Georgia native William (Xander) Russell chose 91Âț»­app for two reasons: scholarship and friendship.

Russell, a first-generation student, was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Honors College, allowing him to pursue his dream of one day entering the medical field without the stress of debt. Knowing he’d have a built-in community through his two best friends, who had also committed to Georgia Southern, made the decision even easier.

“It was the perfect storm in deciding where I should go,” Russell said. “Having the full cost of my tuition covered was a major deciding factor. During my time in the Honors College, faculty mentors, student organizations and campus programs helped create an environment where I felt challenged, supported and encouraged to grow into the person I am today.”

In his sophomore year, Russell became an inaugural Goel Scholar through the Honors College. His on-campus support network was an integral part of his success as a student and this scholarship provided an opportunity to become a leader for other students.

“My experience at Southern was shaped by an incredible support system of mentors, faculty, staff, peers and friends,” Russell said. “I had moments where I doubted whether I truly belonged in certain academic or professional spaces. However, these challenges ultimately became some of the most transformative parts of my experience because they taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of seeking mentorship and community support. Becoming a part of this cohort truly bridged my relationships, allowing me to be both a mentee and mentor, passing on knowledge about university life to others.”

A key supporter for Russell was his honors research mentor , assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics.

“Dr. PĂ©rez invested in my growth as both a researcher and student from very early on, allowing me to develop my thesis, present research at conferences, and grow tremendously as a scientist,” Russell said. “Presenting my research at conferences showed me that the work I had spent years developing could contribute to larger scientific conversations and collaborations.”

While research was a core focus of his academic experience, Russell didn’t limit himself to the lab or the classroom.

“Coming into college as a first-generation student, I knew I wanted to fully take advantage of every opportunity available to me because I did not always know what pathways or experiences existed unless I actively sought them out,” Russell said. “Getting involved helped me build confidence, friendships, mentorships and a sense of belonging very early on in my college career.”

From serving as development chair for the to founding , completing the Sustainable Leadership Certificate, earning $75,000 in grants for Sustain Southern, and more, Russell was determined to experience every opportunity for growth that Georgia Southern had to offer.

“Research taught me persistence and analytical thinking, sustainability work taught me advocacy and systems thinking, and student organizations taught me how to collaborate and support others effectively,” Russell said. “I learned how interconnected different disciplines and communities can be. More than anything, involvement transformed Georgia Southern from simply being the university I attended into a community that genuinely felt like home.”

Having now graduated with his bachelor’s in biochemistry and a minor in social science and medicine, Russell will continue working toward advanced medical degrees with the goal of becoming a physician-scientist.

“At Georgia Southern, I learned how to believe in my own potential,” Russell said. “I aim to continue contributing to research that improves patient outcomes while also practicing medicine in a way that emphasizes empathy, accessibility and advocacy for underserved communities. Ultimately, I want my career to combine scientific innovation with patient-centered health care so that I can contribute both in the laboratory and directly within clinical settings.”

He encourages future 91Âț»­app to make the most of their time at Georgia Southern, too.

“Don’t be afraid to take up space and pursue opportunities even if you initially feel underqualified or intimidated,” Russell said. “College moves much faster than people realize, so allowing yourself to explore different interests and take chances is incredibly important. As a first-generation student, I came into college uncertain about where I would fit, but I am leaving with lifelong mentors, friendships, leadership experiences, research accomplishments and confidence in my future goals.”

What do the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center, and Parker College of Business all have in common? Spring 2026 graduate Kirsten Smith. 

As a young girl growing up in Loganville, Georgia, just south of the Gwinnett County line, Smith was introduced to horse riding by a family member. 

“Being an animal lover for as long as I could remember, I have wonderful memories of riding horses. It got me out of my comfort zone, it allowed me to discover a new side of myself,” she recalled.

Smith said that being an athlete wasn’t always something she considered doable. Struggling with hand-eye coordination, she felt as though there were too many barriers to participating in team sports. 

Even when the opportunity to participate in a collegiate Equestrian team arose, those years of self-doubt almost proved too strong. 

“When I came to Georgia Southern, I wasn’t sure that I was capable of balancing classes and extracurricular activities,” Smith said. “I missed the deadline to try out for the Equestrian Team, but my mom encouraged me to reach out to the coaches anyway.”

That single decision would shape the next four years of her undergraduate experience. 

“I was welcomed onto the team freshman year despite the late start. Being on the team helped me find most of my friends here. I even met my roommate through the Equestrian Team. A lot of the members chose Georgia Southern because of the incredible opportunity to be part of this sport,” Smith followed. 

Founded in 1993, the Equestrian Team, a club sport at Georgia Southern, allows riders to compete throughout their college career, regardless of riding level. The team moved to Evermore Farm in Brooklet, Georgia in 1998. Students compete through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) equestrian program which allows riders to participate in the sport without the higher cost of horse ownership. 

“Eleanor Ellis, the owner and head trainer of Evermore Farm, has multiple programs taking place on the property. Today, there are opportunities for riders as young as elementary school age to learn the importance of caring, showing and bonding with horses,” Smith explained. 

Evermore Farm isn’t only the home base for the University’s Equestrian Team. It’s a place that values both horsemanship and mentorship for all ages. 

Smith said, “Because it’s not unusual for Georgia Southern students to be on the premises at the same time as younger riders, we act as a kind of mentor, showing children how passionate and committed Georgia Southern’s Equestrian Team can be.”

According to Smith, horses provide a unique experience for every rider, often capable of detecting the slightest changes in emotions and behavior, while also providing a nonjudgmental and nurturing experience for each equestrian. 

“We like to call them big dogs. They have big personalities, but are also all special in their own way. Horses help you become a better rider and a better person,” she explained. 

As a double major in business administration and accounting, Smith understands that planning, preparation and passion go hand in hand. Along with succeeding in the classroom and athletically, during her time on campus, she also supported the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education as a student assistant under the direction of Executive Director Steve Hein.

“I love working for Steve; he’s a fantastic director. The Wildlife Center has great volunteer opportunities for people older than 18, and it’s a great way to learn more about local wildlife while learning how to be a good steward of the environment,” Smith said.  

Though her future will likely involve animal caretaking in some capacity, Smith isn’t finished with Eagle Nation just yet. 

“I am looking forward to taking on a master’s in accounting through Georgia Southern’s online program and plan on building my career alongside my supportive mom, who has had a long career in office and accounting management, and inspired me to pursue a similar path,” she added. 

Savannah resident Olivia Ortiz graduated with her Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences from 91Âț»­app this May. As she walked across the stage, she carried with her the memories of the day her journey to a college degree began: when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

“My sister and I went to school, same as any other day,” she said. “When we got home, my parents sat us on the couch. I went numb, silent. There was nothing I could say.” 

The next two years flew by at an excruciatingly slow pace. Ortiz spent days of her senior year of high school by her mother’s side during chemotherapy treatments. 

“She was actually allergic to the treatment,” she explained. “So what would have been a two-hour treatment turned into a six-hour treatment, because it had to be dripped so slowly.” 

Her family became caregivers overnight. Ortiz jokes that her father worked the day shift, while she clocked in at night.

“There would be days when we wouldn’t see each other,” she said. “There was this uncertainty of what was going to happen and how this would all play out.”

But as she walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma, her mother was cheering her on from the crowd. Ortiz says the energy her mother brought was crucial when she started college. 

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she said. “Health care has always interested me, and I knew I wanted to explore that.”

Despite the pain of her mother’s journey, it gave her the chance to see how a medical team functions when a patient is diagnosed with cancer. 

“It was really important to have that perspective,” she explained. “The way the radiation therapist, the mammographer, the doctor, the radiologist worked to provide care
 When I saw that, I knew exactly where I wanted to be.”

Ortiz joined the radiologic sciences program to study diagnostic imaging, specifically mammography, diving headfirst into a new set of challenges. 

“It’s a lot of time to commit,” she said. “I’m in clinic for 40-plus hours a week, and that’s without studying or preparing to sit for board exams.”

But her support system grew as she progressed through the program. 

“You have to find your people that you want to study with,” Ortiz explained. “You have to find the ones that will ride it out with you, because things become really stressful, really fast.” 

She chipped away at the work day by day, and soon, her patience and determination were rewarded. She wrapped her studies and began to prepare for her board certification exam. Her mother, who has been in remission for several years, was with her every step of the way.  

“She was checking in with me daily,” she said. “When I would go to school, when I got home, it was ‘how was school? How are you feeling today?'” 

Ortiz has since accepted a position as a mammographer at the Telfair Cancer Pavilion at Candler Hospital in Savannah. As this chapter of her dream comes to a close, a new one begins.

“My mother’s experience with cancer showed me that experiences like these are about more than treatment,” Ortiz explained. “I can tell when patients are nervous or scared. I want them to know they’re safe with me and that I’m going to take care of them. Just like I did with my mother.”

Lily Pavliscsak did not wait to have a diploma in hand to start putting her interest in sustainability science into action. The Honors student took her work outside of the classroom by hosting Statesboro Campus cleanups and creating free little libraries. Pavliscsak said she could not wait to get involved the moment she arrived at 91Âț»­app.

“I really wanted to get hands-on,” said Pavliscsak. “Before I even attended Georgia Southern, I followed the Sustain Southern Instagram page and had been interested in working with them. I found them at a tabling event and asked how I could get involved. “They told me about 91Âț»­app for Sustainability, and I jumped right in by going to meetings and working on Sustainability Week.” 

Pavliscsak hails from a Georgia Southern family. Her parents and brother are all alumni, but her decision to follow their footsteps was not guaranteed. 

Spending a lot of time outdoors as a child and working in a plant nursery in high school solidified her desire to pursue a career in environmental science. As she searched for a place to turn her passion into a degree, she thought she might have to break the Eagle tradition to find a place that fit. That’s when a new offering from Georgia Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics became available at the perfect time.

“About a month before I made my college decision, I saw that Georgia Southern opened up the sustainability science degree, and it was the first time it was being offered anywhere in Georgia,” said Pavliscsak. “I thought ‘this feels like it was meant for me’ because it was so perfect.”

While earning a sustainable leadership certificate to enhance her bachelor’s degree, Pavliscsak created her own projects to improve student life. She improved the community garden by adding a “little library” where students could pick up pots, seeds and gardening tools to grow their own food. Unable to build a structure to house the items, she got creative.

“I was driving behind the Statesboro Herald office and saw they had old newspaper stands piled up,” recalled Pavliscsak. “I talked to someone I knew at the paper and explained my plan. They let me get two of their newspaper boxes and I upcycled them into a seed library and a book library where students can drop off and pick up what they need.”

While Pavliscsak once wondered if she would be able to attend Georgia Southern at all, she now has a new goal: Double Eagle. She has been accepted into the environmental science master’s program and will continue her journey in Statesboro after graduating in Spring 2026. 

“I loved the experience so much that I couldn’t help myself. I had to come back and play student just a little bit longer,” said Pavliscsak. “My special interest for my master’s is going to be water quality. I got to do some research on that as an undergrad with Dr. Rocio PĂ©rez, and I’m really excited about the next level where I hope to get into a fieldwork research lab.”

Pavliscsak has a head start on her master’s coursework. Through her Honors College requirements, she has completed upper-division classes that can count toward her graduate degree. 

“I could take up to nine credit hours and apply them to a graduate degree, which was a huge benefit,” said Pavliscsak. “I thought, ‘this 100% makes me want to stay at Georgia Southern.’ It gives me a jumpstart, so it will only take about a year instead of two years for me to complete the program.”

When she thinks back on her time as an undergraduate, she appreciates how much she was able to do outside of the classroom.

“I really think the experiences are where you learn and grow the most,” she said. “Getting that diverse range, meeting new people and finding ways to get involved are really important to me. I think I will always carry that outlook wherever I go.”

Promise Oti-Okardie’s journey to 91Âț»­app began while she was managing marketing campaigns at a leading digital marketing agency in Nigeria. Although she enjoyed working with major global brands, she realized she needed to make the transition from execution to leadership.

“I wanted to be equipped not only to communicate effectively, but also to lead with intention, make meaningful decisions and create environments where people can thrive,” she explained.

Oti-Okardie’s passion for communication and its impact on people, organizations and culture led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Georgia Southern’s Professional Communication and Leadership program. Raised in Nigeria as the eldest of five children, she assumed responsibility early, whether helping her siblings or organizing household projects.

“Growing up in that environment taught me to connect with different personalities, handle challenges and truly value relationships,” Oti-Okardie said. “Looking back, those experiences shaped how I show up today and how I think about leadership and community.”

After moving thousands of miles from her home country, the graduate student found a new community on the Statesboro Campus. She attended various student activities and events organized by the Office of Student Activities and International Student Admission and Programs. She also joined the Nigerian Student Association and served as its social director.

“Being part of that community was important to me because it gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to stay connected to my culture while sharing it with others,” she said. “It created a space where I could build relationships, celebrate identity and feel at home even while being far away.” 

As a graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Engagement, Oti-Okardie supported University employee engagement initiatives. The experience allowed her to apply what she was learning in real time, from planning events to analyzing data and creating programs to enhance the employee experience.

Some of her favorite University memories include participating in initiatives through the Office of Institutional Engagement, such as supporting the launch of the REACH for Southern Scholars program. Another important moment was assisting with the University Awards of Excellence, and she especially values the memory of taking a picture with University President Kyle Marrero.

“It may seem like a small moment, but it felt like a full-circle moment for me because it reflected how involved I had become and how connected I felt to the Georgia Southern community,” she said.

Oti-Okardie credits the University with providing her with a strong foundation in communications and leadership. Beyond the classroom’s real-world applications, she cherishes the memory of her late mentor, Department of Communication Arts Professor Pamela Bourland-Davis.

“Dr. Bourland-Davis had the most impact on me,” she acknowledged. “I genuinely enjoyed her class and learned so much not only from the course content but also from her experiences and her approach to leadership and life. She inspired me to become a more thoughtful, people-centered leader, and her impact on me is something I will carry for a long time.”

As she prepares to graduate, Oti-Okardie said she is proud of maintaining a strong GPA while balancing her responsibilities as a graduate assistant and adjusting to life in a new country. She is also grateful for the scholarships that supported her education and enabled her to graduate. She is confident about her next chapter.

“This experience helped me gain clarity about who I am, what I value and the direction I want my life and career to take,” said Oti-Okardie. “My long-term goal is to grow into an executive leadership role that helps shape strategy, culture and organizational impact. I am particularly interested in roles that sit at the intersection of communication, people and business strategy. I want to be part of building organizations that are not only successful but also intentional in how they engage people, make decisions and create value.”

As the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, Oti-Okardie attributes her accomplishment to the support and sacrifices her loved ones provided along the way. 

“It means a lot to them to see me pursue my goals and create new opportunities,” she said, adding that they will feel proud, happy and fulfilled once her diploma is in hand.

As a flyer on the 91Âț»­app cheerleading team, Mallory Barrett relished the physical stunts and the adrenaline rush. Yet her true calling required a heart for service.

“When I thought about professions growing up, I always wanted to do something that involved helping others,” said the new graduate from the Waters College of Health Professions. “It’s always been a part of me. I always put other people first. I’m always there to lend a helping hand. And I just knew nursing was probably the best route for me. I wanted to be hands-on with people, communicate, and be that light for them.”

Barrett grew up in a family of five in snowy New Hampshire, more than a thousand miles from Georgia, in the heart of the South. While researching colleges online, she sought one with a top-tier cheer program and a rigorous nursing program.

“I really did a deep dive, and something about Georgia Southern caught my eye,” she said. “I checked out their cheer team, and they were back-to-back national champions. When I visited Georgia Southern, the minute I stepped on campus, I knew immediately that this was home. This is where I’m going to be.”

During her four years at Georgia Southern, the Granite State native cheered at all home football, basketball, and volleyball games, as well as at numerous away games. She lived in Statesboro but traveled to Armstrong Campus in Savannah for her last two years of classes. The intensity of cheerleading and nursing studies required focus and dedication.

“To balance all my obligations, make time for myself and maintain a social life, I really had to lean into my time-management skills,” said the self-admitted procrastinator. “I created a Google Calendar listing all my scheduled classes, practices and events I had to attend. I marked when I needed to study and made sure any free time I had left was spent with my friends and loved ones. Balancing all of this was very difficult and one of the hardest things I experienced in college, but I am better for it, as I’m walking away more skilled and organized than when I first started college at Georgia Southern.”

Students in the University’s nursing program complete 800 clinical hours across different hospital units and outpatient services. This hands-on experience allows students to explore different areas of nursing to determine their next steps after graduation.

“I did one of my clinical rotations in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and knew immediately this was the path I wanted to take,” Barrett revealed. “The NICU is a very hard unit to get into, and as a new graduate, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue that.”

Once Barrett takes and passes the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to become a registered nurse, she plans to work in the NICU at Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, before returning to school for a master’s in her chosen profession.

Barrett’s day-to-day transition from clinicals to the cheerleading mat required not only discipline but also trust in her Georgia Southern All-Girl cheer team members.

“As a flyer, I’m thrown in the air and must trust the people throwing me will catch me on my way down,” she explained. “Trust doesn’t come naturally, and not every sports team can create a level of trust that wins them a national championship.”

In acknowledging the team’s strong bond, Barrett said, “Every day I walked into the practice room, looked around, and knew everyone was here to work, do their best, and have a ton of fun. Nothing feels better than the relationships you create with your teammates, and you could see that on the mat with our cheer team. That was proven when we walked off that mat with a national championship trophy in hand. That’s the best feeling in the world: winning with your best friends who have become family forever.” 

With her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in hand, the alumna said that moving from New Hampshire to attend Georgia Southern was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“Honestly, I’m surprised I was as successful as I was,” Barrett said. “In the past two years, I have had a ton of injuries: numerous concussions, a broken nose and surgery for an ankle injury. Through it all, the agony, the pain, the hard times, the long nights of studying, the classes, and the clinicals, I kept a positive attitude and never gave up.”

For now, Barrett is leaving her alma mater with great grades, a national championship title and newly developed organizational skills.

“I’m going to miss the entire college experience,” she said. “Being able to live so close to my best friends, attend so many fun events, go through hard-fought practices with my teammates and experience athletic events up close as an athlete. Georgia Southern hasn’t seen the last of me. I’m grateful for all the University has done for me, and I cannot wait to see what else it has in store for me.”

For Olivia Morse, earning her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology this May is more than a personal achievement. It honors everyone who supported her from childhood through her time at 91Âț»­app.

“I grew up in the rural town of Moultrie, Georgia, where life was simple and close-knit,” Morse recalled. “I spent much of my time with friends and family.”

Growing up as an only child, she enjoyed spending time at the baseball field with her dad and cheering for the Colquitt County Packers. Sports, she said, brought her community together. However, the familiar comforts of Moultrie felt a world away when she arrived on the Statesboro Campus. The small-town girl admitted she felt lost in the large crowd.

“One of my biggest challenges came early in my freshman year when I briefly struggled with feeling whether I belonged,” Morse said. “I overcame this by getting more involved on campus, especially through the Recreation Activity Center (RAC) and group fitness community, which helped me build connections and find a support system.”

Morse attended group fitness classes, which soon led to her leadership role as a cycling instructor.

“I loved both attending classes and teaching cycling sessions, as it gave me a chance to stay active while connecting with others,” she said. “Leading classes was especially rewarding because I could motivate people and create a positive, energetic environment.”

Morse had a head start through dual enrollment when she decided to attend Georgia Southern, and she is finishing in just three years. She chose to major in kinesiology with a focus on exercise science “to help people feel confident in moving their bodies and regain their health.” Her goal is to become a physical therapist specializing in neuro-related cases, and she is well on her way. Morse has enrolled in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that begins just days after she walks across the stage.

“My experience at 91Âț»­app has been wonderful,” Morse acknowledged. “From the classroom to my involvement on campus, I felt supported and encouraged to become the best version of myself. I loved this college, and it truly felt like it loved me right back, making my time here both meaningful and unforgettable.”

For anyone considering attending the University, Morse says to do it and never question your decision.

“Take that leap of faith,” she said. “Go into the unknown. It’s scary but pursue your dreams. Fall in love with Georgia Southern and explore every opportunity it offers. Never say no. Always say yes.”

Now that she is ready for the next chapter, Morse, who once felt lost on the Statesboro Campus, looked back on the experiences that defined her time at Georgia Southern.

“What I will miss most about leaving Georgia Southern is the sense of community and the people who made my experience so meaningful,” she said. “I will miss the friendships built through classes, campus involvement, and especially my time at the RAC. I will also miss the campus energy. Most of all, I will miss the feeling of belonging that made Georgia Southern feel like home.”

91Âț»­app has been a constant backdrop to Jennifer Berghoff’s life moments, both big and small. 

Born and raised just minutes from the Statesboro Campus, her childhood memories are intertwined with Georgia Southern: fall Saturdays at Paulson Stadium, school trips to campus and even riding out a tornado in the Rosenwald Building, where her mother worked in the Office of the Registrar.

Berghoff graduated from Georgia Southern in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and soon found a job at the University, where she has worked for nearly 17 years. It was also here that her future mother-in-law, a colleague at the time who worked down the hall, introduced Berghoff to her husband. They were married down the road at Friendship Baptist Church in Statesboro. 

Now, she’s preparing for another life milestone at the place that’s been with her all along. This spring, at 48-years-old, Berghoff will graduate with her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration.

“I’ve grown up with Georgia Southern,” she said. “To reach this milestone here, surrounded by so many memories, means everything to me. I truly bleed blue.”

In years past, Berghoff watched Georgia Southern commencement livestreams, wishing she had taken the leap into graduate studies, but fear of failure held her back. When a supervisor role opened in spring 2024, she finally found the push she needed, drawing confidence from the lasting memory of a Georgia Southern professor.

“I thought of my favorite undergraduate professor, Dr. Elynor Davis, who did not complete her Ph.D. until she was in her 50s and always reminded students it was never too late to set and achieve goals,” Berghoff said. “I thought ‘Why not me?’”

Berghoff was initially hesitant about returning to school at an older age, but those concerns quickly faded.

“I was worried about being in class with younger people. But they were so encouraging, and I was surprised to find out I wasn’t the only older student,” she said. “Going back to school in your late 40s is not easy. But, I was determined to finish what I started and give the University a good return on its investment. You’re never too old.”

Two years after starting coursework, Berghoff has not only completed her degree, but she has also received a new job title. In March, she was promoted to Director of Faculty Resources in the Office of Academic Affairs Resource Management, where she is putting her new expertise to good use. 

“I have a better understanding of how higher education works. Through the program, you can see how everyone should collaborate,” she said. 

Now that her coursework is finished, Berghoff plans to celebrate and enjoy the culmination of her hard work. And wherever her story goes next, she expects Georgia Southern to be at the center of it.

“I hope to be able to stay and progress at Georgia Southern,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to crossing the stage, and maybe then I’ll think about becoming a Triple Eagle.” 

Marketing major Cameron O’Neill left her lifelong home in Roswell, Georgia, to move to 91Âț»­app’s Statesboro campus in 2022. But she says it was the charm of the “prettiest little campus” that convinced her to stick around a little longer for a master’s program. 

“My plan was always to transfer to UGA,” she said. “But when I visited here, I started seeing myself hanging out in Sweetheart Circle between classes. It felt like I never left home.” 

O’Neill fell more in love with campus as she got involved with Georgia Southern’s chapter of .

“I rushed in the spring,” she said. “I’d tried it in the fall semester, but 4,000 other girls were trying to get in at the same time. I got burnt out pretty quickly, and I was homesick. Spring was a lot more straightforward. I met a lot of people, and that encouraged me to be more active on campus.” 

The opportunity to enjoy coffee and lunch plans with other members around the Statesboro Campus was also hard to pass up, she said. 

“The best breakfast I’ve ever had on campus was at Lakeside Dining Commons,” said O’Neill. “My friends and I would go after our 8 a.m. classes, and it was so much fun.”

She says those experiences and relationships helped her thrive.

“I found out that I had a lot in common with the girls there,” she explained. “They were very chill, and I realized ‘oh, this is a perfect fit.'”

That gave her the confidence to explore her academic community as well, joining organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the 91Âț»­app Economics Society.

“So I don’t really love economics,” she admitted. “But I wanted to meet more business students, and that was a really great way to do it.” 

Her desire for connection led to several internships, including one in the (OCPD) and the Department of Marketing and Media at Georgia Southern’s Parker College of Business. She said those experiences taught her a lot about herself. 

“I’ve learned I’m a little bit of a control freak,” she said, laughing. “I function really well when I’ve planned out my week and developed my lists.” 

Her passion for planning uncovered deeper truths about herself she never knew. 

“Honestly, I realized I like to work hard,” she explained. “Throughout my life, I saw how hardworking my parents were. It showed me that a lot of good comes from work.” 

That appreciation for hard work has paid off in a big way, she said. She’s currently following several job leads in the area as she looks for a job that will support her dream of returning to the classroom in 2027 to pursue a Master of Business Administration. 

“I’m going to continue to work hard,” she said. “I’m excited for my own growth, and I can’t wait for the future.” 

Seizing opportunities is the catalyst for success for May 2026 Parker College of Business graduate Andrew Haley. 

“I graduated from high school in 2021,” said Haley. “I enlisted in the U.S. Army, where I was trained as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 25 Sierra, Satellite Communications Operator/Maintainer. I took a gap year to complete basic training and then enrolled at Georgia Military College (GMC), which led me to the Early Commissioning Program (ECP).” 

Earning the George C Marshall award by the U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) in 2024, Haley is accustomed to taking on leadership roles and striving for excellence. After receiving his associate degree in Supply Chain Management from GMC and being commissioned as a second lieutenant, he transferred to 91Âț»­app also in 2024 to finish a bachelor’s of business administration in logistics. 

Haley says that the key to acclimation is immersing yourself in the community of people around you. 

“Everyone has the ability to teach you something, no matter where you go,” he said. “Getting outside and meeting new people makes a new experience even more valuable.” 

That mindset carried over to Georgia Southern, where he was introduced to new experiences. 

“I had never left the country before coming to Georgia Southern. But in the spring semester of my junior year, I saw a poster about a study abroad program. I was unsure about the cost at first, but thankfully, scholarships were available. The University’s payment plan system is flexible for students interested in studying abroad, which made the experience doable for me,” Haley recalled.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, among others offered , helps send dozens of students overseas to engage with communities and learn from cultures around the world. This funding gives students like Haley the crucial insight they need to further their knowledge in their industry. 

“It was a truly unique experience and opened up my perspective to other people, cultures and economic systems,” Haley said. “You become close with the other students who travel with you, and build a fantastic network of other motivated minds.”

Today, as Haley reaches the end of his chapter at Georgia Southern, he said the University’s commitment to fostering students’ innate and learned skills is one of its greatest assets. 

“I have always liked problem-solving. Logistics made so much sense as a career choice because it built on previous job experiences and set the foundation for my future career goals. Starting off working in IT in the military, I enjoyed figuring out how things worked and fit together,” Haley said. 

Haley also credits his success in the program from his work-study and the professors who continue to support his next steps.

“There were a lot of applicants for the work-study position as a student assistant for the Office of Testing Services. It’s rare to even be considered as a rising senior. However, Dr. Theresa Beebe Novotny gave me the chance that I needed, and it meant a lot to me. 

Amie Ellis, a senior lecturer in the Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Parker’s College of Business, also plays a leading role in supporting student success, according to Haley. 

“Professor Ellis is always connecting us with people throughout the industry to help us build our network,” he said. “She’ll send emails with job opportunities and events to keep us informed and aware. Even when you finish her class, she’ll never hesitate to stop and chat with you on campus like she just saw you yesterday.”

On May 17, Haley will cross the stage and begin his next chapter as an active duty logistics officer, which will likely take him abroad.

“I will miss the community, which, for me, is the people whom I’ve come to know,” he said. “In Statesboro, you can walk outside and start a conversation with practically anyone. And I think that’s Georgia Southern’s culture. I’m going to miss that for sure.”