Dr. Neal Weaver was named the 11^th President of Georgia Southwestern State University in April 2017 and began his duties on July 15 after serving three years as the Vice President for Advancement and Innovation at Nicholls State University.

Since arriving at GSW, President Weaver has focused the University on growing enrollment through enhanced recruitment efforts and a commitment to student success, connecting academic programs to the economic and workforce needs of the region, and improving the campus’ facilities and technology infrastructure.

Over the past five years, enrollment has increased more than 9 percent with incoming freshmen, graduate programs, dual enrollment, and returning students all seeing improvement. These gains have produced the highest enrollment in GSW’s history with more than 3,160 students attending classes on campus in Americus or in one of the University’s online programs.

Adding new degree programs focused on connecting GSW graduates with the high demand jobs in the southeast region of the United States has been a key element of the GSW transformation under President Weaver. New programs such as Long-Term Care Management, Communication and Emerging Media, Associate of Science in Nursing, and the addition of the Executive MBA have opened new opportunities for students to complete degrees that are desired by employers in the region and across the country. With the introduction of the Entrepreneurship Program and the Pope Professorship in Women and Minority Business Development, GSW is working with students who are focused on creating new businesses to serve their communities.    

Since 2017, President Weaver has led the effort to secure more than $20 million for campus facilities and infrastructure improvements. These improvements include the $3.4 million renovation of Canes Central, $3.5 million renovation of the Florrie Chappell Gymnasium, $4 million renovation of the Griffin Bell Conference Center, $1.2 million construction of the Baseball and Softball Indoor Training Facility, new network solutions in every campus residence hall, and technology upgrades in campus classrooms.  

President Weaver believes GSW is at its best when we are investing in the people who make GSW a special place, creating opportunities for students to discover their purpose, and developing graduates who are ready for a professional career. By embracing GSW’s strengths and unique qualities, President Weaver has worked with the faculty, staff, students, and alumni to enhance the University’s ability to springboard students to a life of consequence.