Romanian lecturer Mihaela Udristioiu, Ph.D. has returned to 91Âț»­app for her second time as a Fulbright research scholar fellow.

“I was always a curious child,” said Udristioiu. “I love questions. The answers we find help us better understand the beauty of nature and the laws that govern our universe.”

That curiosity is what encouraged the Romanian lecturer to apply for the Fulbright research scholar program to work on physics education and environmental science with 91Âț»­app associate professor of physics Dragos Amarie, Ph.D. 

The two first met during a study abroad program in Romania in 2017, during the Science and Culture Study Abroad program. Amarie said the teaching style of Romanian universities was different from what he was used to.  

Udristioiu was especially interested in learning how university faculty in the U.S. engage with their students and create active learning environments.

“How students understand physics is very important to me,” Udristioiu said. “My American colleagues have shown me how much better teaching is when it is interactive and involves students.”

Things are a little different in Romanian universities, she says.  

“Romanian universities teach differently than how we do in the States,” Amarie said. “The lectures are formal, and you’re doomed if you miss a single one.”

“I prefer a more student-centered approach, especially when it comes to teaching difficult science courses,” he explained. “Classes should be interactive. Students should be encouraged to ask their professors questions. Having them engage and question what we teach, that’s how a student learns.”

Udristioiu, impressed by his teaching style, hoped to join Amarie in the States in 2020. COVID-19 had other plans. The study abroad program stopped, but their collaboration continued. Then, in 2022, she was awarded a Fulbright research scholar grant, joining Amarie in the classroom at Georgia Southern. 

“She did such a great job while she was here,” said Amarie. “The Fulbright Romania encouraged Dr. Udristioiu to submit a new application to strengthen the collaboration.” 

That’s why she applied for the Fulbright grant again. She’s back in the states now, working on a research project focused on air pollution monitoring, modelling, making predictions and forecasting. 

“Science crosses borders, and collaboration helps us open new doors to knowledge,” she said.

91Âț»­app’s student-led media group, The George-Anne Media Group, recently earned recognition for excellence in design and reporting from The Georgia College Press Association (GCPA) and The College Media Association (CMA).

The group claimed nine total awards from the two organizations, which annually recognize excellence in student-led journalism and media organizations. 

The GCPA awarded The George-Anne, based on the Statesboro Campus, and The Inkwell, based on the Armstrong Campus, with first place for Newspaper Layout and Design Excellence. The Association is known across Georgia for upholding the industry standard of collegiate journalism, as well as connecting member colleges to student journalists across the state. 

The George-Anne also took home second place in General Photography Excellence, Best Newspaper website and Best News Article Based on Investigative Reporting. The Inkwell took second place for Best General News Article and Best Entertainment Story. 

The Inkwell earned an honorable mention for Best Newsletter at the CMA’s Apple Awards in New York City, New York. The Apple Awards highlight the best in student-produced journalism nationwide.

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) at 91Âț»­app has received the Gold Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) for some of its student programming for advancing student leadership and engagement. 

The Student and Organization Leadership Development (SOLD) Workshop Series received the Gold Award in the Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Union, and related category of the 2026 NASPA Excellence Awards. 

The SOLD Workshop Series is a free leadership development program designed for students to help cultivate the next generation of campus and community leaders. Offered during the fall and spring semesters, the series provides high-impact learning opportunities for students across all majors and classifications who want to strengthen their personal leadership skills, prepare for roles within student organizations, and contribute meaningfully to the University and broader community.

“The SOLD Workshop Series reflects the Division of Student Affairs and Georgia Southern’s commitment to developing career-ready leaders who will positively impact their communities,” said Memory Littles, director of OSA. “The program is aligned with the University’s SACSCOC Quality Enhancement Plan, the National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies, NASPA’s professional competencies and several other strategic priorities. We are honored that NASPA has recognized the work being done at Georgia Southern to empower students through leadership education and engagement.”

Championed by Littles and Cat Hoopaugh, associate director of OSA, the series is additionally supported by all of OSA’s team members, and connects faculty, staff, community members and Georgia Southern alumni to current students. 

The workshop series was selected for its outstanding impact on student leadership development and campus engagement. Since its pilot launch, the SOLD Workshop Series has educated tens of thousands of Georgia Southern students, building a strong culture of leadership and involvement across each of our campuses. Over the past five years alone, more than 15,500 students have participated in SOLD workshops, reflecting the program’s broad reach and sustained impact, said Hoopaugh.

As part of this recognition, Littles and Hoopaugh were invited to present the SOLD Workshop Series at the 2026 NASPA National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in March, where they shared the program’s model and impact with higher education professionals from across the globe.

The NASPA Excellence Awards represent one of the most respected recognitions in the field of Student Affairs, honoring innovative and high-impact programs that transform student experiences in higher education around the world. The national recognition from NASPA underscores OSA’s dedication to fostering student success through innovative programming and leadership education.

91Âț»­app’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Community Programs are buzzing this spring, with a lineup of community courses ranging from beekeeping and wine education to regional historical experiences. 

Through the Community Programs series, CPE offers a variety of courses, workshops and events designed to engage learners of all ages.

“Continuing and Professional Education exists to make Georgia Southern accessible to everyone, not just students pursuing a degree,” said Business and Marketing Manager Jamie Burke.

The six-week course will begin March 24 at 5:15 p.m. at the CPE Center. Designed for the enthusiast looking to start their own hive or better understand bees, the course will be led by expert Bobby Colson and include lessons on bee behavior and hive management to promote health, production and sustainability.

Wine enthusiasts can also get a taste of CPE offerings with . This exclusive event features wines from Poggio ai Laghi, a Tuscan winery known for its regional craftsmanship and dedication to traditional winemaking. Guests 21 and older will have the unique opportunity to taste a curated selection of wines guided by professional sommeliers traveling from Tuscany, offering firsthand insight into the vineyards, varietals and winemaking traditions of the region.

The sessions will be held at Savannah Technical Institute’s Culinary Institute April 9 and at the CPE Center in Statesboro April 10. 

“Experiences like this create a meaningful bridge between education and culture,” said CPE Director Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D. “Through our partnership with Poggio ai Laghi winery, guests have the opportunity to engage directly with the people and traditions behind the wines. It’s a unique way to connect our local community to the global village.”

Later in April, Professor Emeritus of History John K. Derden, Ph.D., will take history enthusiasts on a guided tour tracing Sherman’s March to the Sea through Emanuel, Jenkins and Burke counties. Starting at the Fulford Center Meeting Room on the East Georgia Campus, the tour offers rare access to historic roads, visiting authentic campsites, antebellum plantation sites and the legendary Camp Lawton. 

Additional programming this spring includes a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process of stained glass through , as well as a workshop to design a one-of-a-kind accessory ready to wear to CPE’s Run for the Roses Gala and watch party May 2. 

“These types of programs open the door for community members to explore new interests while engaging with the University,” said Burke. “They are helping build a culture of lifelong learning across our area.”

for more information on CPE’s community programs.

91Âț»­app’s Counseling Center has earned a full 10-year re-accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) for its doctoral internship in health service psychology. The re-accreditation follows a rigorous, multi-year review process that included comprehensive self-study, program evaluation and an on-site assessment by APA-appointed reviewers. 

Mark Taracuk, Ph.D., training director for the Counseling Center, said this achievement underscores the program’s exceptional training quality and its impact on preparing future psychologists for careers in collegiate mental health. He said receiving the maximum 10-year accreditation term reflects the strength, stability and national recognition of the program.

“Our re-accreditation is vital to the continued success of the internship and enables us to keep contributing to the field of psychology by training psychologists with the specialized skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in collegiate mental health,” said Taracuk. “The University’s strong support throughout this process has been essential and reflects its broader commitment to holistic student development, including mental health, by investing in the training of competent providers in the specialty of collegiate mental health.”

One of only 10 APA-accredited doctoral internships in the state of Georgia and among more than 700 sites nationwide, the program has grown significantly since it was established in 2010. After earning initial accreditation in 2017 with two interns per year, the program now accepts four doctoral interns annually through the National Match Service. To date, 42 interns have completed the program.

Liz Deibel, a Counseling Center intern from Roosevelt University’s Clinical Psychology program, said the variety in cases and responsibilities has been constructive to her career ambitions.

“Georgia Southern has been a great site for my internship,” said Deibel. “Everyone at the Counseling Center is very supportive and has helped me in growing my professional independence and getting specialized training prior to graduation. I’ve been able to facilitate group therapy, provide relationship counseling and get more experience with rural populations.”

At Georgia Southern, interns are immersed in a learner-centered, year-long training model that blends instruction with hands-on clinical practice in a collegiate setting. This approach prepares interns to understand and treat the unique mental health needs of college students while working within a multidisciplinary campus environment.

Throughout the year, interns develop proficiency in nine profession-wide competencies required by the APA: research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values and attitudes, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills. Along with supervision from licensed psychologists, interns refine skills in therapy, psychological assessment, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation.

“Graduate students typically complete several practicum experiences, but the doctoral internship is the most essential hands-on training they receive,” said Taracuk. “Our program gives interns supportive, comprehensive and formative experiences that help them integrate theory, research, and professional standards into their practice.”

91Âț»­app and Coastal Harbor Behavioral Health have teamed up to ensure students who need more comprehensive mental health care can access resources beyond campus. 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the 91Âț»­app Counseling Center and Coastal Harbor will collaborate to establish a framework for communication, referral procedures and ongoing coordination to support students and their care needs.

“This partnership is particularly beneficial for students because it expands access to care beyond what the Counseling Center alone can provide,” said Ty White, case manager for the Georgia Southern Counseling Center. “Coastal Harbor offers specialized and extended mental health services, which can be especially helpful for students needing longer-term or more intensive support. Additionally, collaboration between the Counseling Center and Coastal Harbor allows for smoother referrals, shared care coordination and improved overall support for student mental health and well-being.”

Under the MOU, the Counseling Center may refer students to Coastal Harbor for services such as inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization, psychiatric evaluation and other intensive behavioral health interventions when clinically indicated. Coastal Harbor agrees to provide timely assessment, communicate admission decisions and coordinate with the Counseling Center regarding continuity of care, discharge planning and follow-up recommendations.

“Both Coastal Harbor Behavioral Health and Georgia Southern’s Counseling Center are dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental health intervention and self-care,” said Sneha Patel, CEO of Coastal Harbor Health System. “The established MOU outlines best practices for both institutions once a student is referred to and/or elected to receive inpatient therapeutic care at Coastal Behavioral Health. The intention is to serve as a therapeutic blueprint upon discharge.”

This partnership also ensures a continuity of care should a student return to campus with additional needs, as it connects the on-campus and off-campus systems to reduce gaps in care.

The 91Âț»­app Counseling Center provides comprehensive mental health support to enrolled students through free, confidential counseling services and wellness programs. Services are designed to empower students to manage personal challenges, promote emotional resilience and support academic success. Counseling services are available at no additional cost to all enrolled Georgia Southern students aged 18 and older. 

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has selected a 91Âț»­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.

Morgan Kieffer, a 91Âț»­app sport management master’s student, is proof that classroom lessons can launch students into life-changing, real-world experiences.

Born and raised in Sharpsburg, Georgia, she grew up playing soccer and describes herself as naturally competitive. While she continues to compete on a semi-pro team out of Dublin, Georgia, she looks for ways to grow professionally on the administrative side of her favorite sports.

That lifelong passion for athletics eventually steered her toward a career in sports nutrition. After completing her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science at Georgia Southern, Kieffer immediately transitioned into the University’s sport management master’s program. 

“I go watch a ton of sports anytime I can, and then I just got really intrigued with nutrition and how nutrition really affects the body and performance,” she said. “So, I put two and two together, and thought to myself — that’s what I want to do.”

That passion for performance led her to an international opportunity that few students experience. While researching internships and global networking programs, Kieffer discovered Women in Football, a U.K.-based organization that supports women pursuing careers in the sports industry. When she learned about the group’s annual Women in Football Conference at Wembley Stadium, she applied for both the conference scholarship and a travel grant offered through the Georgia Southern Graduate Student Organization. She was awarded both.

“I thought, ‘I might as well just sign up for one of the free tickets, even though I probably won’t get it,’” she laughed. “And then I got it.”

At the conference, Kieffer joined panels led by international sports leaders and executives from Spain, England and Norway. Speakers discussed topics such as breaking industry barriers and career development for women in football. The experience expanded Kieffer’s understanding of how sports organizations across the world are working to create more equitable opportunities.

Of course, no trip to England is complete without taking in a match. Kieffer attended a national team game at Wembley, where she experienced international soccer culture firsthand.

Not just that, but the second-year graduate student was finally able to watch the sport she loved in one of the game’s most famous venues.

“I was wearing a jersey of one club and someone came up to me and they were just like trying to talk smack about the club,” Kieffer recalled. “So, it was kind of funny how passionate everyone is. It was really cool.”

91Âț»­app’s East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro will soar to new heights with the announcement of the campus’s new athletics name and logo. At the start of the next East Georgia Campus athletic season, student-athletes will compete as the Georgia Southern Golden 91Âț»­app. The program is working toward National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) membership.

The Golden 91Âț»­app represent a culture built on earning success through hard work and perseverance. The program embraces the grind that reveals true commitment to sport and turns that reality into a competitive advantage. More than a team, the Golden 91Âț»­app are a family — fostering a campus environment where relentless student-athletes are known, supported and developed as whole people. As a four-year NAIA program, the Golden 91Âț»­app will be built to fly, transforming the campus from a stepping stone into a launchpad where student-athletes can build continuity, recognition and something lasting. 

“The launch of the Golden 91Âț»­app marks a defining moment for our East Georgia Campus. This new identity reflects the resilience, determination and pride that already exist within our student-athletes and our Swainsboro community,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As we pursue NAIA membership, we are not simply changing a name — we are expanding opportunity, strengthening our commitment to student success, and building a program where student-athletes can grow, compete and leave a lasting legacy.”

The new name was selected following information and branding sessions with East Georgia Campus students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, campus leaders and community held over the last several months. 

The Golden 91Âț»­app logo showcases a left-facing eagle head with a fierce determination echoing the dedication that the coaches, staff and student-athletes exhibit each and every day. The design glistens with a golden foundation creating a focal point of distinction while adding to the rich tradition of Georgia Southern’s proud Eagle Nation. The new logo is an extension for Georgia Southern, representing how the institution continues to grow and impact more communities. 

Joe Heikkinen has been selected to direct East Georgia Campus athletics. Heikkinen is a former Division 1 football scholar athlete at Rice University. He has coached at the collegiate, high school, youth and professional levels with experience in strengthening academic and athletic outcomes. With more than 20 years of professional experience in sales and operations, he has led teams, managed significant budgets and developed sustainable systems. Heikkinen joined the Golden 91Âț»­app in February. 

“I am incredibly honored to join our East Georgia Campus and the greater Eagle Nation at such an exciting time,” said Heikkinen. “The Golden 91Âț»­app brand represents more than a new identity. This is about creating pride across campus and throughout our local community. It represents our commitment to developing student-athletes who succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life. I look forward to sharing this vision with our fans and partners in April.” 

A special community event celebrating the launch of Golden 91Âț»­app Athletics is scheduled for April 27, 2026, on the University’s East Georgia Campus. Heikkinen and Golden 91Âț»­app student-athletes will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, while attendees get a first look at the full Golden 91Âț»­app athletics brand, including uniform concepts and facility branding. The event will also feature updates on athletic facilities and the University’s transition to the NAIA.

The program, led by , is proud to announce a new partnership with 91Âț»­app to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Funded by the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, focusing on casting, forging and plate rolling.

Georgia Southern’s Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) program will implement METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum in its program, beginning with a combination of online training and immersive in-person bootcamps held at a manufacturing lab, equipped for metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities.

In addition to adult training, these programs will lead outreach efforts for K–12 students by offering workshops and partnering with high schools and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers.

“The hands-on training students and job seekers will experience through METAL’s partnership with Georgia Southern will teach them industry-ready skills they can apply immediately,” said Lucinda Curry, METAL National Workforce Manager at IACMI. “These are high-demand, high-impact careers and exposing students to modern metalworking helps build a pipeline of talent ready to support American manufacturing and innovation.”

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants may enter a stacked curriculum offering a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

“We are excited to partner with METAL to provide hands-on and computational learning experiences using our exceptional manufacturing facilities,” said Mingzhi Xu, Ph.D., FEF Key Professor at Georgia Southern. “By opening our foundry and laboratories to the broader community, we are proud to support METAL’s mission and help prepare the public for high-impact careers in modern metal manufacturing.”

91Âț»­app’s partnership with METAL includes:

• Online training, progressing to hands-on, in-person bootcamps conducted within a manufacturing lab, equipped with metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities
• Execute a minimum of 12 in-person bootcamps for at least 150 participants throughout the course of its tenure
• Host at least six open foundry nights for a minimum of 200 K-12 students
• Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges. This strategic partnership will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curriculum, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing. 
• Participate in a comprehensive Train the Trainer initiative, which aims to equip future METAL program partner schools and training centers with the knowledge and capability to host bootcamps
• Establish academic credit for secondary and post-secondary students and non-credit pathways including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and future educational opportunities in metallurgy.

Georgia Southern’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State and Purdue University. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.