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GSW continues to raise the bar in technology education with a major success in its innovative Information IT Server Management course. In just its second year, the course has achieved an 80 percent student pass rate for the rigorous Hybrid Server Pro certification, a clear upward trend that highlights the growing strength and real-world value of GSW’s Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science programs.
Offered as part of GSW’s initiative to modernize its IT curriculum and align with ABET accreditation standards, this course provides students with the critical skills needed to manage today’s complex hybrid environments, including Windows Server 2022 and Azure Cloud infrastructure. The impressive certification rate signals that GSW students are more desirable to employers upon graduation, showcasing their proven ability to manage both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
“This upward trend in certification success is more than just a number,” said Jonathan Hobbs, assistant professor of Information Technology. “It’s a strong indicator that our students are not only grasping advanced concepts but are excelling in applying them; a skillset highly valued in today’s IT workforce.”
Learn more about the certification.
GSW commuter students Philip Eisel-Elder of Decatur, Jayden Holloway of Ideal and Melea Perry of Dawson have each been awarded a $1,000 gas card through a competitive essay contest. The program is made possible by Charles Eames, a philanthropist from Waycross, and Perry Brothers Oil Company in Americus.
As travel costs continue to rise, the financial strain of commuting has become a significant challenge for many GSW students. The gas card program is designed to ease this burden, helping students remain focused on their academic goals while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Learn more about the gas card program.
Recent Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) graduate Boone Prince of Cairo leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service and academic excellence – and steps confidently into a promising future in healthcare. A December 2025 graduate with a degree in exercise science, Boone participated in one of GSW’s pre-professional pathway programs and has been accepted into the occupational therapy program at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where he will begin classes in May 2026.
Boone credits Georgia Southwestern with preparing him exceptionally well for this next chapter. “The exercise science major here at GSW was perfect for getting me ready for the field of occupational therapy,” he said. “The program taught me so much about my future career and did an amazing job preparing me for graduate school. The professors truly care about us as students. They want us to succeed and achieve our goals. The guidance and support I’ve received is truly something special.”
The rigor of the exercise science curriculum, particularly the anatomy coursework, provided a strong foundation for the advanced clinical training Boone will pursue as an occupational therapist. Just as impactful was the mentorship he received from faculty, who helped him explore graduate programs, career pathways and areas of therapy best aligned with his strengths and interests.
Drawn to GSW initially by its “family feel,” Boone says that sense of community remained constant throughout his time on campus. The entire GSW community has supported him not only to achieve success as a student but also to grow as an individual who can lead and serve the community around him.
Read more about Boone's experience at GSW.
GSW organizations raise over $4,000 for CASA, helping foster children’s Christmas wishes come trueThis holiday season, organizations at GSW came together in a heartwarming display of generosity, raising money for the foster children served by SOWEGA CASA, helping make their Christmas wishes come true.
GSW’s Staff Senate (right) raised over $400 from faculty and staff, using the funds to purchase four $100 gift cards, specifically for teenagers, ensuring that older foster children had the chance to experience the joy of the season.
And most impressive, Cohort 7 of the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program (below) organized a series of fundraising events raising more than $3,700 for SOWEGA CASA. These first-year students organized a variety of successful events their first semester in college, including percentage nights at local businesses 1800 and Pat’s Place, a pickleball tournament, a pie-in-the-face, boo grams and donations from family and local churches.
GSW's Department of Biology delivered more than 10 gallons of fresh, pesticide-free, hydroponically grown kale to Harvest of Hope Food Pantry in Americus, combining hands-on student learning with community service. The donation resulted from a Fall 2025 Plant Physiology class project directed by Professor Stephanie Harvey, Ph.D., where students gained practical experience with hydroponic cultivation while growing nutritious produce for those in need.
The students utilized a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system – a soilless growing method where plant roots are continuously bathed in a shallow stream of nutrient-rich water. This innovative approach allows plants to receive optimal levels of water, nutrients, and oxygen without traditional soil-based agriculture. The two-channel NFT system was developed last year through collaboration between Drs. Harvey and Wright, with a creative enhancement from Biology graduate student Aleyah Niette. Niette designed 3D-printed channel covers that block light from reaching the nutrient solution, limiting algae growth that can rob plants of essential nutrients.
Plant Physiology students Grayson Freeman, Delaney Thomas, Jackie Stokes and Anna Wheatley observed firsthand how the hydroponic system delivers the three essential components for plant growth. Through monitoring and maintaining the kale crop throughout the semester, students connected classroom theory with practical agricultural applications. The project exemplifies GSW Biology's commitment to experiential learning. While only a small donation relative to needs, it can also provide the opportunity for students to confront a global and local concern - food insecurity. The fresh kale from the Biology Greenhouse provided nutritious greens to a few families served by Harvest of Hope Food Pantry.
Pictured below are (left) young kale transplants, grown from seed, that were placed into the NFT system and (right) kale plants after 4 weeks of growth in the system.
The College of Business and Computing recognizes the achievements of four students enrolled in BUSA 2010 – Microcomputer Applications in Business who completed and passed Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel certification exams during the academic term. While the course is taught by Associate Professor Yangil Park, Ph.D., the certifications were earned through sustained preparation and successful completion of a rigorous, performance-based assessment that reflects real world business applications.
At the Microsoft Office Excel Associate level (Microsoft 365), Jimisha Lewis (bottom, pre-human resources), Sara Roberts (top, accounting) and Shereka Bentley (left, long-term care management) demonstrated proficiency in spreadsheet design, formula development, data organization, and analytical reporting. Each student met a demanding standard that reflects the expectations placed on Excel users in business operations.
Savannah Wood (right, pre-accounting) achieved the Microsoft Office Excel Expert level Certification, the highest credential in the MOS Excel sequence. This distinction shows advanced competence in complex formulas, PivotTables, multi-worksheet modeling, and high-level data analysis.
The results demonstrate an example of how a business course provides students with practical knowledge which supports their development of professional skills. The students used their industry-recognized certifications to show their documented skills which enhanced their academic records and made them ready for business and computing field careers that match their academic discipline.
Associate Professor of Communication Jonathan Carter, Ph.D., published a chapter titled "Ethics of Representation in Memes" in January 2025 in the book "Thinking Through Memes: Understanding How Memes Work." The chapter explores the politics/ethics of using memes and GIFs that feature bodies that come from marginalized communities.
Associate Professor Qian "Maggie" Wang, Ph.D., was recently featured on the credit and personal finance website WalletHub. Wang's expertise on "loud budgeting" was featured in an "Ask the Experts" column.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science Satyaki Nan, Ph.D., recently published "Modeling Risk Assessment in IC Supply Chains under Hardware Trojan Attacks Using Prospect Theory" at the 2025 IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM), Los Angeles, California. The abstract is available below:
Hardware Trojans (HTs) pose significant threats to Integrated Circuits (ICs), particularly when test procedures are outsourced to potentially malicious third parties. Traditional detection approaches often fail under stealthy, dynamic adversaries, such as malicious testers who behave honestly during most sessions and deviate intermittently, executing so-called On-Off attacks. This paper proposes a trust evaluation framework that moves beyond individual test outcomes and instead assesses the trustworthiness of aggregate test data over time. Our model uses Bayesian inference with ternary anomaly feedback (detected, not detected, and uncertain) to estimate belief states. A prospect-theoretic utility function captures varying system risk tolerances, enabling application-aware trust assessment. To counter on-off attacks, we introduce an asymmetric weighted moving average (AWMA) scheme that penalizes abrupt deviations more than rewards cooperative behavior. Simulation results demonstrate that our framework reliably detects transient threats, adapts to imperfect anomaly detection, and reflects critical system-level trust requirements.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Michelle Dykes, Ed.D., and Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing Teresa Teasley, D.N.P., presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Convention November 8-12 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dykes presented with former MSN student Elizabeth Cook on Virtual Blood Administration Escape Room. Dykes, Teasley and MSN student Hannah Ledger presented on Nurse Practitioner-Based Education Impact on Patient's Weight Loss Medication Decisions and Compliance.
Associate Professor of Communication Jonathan Carter, Ph.D., presented his paper "Digital Solidarity and Revolutionary Violence: Fanonian Ethics in Online Political Discourse" at the Forum for Contemporary Theory Conference in Pune, India December 15-18. The paper explores the relationship between political movements against colonizing powers and social media allyship in the western world. It concludes that better social media bolsters local voices rather than reinforcing the political views of distant supporters.
Director of First-Year Experience and Student Success David Jenkins, Ed.D., and Assistant Director Courtney Ellis presented at the University System of Georgia (USG) Momentum Summit on January 27. Their session, "Building Essential Skills in the First Year," highlighted the work of the First-Year Experience (FYE) Department in supporting students’ successful transition to college and fostering essential academic and career-readiness skills. The presentation showcased how the FYE program helps students develop critical skills and abilities throughout their first year. Established in 2018, the USG Momentum Summit provides institutions across the University System with an opportunity to share student success initiatives and collaborate on future strategies.
Yeung performs at events, presents in Mexico and ConnecticutSenior Lecturer of Music and Chinese, Alwen Yeung, had a busy fall 2025 semester. She started with "Piano Reflections: 4 hands reminiscing hymns of the faith" with Mark Watford on September 28. Then on October 7, she participated in the GSW Faculty and Friends Recital with her colleagues.
The very next week, Yeung flew to Merida, Mexico, to present "Beyond Hofstede and Meyer: Rethinking Cultural Frameworks in an Era of Hybrid Identities" at the Association of Global South Studies Annual Conference.
On October 26, her piano duo "Duo Fuerza," performed at "Music at the Meetinghouse Series: Steinway Sesquicentennial concert" in Madison, Connecticut (pictured). Yeung, along with her duo partner James D’Léon, performed at "Under the Dome Concert Series" in Americus, Georgia on November 9; then hosted a lecture performance for GSW UNIV 1000 students the next day. Her end of semester performance was the December 7 Christmas Concert with GSW, AFMC, FBC choirs and Albany Symphony Orchestra.
GSW's Sigma Theta Tau chapter earns Key AwardGSW's Mu Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society was awarded the Chapter Key Award During the Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in November 2025. The Chapter Key Award, established in 1991, honors Sigma chapters that excel in chapter-related activities such as chapter leadership and operations, membership recruitment and retention, communication and engagement, chapter service, awards and philanthropy. Accepting the Award was Professor Michelle Dykes, Ed.D., and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Teresa Teasley, D.N.P.
This is the fourth consecutive Chapter Key award for the Mu Pi Chapter. GSW was the second nursing school in the state of Georgia to receive this prestigious award and currently one of only three schools in the state to ever receive this award.
Chair and professor of History Glenn Robins, Ph.D., received an Award for Excellence in Documenting Georgia’s History from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council. In a ceremony at the Georgia Archives, University Librarian and Associate Provost at the University of Georgia P. Toby Graham presented the award. Robins has now received two state-wide honors for his book, "A Debt of Gratitude: How Jimmy Carter Put Vietnam Veterans’ Issues on the National Agenda."
Iesha Adams joined the Financial Aid as a financial aid specialist on December 8.
Dontavious Brown joined the Office of Campus Life as a part-time shuttle bus driver on December 8.
Rebecca (Becky) Bankston joined the Office of Auxiliary Services as the assistant director of events and auxiliary services on December 15.
Several new employees joined GSW on January 1, including:
Ernest "Calvin" Mathis joined Physical Plant as a painter on January 19.
As of August 1, Dawn Hart was promoted to Assistant Professor of Accounting in the College of Business and Computing. She previously served as a senior lecturer of accounting.
As of January 1, Andrea Kromminga has been promoted to Executive Director for Well Being in the Office of Student Health and Counseling Services. She previously served as the Director of Counseling Services.
On January 1, Allen Brown was named Chair of Business Undergraduate Programs in the College of Business and Computing. He also continues to serve as an associate professor of management.
On January 26, Marlee McArthur was named academic resource coordinator in the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success. She previously served as academic success coordinator in the same department.
RetirementsCarol Bishop, professor and associate dean of undergrad program in the College of Business and Computing, retired on December 31 after 16 years at GSW. Her colleagues celebrated her retirement just before Fall graduation.
Bishop won the Faculty Excellence in Advising award for 2021-22 and the Faculty Excellence in Scholarship award for 2017-18. Through her mentorship, leadership and steadfast dedication to students, Bishop has made a profound and lasting impact on the University community.
Erin Chapman, student records and transfer coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, left that role on January 5.
Caroline Franklin, academic resource coordinator in the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success, left that role on January 21.
Daniel Taylor, part-time instructor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, left that role on January 22.
Reginald "Reggie" Comer passed away on December 16. He was an assistant professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages and served as the department's chair. He retired in July 2000 with emeritus status.
Jerry Rowland passed away on January 19. He was an assistant professor in the School of Business when he retired in December 1995.
Hall earns MBAVice President for Business and Finance Jeff Hall earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Georgia in December. In his current role, Hall oversees the offices of Accounting Services, Purchasing, Materials Management, Auxiliary Services, Public Safety, Student Accounts and Physical Plant.
Hall earned two bachelor's degrees at GSW - a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2001 and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2005. He went on to serve as GSW's comptroller from 2010-2017 and as Albany State University's controller for three years before returning to GSW in 2020 as VP.
Scott earns MAIn December, Sydney Scott earned her Master of Arts in public relations and a graduate certificate in strategic business communication from Middle Georgia State University.
Scott is the multimedia specialist in the Department of University Relations. In this role, she handles graphic design of university materials including the Aeolian magazine, event photography, social media, The Breeze and more.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in dramatic arts with an emphasis in communication and media arts from GSW in 2017 and has worked in University Relations since 2018.
GSW's Chemistry Club visited the Americus branch of TCI Powder Coatings to explore one of the applications polymer chemistry on November 14, 2025. The tour highlighted the real-world applications toward different paint coatings depending upon the material being coated such as vehicles or a boats. This integrates aspects of chemistry and business with quality testing needing to be performed to service the customer's placed order.
Students were shown how polymers were tested for their tensile strength and the fact that if the desired strength isn't met, the starting material is reusable in the starting process to attempt to waste as little as possible. The tour used terms such as glass transition temperature (AKA Tg) and curing within an industrial setting to introduce career paths available to chemistry graduates beyond the lab. The tour was led by Donovan Maulden the HR Administrator and the Product Development Manager Tony Myrick.
After the lab tour the Chemistry Club stopped by Marketing Administrator Hailey Henderson’s office and while there had an opportunity to speak with TCI's Quality Assurance Coordinator, Alex Rennert. The Chemistry Club students who were able to attend were Claudine "Clae" Mae Rodriguez, Kayden Poole, Brandon Haire, and Kenneth "K.J." Daniels alongside Assistant Professor of Chemistry Claudia Parker.
Chemistry faculty, student participate in Marion STEAM NightThe Department of Chemistry, Geology, & Physics and the Southwest Georgia Local Section of the American Chemical Society sponsored demonstrations for the STEAM Night event at the Marion County Elementary School in Buena Vista, Georgia on January 15.
At the event, Professor of Chemistry Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., and junior chemistry major Jillian Haddow made liquid nitrogen ice cream and served it to more than 80 elementary school students who were excited to observe the process of making the ice cream and enjoyed its wonderful taste.
"Dear Professor Robert Bennett, thank you for making my Winter 2025 semester such a meaningful and motivating experience. Your dedication to teaching and your commitment to student success was shown in every lecture and assignment. I truly appreciated the clarity, patience, and enthusiasm you provided with every online resource. Your support helped me grow both academically and personally throughout the semester. I’m grateful for the positive impact you’ve had as a first year online student at GSW."
- Adela Jazvin
Find more events on the GSW academic calendar, on Canes Connect, and on the Events Open to the Community webpage.
