91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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

Georgia native William (Xander) Russell chose 91Âţ»­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. Pérez 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 91Âţ»­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.”

91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­app’s Leadership Development Institutes, visit the Leadership Development Institute webpage.

91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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, 91Âţ»­app,

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

About 91Âţ»­app
91Âţ»­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 .

Romanian lecturer Mihaela Udristioiu, Ph.D. has returned to 91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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.

91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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.

91Âţ»­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.

91Âţ»­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.”

91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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 91Âţ»­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.