91Âț»­app is once again setting the standard for excellence at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, receiving outstanding delegation distinction for the 15th year in a row. 

“Our success is due to the quality of our students,” said Barry Balleck, Ph.D., team advisor and professor of politics and international studies. “They have a passion for Model UN and they believe in the diplomatic process. They have not been jaded to believe that diplomacy is weakness and that international cooperation is passĂ©.”

Georgia Southern has one of the longest-running Model United Nations programs in the country, beginning in 1972. Balleck says that the team’s wins this year have just reinforced what he’s known since he started leading the program 30 years ago. 

“Our students can match up to students from any university anywhere in the world,” Balleck said. “The difference between our students and others is that they have a passion for Model UN and for the standard of excellence that we have set in this program. We emphasize every year that our students are not just representing themselves in any particular year; they are representing the legacy of the Model UN established by 91Âț»­app.”

The weight of that responsibility is heavy, but Balleck says it’s a crucial tool in preparing students for their future. 

“Our students learn research, writing and critical thinking skills that help them in whatever profession they choose,” he explained. “I have students who are teachers, diplomats, doctors, lawyers, government officials, peace corps volunteers, lobbyists — the list goes on and on.” 

Those skills helped the Georgia Southern team stand out at the conference this year, bringing home multiple awards in categories like Outstanding Distinction for Position Paper Writing and Outstanding Delegate Distinction in Committee. Balleck says the group is already preparing for next year.  

“Our delegation will be conducting three middle and high school conferences next academic year,” he said. “These conferences will bring nearly 1,200 students to 91Âț»­app. Then we’ll attend the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference next year in New York City at the end of March 2027.”

That will mark Balleck’s 31st year with the organization. After all this time, he still says that Model UN is the best academic tool he’s ever been associated with. 

“It teaches students advanced methods in public speaking, research, technical writing and diplomacy,” he said. “In my opinion, the experiential components of Model UN are unmatched by any other experience.”

Winners include:

OUTSTANDING DELEGATION

• Becerra, Ruby
• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Busboom, Emma
• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Collins, Logan — Assistant Advisor
• Dykes, Kierstin
• Franco, Jaelly
• Gibbs, Amiyah
• Hill, Xenovia
• Mason, Natassia
• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Moore, Chloe
• Norman, Malachi
• Pagelsen, Logan
• Roberts, Lily
• Rumsey, Ava
• Sherrill, Jacob
• Taylor-Williams, Ariana — Head Delegate
• Wheeler, Jaden
• Williams, Emma
• Balleck, Barry — Advisor

OUTSTANDING POSITION PAPER WRITING 

General Assembly Third Committee (GA3)

• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Pagelsen, Logan

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

OUTSTANDING DELEGATES IN COMMITTEE

General Assembly First Committee (GA1)

• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Franco, Jaelly

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• Becerra, Ruby
• Mason, Nattassia

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Moore, Chloe

91Âț»­app has received a state investment of nearly $40 million to support several projects that address critical needs throughout the state, including the first college of optometry in Georgia and an applied reading center. 

College of Optometry

Following the signing of the state’s Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (HB 973), the University has received $29.8 million in state funding to establish the first college of optometry in Georgia, marking a historic milestone for Georgia Southern and the state’s healthcare landscape. The investment will support the renovation of the Highway 301 building in Statesboro, creating a modern facility designed specifically to train future doctors of optometry.

“Georgia Southern is grateful for the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the General Assembly, particularly Speaker Jon Burns, Chairman Parrish and our legislative delegation for making funding the college of optometry a priority,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “The new college of optometry will enhance Georgia Southern’s growing portfolio of health professions programs and further solidify the University’s role as a leader in meeting Georgia’s workforce needs.”

The creation of a college of optometry in Georgia addresses a critical need for expanded access to eye care across the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By training future optometrists in Georgia, Georgia Southern will help strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline and improve health outcomes for generations to come as an increased demand for modern, cost-effective eye care places new pressures on the healthcare system. 

“Increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare in every corner of the state remains a top priority for the Georgia House, which is why we were proud to support this historic investment in our state’s first College of Optometry,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “The future graduates of this institution will serve communities across Georgia, helping expand access to critical vision care that is so important to our quality of life, and strengthening our healthcare workforce for generations to come.”

This valuable healthcare resource will also expand opportunities for students to pursue careers in vision care by exposing them to a new level and quality of academic preparation and clinical rotations that have not been available to them in the state of Georgia.

“The College of Optometry addresses a critical healthcare need in our region and state, and aligns closely with Georgia Southern’s Biomedical and Health Innovation Interdisciplinary Cluster of University Excellence (ICUE), which brings together scientists, health professionals, engineers, business leaders and public health experts to advance breakthroughs in advanced patient care and medical technology,” said 91Âț»­app Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D. “This interdisciplinary approach enhances clinical training and prepares students to address complex health challenges and accelerate innovation in patient care.”

The new college, which will offer a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, is pending approval by the University System of Georgia (USG), and will complete the accreditation processes required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. 

91Âț»­app Literacy Center

In the FY 2027 budget, which was signed May 12, $5.5 million was allocated to establish an applied reading center known as the 91Âț»­app Literacy Center, through the historic Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 (HB 1193) championed by Speaker Burns and Mrs. Dayle Burns. 

“Nothing is more important to our children’s future than their ability to read, and Georgia’s teachers are on the front lines of ensuring every student gets that opportunity,” said Mrs. Dayle Burns. “The Georgia Southern Literacy Center will play a critical role in giving educators the tools, resources, and support they need to implement evidence-based, science-backed literacy instruction, helping make a generational difference in the lives of countless young Georgians.”

The center will design professional development programs for teachers and literacy coaches, including competency assessments prior to training, and model teacher preparation programs. The work is grounded in the evidence-based practices of reading research, specifically the five pillars of the science of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Additional Support

Also in the FY27 budget, $4.2 million in funding was secured for the East Georgia Campus HVAC renovations and a $1 million endowment match for a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar at Georgia Southern. 

An unprecedented $300 million investment will fund the DREAMS Scholarship Program, creating the state’s first statewide needs-based aid endowment. Administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the program will help more students remain enrolled and graduate on time. An additional $25 million in expendable scholarship funds will be available in fall 2026 as part of the program, which builds on an effort launched by USG last year to support both University System of Georgia students and those in the Technical College System of Georgia. The state’s investment also opens the door for additional private philanthropic support, expanding the program’s reach and impact for students.

Kemp also allocated $104.6 million to provide a one-time $2,000 salary supplement for full-time, regular state employees, including those in the USG.

91Âț»­app recently concluded the Spring 2026 cohort of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for Emerging Leaders. 28 faculty and staff members participated in the semester-long, cohort-based program to build leadership capability while emphasizing performance excellence. 

They participated in a series of learning experiences, such as interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching and leadership shadowing. John Banter, Ed.D., a director in the Office of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Engagement, runs the program. The idea is to bring people from every division together to build relationships that support collaboration across the institution.

“This program is an embodiment of our vision statement – People, Purpose, Action: Growing Ourselves to Grow Others – as we invest in our people so they can be effective and influential leaders across our institution,” said Dominique A. Quarles, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Engagement. “We involve departmental, institutional and executive leaders to make this program successful and I am so grateful for their expertise and willingness to contribute to the growth of our colleagues.”

The Spring 2026 Emerging Leaders cohort included: 

• Kaitlin Anderson, University Communications and Marketing, Office of the President
• Brittiny Calles, Eagle Dining Services, Business and Finance
• Ariel Cornett, Ph.D., College of Education, Academic Affairs
• Joann Cottrell, Academic Success Center, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Jacob Crawford, IT Solutions Management, Business and Finance
• Steven Cushner, Public Safety, Business and Finance
• Katie C. Fester, University Housing, Business and Finance
• Casey Fountain, Admissions, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Jonathan Friedel, Ph.D., College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Academic Affairs
• Melissa Gast-Goodman, Office of Research Services, Research and Economic Development
• Hunter Gatewood, PsyD, Counseling Center, Student Affairs
• Christopher Hagan, Grounds Operations, Business and Finance
• Catherine Bishop Hoopaugh, Office of Student Activities,Student Affairs
• Shainaz Landge, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics, Academic Affairs
• Kelli Lemieux, Enrollment Services, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Elizabeth Lustgarten, Bursar’s Office, Business and Finance
• Charles Marvil, Parker College of Business, Academic Affairs
• Courtney Meihoff, University Communications and Marketing, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Kylie Moore, Institutional Research, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Marcus Mosley, CARC, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Serena Murphy, Institutional Assessment and Accreditation, Academic Affairs
• Slade Richison, Student-Athlete Services, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Nalanda Roy, Ph.D., College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Academic Affairs
• Shelley Salter, Office of Research Integrity, Research and Economic Development
• Peter Sciolis, NSFP, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
• Jessica Todd, College of Arts and Humanities, Academic Affairs
• Anthony Ursillo, Advancement Services, University Advancement
• Robert Yarbrough, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics, Academic Affairs

The Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders is part of 91Âț»­app’s broader Leadership Development Institutes, which also include programs for Executive and Institutional Leaders and for Departmental Leaders. Together, these programs create a clear and intentional pathway for leadership growth at every level. 
For more information about 91Âț»­app’s Leadership Development Institutes, visit the Leadership Development Institute webpage.

91Âț»­app has been named a member of the (GRA), joining a group of leading research universities including the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University. 

“This is an ideal moment for Georgia Southern to join GRA,” said 91Âț»­app President Kyle Marrero. “Our institutional momentum aligns closely with GRA’s mission to expand Georgia’s research capacity and economic competitiveness. As we continue our trajectory toward becoming a nationally recognized public impact research university, we are committed to advancing innovation, developing talent and addressing the critical needs of Southeast Georgia through research that strengthens communities, drives economic development and improves quality of life across the region.”

The GRA is a nonprofit, public-private partnership affiliated with the and Georgia’s . Founded in 1990, the organization aims to drive research impact and entrepreneurship across the state. 

“GRA is a proven catalyst for growing university research and entrepreneurship in our state, and our two newest members are certainly going to help accelerate that growth,” said GRA President and CEO Tim Denning. “Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State will make GRA an even stronger catalyst and will help strengthen the innovation ecosystem in new regions of our state. We are grateful for the support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly for this expansion in the FY27 budget.” 

The addition of Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State University to GRA brings the Alliance’s membership to 10 public and private research universities.

In fiscal year 2025, the alliance secured more than $1 billion in external public-private funding for research. That funding helped create more than 3,000 new jobs in laboratories and start-ups, .

Georgia Southern’s admission is a milestone for its growing research enterprise. In recent years, multiple faculty members have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships, and one was named a fellow in the National Academy of Inventors.

Georgia Southern has experienced record growth and momentum in recent years, with projected FY 2026 annual research expenditures surpassing $56 million. This trajectory puts the University on track to achieve Carnegie R1 classification in the upcoming review cycle. Carnegie R1 is the nation’s highest designation for doctoral research universities.

Georgia Southern has developed research strengths in fields like environmental science, early childhood education and advanced manufacturing and logistics. These strengths have directly benefited Georgia and the region, while showing potential to do the same on a national scale and global scale. The GRA can provide resources to help the University continue its current efforts and fulfill that potential.

Membership privileges include the ability to recruit researchers from the GRA’s . In a show of support, the Georgia General Assembly has appropriated the funds for Georgia Southern’s inaugural Eminent Scholar, the top level of talent within the Academy. 

As members of GRA, Georgia Southern also qualifies to join the GRA Core Exchange, a nationally unique program that allows researchers from any member university to access research equipment and facilities at fellow member institutions without paying external administrative fees.

David C. Weindorf, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development, says the combination of these factors makes it an ideal time for Georgia Southern to join.

“We are excited to bring our distinct perspective to the GRA,” Weindorf said. “I’m grateful for their support of our vision, and I can’t wait to deepen our partnership with fellow members, as we continue to pursue research that will improve our communities and our world.”

About GRA

The Georgia Research Alliance drives greater impact out of university research and entrepreneurship to benefit Georgia and the world. GRA recruits star research talent to Georgia’s universities; provides sophisticated tools and core facilities to help researchers win more competitive grants; and seeds and shapes startup companies around university inventions. The Alliance’s cumulative 36-year ROI is over $16 billion (a 22-to-1 return on Georgia’s investment). GRA’s ten partner universities are: Augusta University, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, 91Âț»­app,

Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine and The University of Georgia.

About 91Âț»­app
91Âț»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .

Last week, approximately 4,400 graduates from 91Âț»­app’s Statesboro, Armstrong, Liberty and Swainsboro campuses received associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium and Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro, Enmarket Arena in Savannah and East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro on May 11, 13 and 14. 

“To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero welcomed the crowds. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. You have every reason to be proud. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community.”

The Commencement speakers included: 

• Bob Somers (’83)
• Nick Westbrook (’20)
• Berry Aldridge (’15)
• Kim Hartsock (’20, ’21)
• Rep. Butch Parrish

Somers opened the ceremonies at Paulson Stadium with words of encouragement for the new graduates.

“While this day marks your formal education coming to a close, the truth is your education and life is just now beginning,” he said. “When I look out at you, I don’t look at graduates. I see future leaders. And our future is bright because of what you’re going to bring to this world. 

“Georgia Southern gave me structure, opportunity and people who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was graduating from this incredible institution. Find your north star. What kind of person are you? What are your values? Be genuine with yourself and others. If you’re authentic, people will trust you and they will follow you. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Real leadership requires vulnerability.”

Westbrook relayed the importance of service and character alongside leadership.

“You will have the opportunity to influence people, organizations, companies and industries,” he said. “Use that influence for good. Your opportunity will not only be for a better job, more income or a higher position. The highest calling of your opportunity will be what you can do for the people who are affected by your influence. In a world that is becoming increasingly transactional, be the leader that goes the extra mile to make your world a little more relational, more kind, more human.” 

Aldridge enthusiastically challenged graduates to consistently recalibrate the way they think, and to consciously surround themselves with support.

“Class of 2026, you’ve accomplished something incredible, but you’ve done it during a very strange and chaotic time in history,” he said. “I’m not breaking any news when I say that we are standing on the edge of a massive change to our jobs, our technology, our society.

“I don’t know how AI is going to change the way we work or influence the job market. I challenge you to be skeptical even in your own most passionately held beliefs. That’s the only way to keep ourselves in check, and it’s the only way to keep ourselves growing. 

Nurture three types of relationships — one who lifts you up, another who tells you the truth, and one who will always show up — in order to succeed, he continued. And then be that person for others.

Hartsock reflected on the generational impact of earning a degree.

“For some of you, this is not just a personal achievement, it’s a historic one,” she shared. “You may be the first in your family to earn a college degree, and that accomplishment carries special significance. You are changing the trajectory of your family and setting an example for generations to come.” 

She asked them to be intentional about who they learn from.

“Seek out people who can teach you things that books never will,” she said. “It’s important to look for leaders whose lives are marked not only by achievement, but also by joy and purpose.

“Invest in this university. Join the alumni association. Help recruit future 91Âț»­app. Create a scholarship. Create opportunities for students to learn from you and work with you. Stay involved,” she said. “You never know, 25 years from now, you might be standing right here where I am. Congratulations, class of 2026 and Hail Southern!”

In the closing ceremony in Swainsboro, Parrish encouraged graduates to continue learning. 

“Today is by no means an end,” he said. “It’s just the beginning. Your education has prepared you for what lies ahead. Your education allows you to create your own path forward. You have a unique opportunity to define your own path. You don’t have to follow anymore. Education is like insurance for whatever you’ll be facing in the future.

“Education comes in many forms. There’s formal and informal, traditional, nontraditional and learned education, just to name a few. So, I encourage you to pursue a career in something that you really have a passion for and something that you really want to do. Whatever you decide to do is up to you, and your future is bright and it’s unlimited.”

Video and Photo Links

Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 9 a.m.  on May 11 in Statesboro
Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 6 p.m.  on May 11 in Statesboro
Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony  on May 13 in Savannah
Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony  on May 14 in Statesboro
Spring 2026 Commencement photos 

Credit: Courtesy of 91Âț»­app

91Âț»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

The 91Âț»­app Foundation, Inc. has purchased property for the development of a mixed-use project that will include a full-service hotel, conference facilities and other amenities designed to serve both the University and the surrounding community.

The project reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to support 91Âț»­app through strategic investments that benefit students, faculty, alumni and the broader region.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Georgia Southern and our community,” said Trip Addison, president of the 91Âț»­app Foundation. “Our goal is to create a destination that complements the University, supports continued growth in Statesboro, and respects the history and natural beauty of the property. We appreciate the support of the University System of Georgia and Board of Regents for this important initiative. We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Statesboro.”

Located on the parcel north of Beautiful Eagle Creek, which was previously owned by the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia, the development (at South Main, Tillman Road and Fair Road) is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and expand visitor accommodations near campus. The existing Herty Pines Nature Preserve walking trail extension will be enhanced to serve as a key connection between the campus and the Blue Mile. 

An important part of the development effort will focus on preserving the history and character of Beautiful Eagle Creek. The Foundation also plans to address long-needed infrastructure and environmental improvements along the creek banks to help stabilize erosion and support the long-term health of the area.  

Additional details, including timelines and project partners, will be announced as planning moves forward.

About 91Âț»­app Foundation, Inc.
The 91Âț»­app Foundation supports the mission of 91Âț»­app by securing and managing private resources that advance academic excellence, student success and community engagement.

Approximately 4,500 students will graduate with associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees this semester during four ceremonies in Statesboro and Savannah. Candidates will have the option to choose the location where they would like to graduate. 

The dates, colleges and speakers for each ceremony are: 

Monday, May 11 
9 a.m. — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for the College of Science and Mathematics, College of Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Bob Somers (’83) is the senior vice president of global sales at Delta Air Lines where he is responsible for the company’s relationship with its largest corporate, agency and specialty accounts. Joining Delta in 1983, Somers also served as managing director of corporate and specialty sales and general manager of global corporate sales, following earlier roles in airport customer service and marketing, advertising and sales promotions.

He is a member of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and in 2016 was honored as the GBTA Allied Member of the Year and Business Travel News’ 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives.

Former chairman of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Somers currently serves on the boards for Foundation for Hospital Art, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Atlanta Sports Council.

Somers earned a bachelor’s in public relations from 91Âț»­app.

Monday, May 11 
6 p.m. — The Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro
Graduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus

Nick Westbrook (’20), is the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Hinesville and has built one of the top-performing locations in Georgia, earning multiple national excellence awards.

A dedicated community leader who is passionate about leadership, mentorship and creating a hospitality culture, Westbrook has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship program. 

Westbrook earned an MBA from the Parker College of Business at 91Âț»­app.

Wednesday, May 13 
9 a.m. — Enmarket Arena in Savannah
Undergraduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus.

Berry Aldridge (’15) is director of recruiting for the Banana Ball Championship League’s six teams. 

Prior to this role, he served in various capacities for The Savannah Bananas from 2016 to 2020, including director of tickets and vice president. In 2021, Aldridge shifted his focus to help create and launch the new sport of Banana Ball. 

Additionally in 2021, Aldridge became a licensed real estate agent and has since helped buyers and sellers across the Coastal Empire.

Aldridge earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Armstrong State University. 

Thursday, May 14 
9 a.m. — Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for students in the College of Education, Parker College of Business and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Double Eagle Kim Hartsock (’20, ’21) is a certified public accountant. Appointed as the inaugural chair of the Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board, she also serves on the board of directors for the 91Âț»­app Foundation and the Parker College of Business.

In addition, Hartsock is the board chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and a board member for Leadership Gwinnett. 

Recognized as a two-time Titan 100 Georgia award winner, Hartsock was named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2022 as “Most Admired CEO” and included in the 2014 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” Class. 

Hartsock earned a BBA in accounting and a master’s in accounting from 91Âț»­app.

Thursday, May 14 
3 p.m. — Gymnasium on the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro
Ceremony for all East Georgia Campus students

“Butch” Parrish, a dedicated public servant and proud native of Swainsboro, will serve as the commencement speaker on the East Georgia Campus students.

A graduate of Swainsboro High School, Representative Parrish went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Georgia, where he also served as president of his senior class in pharmacy school. His commitment to leadership and service began early and has remained a constant throughout his career.

He has been deeply involved in his community, serving as past president of both the Swainsboro Exchange Club and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving three terms on the Swainsboro City Council.

At the state level, Representative Parrish has made a lasting impact. He served two terms on the board of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, including one year as chairman. His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including being named Emanuel County’s Person of the Year in 2020 and receiving Legislator of the Year recognitions from several organizations, including the Georgia Rural Health Association, the Georgia Public Health Association, and the Georgia Hospital Association. He has also been recognized as a Family Medicine Legislative Champion by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.

Currently serving his 21st term in the Georgia House of Representatives, he represents House District 158, which includes Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins and Treutlen counties, as well as portions of Bulloch County. He plays a key leadership role as Chairman of the Rules Committee and the Special Committee on Healthcare, and serves on several additional committees focused on appropriations, health, economic development, and community well-being.

91Âț»­app has received high honors from Forbes in recognition of its commitment to institutional culture with the recent announcement of the publication’s list of “.” Out of 600 companies on the list, Georgia Southern impressively landed in the top tier at #33.

“At Georgia Southern, we prioritize investing in our people, being accountable leaders, and fostering an environment of high performance, evidenced by results aligned with institutional goals and ultimately, student success. It is that alignment and commitment to continuous growth (growing ourselves to grow others) that creates a positive institutional culture at 91Âț»­app,” said 91Âț»­app President Kyle Marrero. “The successful implementation of our strategic plan and the achievement of our institutional goals, aligned with our strategic priorities, are only accomplished if each and every faculty and staff member is actively engaged.”

This is the second year Forbes has published the list, and . Representing the education industry, Georgia Southern was second on the list behind Columbia University (#10). 

Marrero emphasized that persistent efforts to strengthen institutional culture must produce measurable results that positively impact faculty and staff. To support this, the institution tracks its initiatives, evaluates them through ongoing feedback, and uses key performance indicators to assess their effectiveness.

“A positive culture is maintained through continuous communication and connecting to the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ empowering the collective intellect to help be part of solving the challenges (solve and evolve),” he added. “We are in this together, always focused on the ‘why’ of student success!” 

91Âț»­app has also been recently recognized on the Forbes lists for (#171), (#58 – Georgia), and (#243 in Research Universities and #100 in the South).

91Âț»­app has named Jennifer Schroeder, Ph.D., as dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, effective July 1. Schroeder will lead efforts to expand graduate education, enhance student success and strengthen research and workforce alignment across the university.

Schroeder joins Georgia Southern from East Texas A&M University, where she serves as dean of the Graduate School, supporting more than 3,000 graduate students across a wide range of programs. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving access to graduate education, strengthening academic programs and building systems that support student success.

“Dr. Schroeder brings a strong record of leadership in graduate education and a deep commitment to student success,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her collaborative approach, experience in program innovation and focus on aligning graduate education with workforce needs make her an outstanding addition to Georgia Southern. I am confident she will play a key role in advancing our graduate and research programs and expanding opportunities for our students.”

Schroeder is recognized for her ability to bring together faculty, staff and institutional partners to create new opportunities for students. During her tenure at East Texas A&M, she helped launch a master’s degree in artificial intelligence and worked across campus to enhance admissions processes, student support services and program development.

Her background includes experience as a program coordinator, department head and dean, with academic training in school psychology. Her leadership reflects a commitment to access, quality and innovation in graduate education.

“I am excited to begin this new chapter at 91Âț»­app,” said Schroeder. “I’m looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students to build on the university’s strong foundation and advance graduate education to expand opportunity, strengthen research and support student success.”

Schroeder’s appointment marks a continued investment in graduate education at Georgia Southern, positioning the University to meet evolving student and workforce needs while strengthening its academic and research mission.

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 91Âț»­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.”

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 91Âț»­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.