Staff

Abbott became interim Provost on February 1, 2025., bringing 22 years of experience within the University System of Georgia. Prior to her tenure at Georgia Southwestern State University, she was at the University of West Georgia as an Assistant Professor. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education and Health Promotion from the University of Alabama in 2005. She holds a Master of Education from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of degree from Longwood College. For the past 11 years, Abbott has held the position of Dean of the College of Education. Her recent work has focused on partnering with local schools and the Georgia Department of Education to introduce registered teacher apprenticeship programs to rural school systems in Georgia. In addition, she serves as a chair on Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) accreditation review teams and as an invited member of the Evaluation Review Panel for the GaPSC. 

Dr. Laughlin joined Georgia Southwestern State University in 2008. Since that time, he has held numerous leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Music, Communication & Emerging Media as well as Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to his tenure at GSW, he taught at Coker University (SC) and at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Dr. Laughlin received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Memphis, a Master of Business in Professional Leadership from Middle Georgia State University, a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (History) from Clayton State University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Alabama.

George Banketas is the Director of Institutional Research, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data that supports students and the university.  His role involves stewardship for metrics that advance continuous improvement, strategic planning, and communication with external agencies.  He joined GSW in 2019 following roles in data management and analysis at Warner Robbins AFB and in financial services. He has broad experience developing programs and configuring data extraction tools (e.g. Crystal, Tableau) and applying these to the management of the enterprise. He has a BS Degree in Computer Science, and recently obtained his Master's Degree in Computer Science at GSW.