build meaningful mentorship relationships with professionals in the field. The program is designed to strengthen students’ leadership abilities while expanding their professional networks.

“Being selected for this program is truly an honor,” Braxton said. “It’s an opportunity to grow beyond the classroom, connect with professionals across the country and develop the leadership skills that will shape my future as a radiation therapist.”

After discussing the opportunity with a classmate, Braxton felt inspired to apply to the program. She’s eager to gain greater insight into the field that she feels passionate about.

“Radiation therapy is a close-knit field, and building professional relationships is so important,” she said. “I’m excited to meet students from other programs, learn from experienced professionals and really put myself out there within the profession.”

Through the program, Braxton hopes to gain deeper insight into the day-to-day realities of working in radiation therapy while developing practical leadership skills she can carry forward

“I’m looking forward to learning what it takes to succeed in this field and gaining mentorship that will help guide me through the rest of my program and into my professional career,” she said. “The opportunity to participate in monthly mentorship meetings and attend the conference is something I’m especially excited about.”

Braxton credits the chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences Laurie Adams, Ed.D., lecturer and clinical coordinator Theaonica Roberts, and senior lecturer and clinical coordinator Kerry Dunn, Ed.D., for introducing her to the program and encouraging her to apply.

Her selection reflects both her initiative and the strength of Georgia Southern’s radiation therapy program in preparing students for national-level professional engagement and leadership.

The post Georgia Southern radiation therapy student selected for 2026 national leadership development programĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Eagle Battalion lands top 10 finish at regional competition, teams up with Georgia Southern exercise science experts /2026/02/25/eagle-battalion-lands-top-10-finish-at-regional-competition-teams-up-with-georgia-southern-exercise-science-experts Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:11:41 +0000 /?p=64322 ​Georgia Southern's Eagle Battalion earned a ninth-place finish this year at the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge.

The post Eagle Battalion lands top 10 finish at regional competition, teams up with Georgia Southern exercise science experts first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Eagle Battalion lands top 10 finish at regional competition, teams up with Georgia Southern exercise science experts

​

Georgia Southern's ROTC the Eagle Battalion poses for a group photo in camouflage fatigues. Eight people are standing and three are kneeling in front of the cadets standing.

91Âţ»­app’s ROTC program, the Eagle Battalion, earned a ninth-place finish this year at the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge, a regional military skills competition held at Fort Benning, Georgia after partnering with the University’s Exercise Science program to create a rigorous, individualized training regimen.Ěý

The Ranger Challenge took place Jan. 23-25 and featured ROTC programs from both junior and senior colleges across the Southeast and Puerto Rico, showcasing the mental and physical talents of highly skilled cadets. 

“Finishing ninth out of 43 teams in the 6th Brigade 2026 Ranger Challenge is a testament to the grit, discipline and resilience of our Georgia Southern Battalion,” said Georgia Southern Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Nick Bingham.

Against a field of 470 cadets and trekking more than 28 miles of rugged terrain in just 48 hours, the Eagle Battalion stands ready to pursue success and overcome every challenge with the support of Eagle Nation’s experts by their side.

Georgia Southern Eagle Battalion running together in camouflage fatigues with black paint smudged on their faces on a dirt trail in the woods

Bridget Melton, Ed.D., and graduate student Spencer Bolling of the Waters College of Health Professions’ Exercise Science program conducted comprehensive screenings and baseline testing for each cadet. This included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure bone mineral density, and physiological assessments to establish team performance profiles. From there, unique training programs were designed to improve each cadet’s skills, providing a streamlined approach to train each individual. 

“This team trained in the dark, pushed through injuries and fatigue, and showed up ready to fight for each other when it mattered most,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Hay, MS III instructor and Ranger Challenge coach. “Ranger Challenge exposes who you are under pressure, and these cadets proved they have the toughness and heart to compete with anyone in 6th Brigade.” 

Female soldier with ponytail holds gun pointing at target in camoflage fatigues wearing a camo cap with her ash-blonde hair in a low braided ponytail

Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, the progress of each cadet was tracked and analyzed, with deliberate adjustments implemented throughout the training process to improve recovery, reduce risk of injury and enhance overall performance leading up to the Ranger Challenge.

“This competition demanded excellence under extreme physical and mental stress. Our team proved they belong among the best in the brigade,” Bingham said. “The Eagle Battalion didn’t just compete; they set the standard and built a foundation for even greater success.”

“This finish isn’t the ceiling, it’s the baseline,” Hay said.

Events in the 2026 Ranger Challenge included:Ěý

Day One Events:

M17 Marksmanship Range
Day one opened with pistol marksmanship, where each cadet was individually graded on accuracy and the number of targets hit with the M17, emphasizing fundamentals under pressure.

Weapons Assembly / Disassembly
Cadets demonstrated technical proficiency by assembling and disassembling infantry squad weapons under challenging conditions. This included blindfolded M4 assembly and identifying and correctly assembling mixed components of the M240B and M249, testing muscle memory and attention to detail.

Georgia Southern Eagle Battalion ROTC male cadet climbs a rope in camoflage fatigues looking up at the sky with a forest behind him

Communications (COMMO) Lane
Teams were evaluated on their ability to accurately transmit and receive information using military communications equipment, with an emphasis on proper radio procedures and clear, concise military language.

Malvesti Obstacle Course
A physically demanding obstacle course designed to test agility, endurance and teamwork as cadets maneuvered through a series of strength and coordination-based challenges.

Hand Grenade Assault Course
Cadets executed three different grenade throws from varying distances and positions, engaging targets while demonstrating proper technique, accuracy and tactical awareness.

Zodiac Lane
A mentally and physically demanding event requiring teams to maneuver a Zodiac raft through an obstacle course while simultaneously solving complex tasks, emphasizing teamwork, communication and adaptability under stress.

Functional Fitness Lane
Teams competed in a series of ACFT-style functional fitness events, aiming to complete the maximum number of repetitions within a 20-minute time limit, testing strength, endurance and team synchronization.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Lane
Cadets were required to rapidly assess and treat simulated casualties while moving through obstacles. Teams were evaluated on speed, correctness of care and the ability to operate effectively under realistic combat conditions.

Movement Between Lanes
Each event was linked by foot movement, requiring teams to conduct ruck marches between stations. Cadets covered over six miles throughout the day, compounding physical fatigue and testing endurance.

Night Land Navigation
Following the final daytime lane, teams transitioned directly to land navigation. This event included both a practical night land navigation course and a written exam, extending into the early hours of day two and demanding precision despite exhaustion

Eagle Battalion cadet in camouflage fatigues performs a medical procedure on a mannequin also dressed in camo fatigues. The cadet is wearing a helmet and hovering over the dummy.

Day Two Events: 

Eight-Mile Ruck March to Simulation Center
After a short rest period, teams conducted an eight-mile ruck march to the simulation center, reinforcing endurance and mental toughness before the final set of graded events.

Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) & Call for Fire Simulation
Cadets demonstrated tactical proficiency through simulated weapons engagement and call-for-fire scenarios, testing decision-making, communication and understanding of indirect fire procedures.

Titan Challenge (Final Event)
The competition concluded with the Titan Challenge — a culminating event combining intense physical demands with complex mental tasks. Teams were required to work collectively to overcome obstacles and problem-solve under extreme fatigue, pushing through to the finish line and officially closing the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge.

The post Eagle Battalion lands top 10 finish at regional competition, teams up with Georgia Southern exercise science experts first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern geography professor Amy Potter elected president of geography association, receives award for research excellence /2026/02/25/georgia-southern-geography-professor-amy-potter-elected-president-of-geography-association-receives-award-for-research-excellence Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:58:20 +0000 /?p=64327 Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been elected president of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers (SEDAAG).Ěý

The post Georgia Southern geography professor Amy Potter elected president of geography association, receives award for research excellence first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern geography professor Amy Potter elected president of geography association, receives award for research excellence

Amy Potter wearing glasses and a purple sweater

91Âţ»­app Professor of Geography Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been elected president of the (SEDAAG). 

“In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as treasurer of SEDAAG, vice president, honors chair and Georgia’s state representative,” Potter explained. “It has served me well in terms of my career as an academic. I really look forward to the challenge of beginning this new position with the organization.”

Along with her new role in SEDAAG, Potter was also honored with the Excellence in Research Award for her work documenting historic communities throughout coastal Georgia. Her research has provided valuable insight into overlooked regional geographies. The award is presented annually to outstanding professionals in the field of geography. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” said Potter. “I was actually nominated by my colleague Derek Alderman, Ph.D., who’s at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I consider him to be the premier cultural geographer in our field. Derek is also an alumnus of Georgia Southern, so it’s fantastic to see our alumni thriving in our field.” 

She notes the University has a close connection with the organization as students get real world experience through many of its programs.   

“Georgia Southern students have quite a legacy at SEDAAG,” Potter said. “Our students have won the Geography Bowl twice and have received numerous awards recognizing the quality of their research. Each year, we bring both graduate and undergraduate students to the conference, where they engage with peers from other programs as well as with academics and professionals in the field. They have also gained valuable networking opportunities that have led to research collaborations.” 

Ultimately, Potter hopes her newly elected position will allow her to continue supporting students who are interested in studying and pursuing a career in geography. Focusing on opportunities for her students is the most important part of her job as an educator, she said.

“Georgia Southern is a special place, it really is,” said Potter. “The students are truly the best, and I love teaching them. I genuinely feel energized being surrounded by such brilliant minds.” 

The post Georgia Southern geography professor Amy Potter elected president of geography association, receives award for research excellence first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern’s Associate VP Ken Gassiot earns national student affairs award /2026/02/24/georgia-southerns-associate-vp-ken-gassiot-earns-national-student-affairs-award Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:34:15 +0000 /?p=64035 The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has selected a 91Âţ»­app leader for national honors. Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, is the recipient of the 2026 NASPA AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award, recognizing his leadership and service within the student affairs profession.

The post Georgia Southern’s Associate VP Ken Gassiot earns national student affairs award first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern’s Associate VP Ken Gassiot earns national student affairs award

Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, is the recipient of the 2026 NASPA AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award, recognizing his leadership and service within the student affairs profession.Ěý
Ken Gassiot, Ph.D. at a conference in Washington, D.C. Gassiot was recently awarded the 2026 NASPA AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has selected a 91Âţ»­app leader for national honors. Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, is the recipient of the , recognizing his leadership and service within the student affairs profession. 

Gassiot was selected for this same award at the regional level in June 2025 by NASPA Region III at their conference in Savannah. NAPSA Region III is the largest region in NASPA and stretches from Texas to North Carolina.

Gassiot will be honored for his work, which demonstrates an outstanding commitment to student success, the development of impactful programs, the creation of campus environments that promote student learning and development, and active engagement in NASPA. He will be recognized at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in March in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Being selected for this national award by peers and other leaders around the country is truly humbling,” said Gassiot. “Serving at Georgia Southern along with the service opportunities gained through NASPA have been, without a doubt, the most fulfilling time during my career in higher education. I hope this award brings added spotlight to the incredible work happening at Georgia Southern, where our heartbeat is to create an unparalleled student experience. I’m thankful to be in a position and on teams that help shape that.”

The University has won several awards and national recognition from NASPA in recent years, and has earned a reputation for its use of analytics and assessment to improve all aspects of campus life for students. 

Gassiot said that legacy is built on a culture of student programming, engagement and support. 

“Full credit to the people and leadership across all of our campuses that embrace collaboration and are fully dialed in to meet the unique student and campus needs that change over time,” he said. “It’s that culture that maximizes student involvement, care and belonging.”

Gassiot’s involvement in NASPA includes serving as the 2025–27 chair of the NASPA AVP Steering Committee and co-chair of the 2026 NASPA AVP Symposium, in addition to extensive prior service across NASPA leadership, faculty roles and planning committees.

The post Georgia Southern’s Associate VP Ken Gassiot earns national student affairs award first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Band director, Georgia Southern alumna joins esteemed music educators in 2026 Rose ParadeĚý /2026/02/18/band-director-georgia-southern-alumna-joins-esteemed-music-educators-in-2026-rose-parade Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:36:22 +0000 /?p=63781 Joy Harden ('98) was among a group of almost 400 band directors who gathered from across the country as well as Canada, Mexico and Panama to perform in unison for this year’s “Banding Together” float in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.Ěý

The post Band director, Georgia Southern alumna joins esteemed music educators in 2026 Rose ParadeĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Band director, Georgia Southern alumna joins esteemed music educators in 2026 Rose ParadeĚý

“The banging, the blasting, the buzzing and beating – that’s our comfort zone,” Joy Harden (’98) proudly said, surrounded by the symphony of sounds generated by band students at Keys Gate Charter School in Homestead, Fla., about an hour south of Miami. Typically, the band room is where Harden spends most of her time surrounded by the noise of young musicians. 

However, the first of the year brought a new sound, one that was uniquely unfamiliar to the experienced band director, but welcoming just the same. 

Harden was among a group of almost 400 band directors who gathered from across the country as well as Canada, Mexico and Panama to perform in unison for this year’s “Banding Together” float in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. 

“The route was over five miles long, but the energy of the group kept us motivated even through the rain,” Harden said, recalling the downpour that could have dampened the experience. “We were all proud to be there. Nothing could stop us from playing together.” 

The Band Directors Marching Band Rose Parade 2026

Each year, the group of veteran educators is among the crowd favorites of the parade.  

“It felt like band camp, or honor band – it was like turning into band kids again, because in our hearts, we all are; we all grew up in band. Our group of people had never been together in one place prior to meeting for our first rehearsal on Dec. 28,” Harden explained. “But, the experience was incredible. We created a great sound in a short amount of time.” 

The parade itself wasn’t the only highlight of the adventure, however. 

“Almost every day after our initial meeting was a combination of rehearsals and community performances. We performed at Float Fest and Band Fest and had a ton of rehearsal time together as an ensemble. In less than a week, we were already one unified sound,” said Harden. 

This year’s parade theme centered around “The Magic of Teamwork.” But Harden said working together goes beyond performing with other talented music educators — it’s a life skill that marching band works to instill in the hearts of students everywhere. 

“It was great to be able to share ideas and concepts with other band directors. We love to share with each other. We started a group chat, and many of us are still talking a month later and sharing our worlds with each other,” Harden said as she reflected on the experience. 

Teamwork and togetherness is something that she hopes to not only embody, but to inspire in the students she teaches and mentors throughout her career.Ěý

Ěý

She said, “It’s scary being in a position where you know you have a lot of influence on young lives, but Georgia Southern really prepared me for this role and I love what I do.” 

Georgia Southern alumna Joy Harden wears a red jacket posing in front of the Rose Parade's banding together float of 2026

Harden grew up in a family of musicians and knew from a young age that she would pursue music education. After picking up a love for the flute in the fifth grade, she would switch to the piccolo later on

Before graduating from Georgia Southern’s school of music in 1998, she was part of the Southern Pride Marching Band. Unlike the rest of her family who pursued music in more concert-type and choral settings, Harden found a unique sense of community and energy from marching band that acted as a catalyst for her life-long career. 

“I did pursue a double major in woodwind ensemble and vocal arts. Dr. Matt Fallon was the leader of Southern Pride, and Dr. Daniel Pittman was the joyful, but powerful leader of the wind ensemble at the time,” she reflected. “They were amazing to work under. The faculty of Georgia Southern, along with my high school marching band directors, gave me challenging ensemble literature. That inspired me as a musician, but also shaped who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It also influenced what I wanted to share with other students.”

Although Harden had several schools to choose from with her extensive background in instrumental and vocal performance, she said that Georgia Southern’s program stood out as a clear choice for those seeking a high-quality, robust music program. 

As a native of south Georgia, the University held a fantastic reputation among aspiring music educators. 

“I graduated from Tift County High School, home of the Blue Devils, and Georgia Southern stood out to me as a great opportunity to expand my education,” Harden added. “I was very blessed to have incredible instructors, and because of them I was able to do what I love today.” 

Serving as a band director comes with a host of challenges and responsibilities. Despite her sometimes busy and chaotic schedule, Harden finds satisfaction in playing a leading role in the lives of her students. 

Southern Pride flute section students pose together in white, gold and blue marching band uniforms with their white feather plumed hats lined up in front of them on the football field.
Southern Pride Marching Band (’97)

“Band directors often have students for an extended period of time,” Harden explained. “We often teach outside of school hours, participating in a variety of extracurricular activities involving our band. But, they are my people. Being surrounded by my people brings me a lot of happiness. Between competitions, festivals and community events, I spend a lot of time with my students – and that’s just band!” 

Harden looks forward to the future of current and aspiring instructors earning their education through the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music. She prides herself on earning her bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southern and hopes other potential music educators also choose the program and accept a career in enriching lives through music. 

With the sound of her percussion students filling the silence in her classroom, Harden said, “Georgia Southern’s strong foundation and history as a teaching school and vigorous musical program was exactly what I was looking for as a student and what I needed as an educator. I am proud to be an Eagle.” 

The post Band director, Georgia Southern alumna joins esteemed music educators in 2026 Rose ParadeĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern rises in top 100 in Best Online Programs report by U.S. News & World ReportĚý /2026/01/27/georgia-southern-rises-in-top-100-in-best-online-programs-report-by-u-s-news-world-report Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:02:29 +0000 /?p=62406 Six of 91Âţ»­app’s online programs were ranked in the top 100 in 2026's Best Online Programs rankings report by U.S. News & World Report

The post Georgia Southern rises in top 100 in Best Online Programs report by U.S. News & World ReportĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>

Georgia Southern rises in top 100 in Best Online Programs report by U.S. News & World ReportĚý

Six of 91Âţ»­app’s online programs were ranked in the top 100 in , which focuses on midcareer distance learners. 

Georgia Southern’s online master’s in education programs rose in the rankings again this year by more than 20 spots, landing at no. 64 on the best online graduate education programs list.  

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best online education programs underscores the strength of our online master’s programs and the commitment of our faculty and staff to delivering an exceptional educational experience,” said Amy Lingo, Ed.D., dean of the 91Âţ»­app College of Education. “Our continued climb in the rankings—including a 21-point increase in this year alone—confirms our success in making high-quality education accessible to hundreds of educators and preparing them to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.”

The online criminal justice and criminology graduate degree program remains in the top 30 of schools at no. 28 again this year. 

In the “Grad Business” category, which encompasses a variety of non-MBA master’s degrees in fields such as business analytics, accounting and supply chain management, Georgia Southern ranked no. 89 (tie).

Georgia Southern was recognized for its online MBA and Best Online MBA for Veterans program, both of which ranked higher on the list than the previous year. The online MBA program rose to no. 93 (tie) in the nation while the Veterans MBA program edged up to no. 56 (tie). 

“Our rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a clear indicator of the Parker College’s dedication to academic excellence and student success,” said Nivine Richie, Ph.D., CFA, dean of the Parker College of Business. “By climbing in the Grad Business as well as the MBA and Veterans-MBA categories, we are demonstrating that our programs provide a high-value, flexible education that meets the demands of today’s competitive market. We remain focused on providing our students with the specialized skills necessary to lead in a global economy.”

Additionally, the University was recognized for its online Master’s in Information Technology program, which ranked at no. 80 this year on the publication’s list of best online master’s in formation technology programs.

The post Georgia Southern rises in top 100 in Best Online Programs report by U.S. News & World ReportĚý first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>
Georgia Southern dominates in recent Greek Life recognition /2025/12/08/georgia-southern-dominates-in-recent-greek-life-recognition Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:31:23 +0000 /?p=59077

Georgia Southern dominates in recent Greek Life recognition

91Âţ»­app recently earned a series of national awards for its work with Eagle fraternities and sororities.
Georgia Southern’s Theta Kappa chapter of the Sigma Nu Fraternity receives an award. Several Georgia Southern fraternities and sororities received national recognition this past year.

91Âţ»­app recently earned a series of national awards for its work with Eagle fraternities and sororities.

The University collected honors in seven categories from the (NPC), including the Academic Innovation Award, Innovation in Access, Belonging and Community Impact Award, Innovation in Leadership Award, Innovation in Recruitment Award, Innovation in Marketing Award, Innovation in Operations Award and the Excellence Award. Each category recognized between 11 and 29 institutions nationwide.

Georgia Southern’s Panhellenic Association qualified for and earned the Excellence Award, one of only 11 Panhellenic councils across the country to do social, because it received honors in all seven categories

Georgia Southern's Epsilon Pi of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority receives an award.
Georgia Southern’s Epsilon Pi of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority receives an award.

Francisco M. Lugo, Ed.D., director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said these awards are a point of pride for the Greek life community at Georgia Southern, highlighting the commitment to leadership, scholarship, inclusivity and innovation on campus.

“What really sets Georgia Southern’s fraternity and sorority community apart is our genuine commitment to growth and connection,” he said. “We’re always striving to be better, whether that’s through service, leadership or supporting one another. Our strong alumni network and supportive administration play a big role in that too, by continuing to mentor, guide and invest in our chapters and members long after graduation.”

Georgia Southern’s Panhellenic president Jaylee Kilgo received the Alpha Phi/Betty Mullins Jones Scholarship, awarded to a Panhellenic leader who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the sorority experience.

Additionally, these Georgia Southern fraternities and sororities were recognized for the following awards:

Alpha Delta Pi

  • Diamond Four Point AwardĚýĚý

Alpha Tau Omega

  • Recruitment Excellence

Kappa Delta

  • Recruitment Excellence Award

Phi Mu

  • Top Contributing Collegiate Chapter of the Year (2024-2025)
  • Philomathean Society Award Society Recipient (2022-2024)
  • Phi Mu Foundation Scholarship Recipients (2025-2026): Lucy Park and Shelby Sorrells
  • Phi Mu Chapter Consultant Program Recipient (2025-2026): Skylar PattersonĚý

Sigma Nu

  • Rock Chapter Award

Zeta Tau Alpha

  • Crown Chapter Award 2025
  • Quota/Total Award
  • Highly Commendable Academic Achievement AwardĚý

The NPC is the umbrella organization for 26 national and international women’s sororities representing over four million members worldwide. The NPC provides support, resources and recognition for Panhellenic communities across the country, making these awards a distinguished honor.

The post Georgia Southern dominates in recent Greek Life recognition first appeared on 91Âţ»­app.

]]>