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GSW accounting students, in partnership with the Sumter County Extension Service, are offering free tax preparation services to the Americus community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This initiative aims to improve family economic well-being and stability while providing GSW students with hands-on experience in tax preparation and financial literacy.
Developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free tax assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals, generally those with a household income of $60,000 or less, who may need help preparing their federal and state tax returns.
The VITA program is integrated into GSW’s service-learning course in federal individual taxation. Through this hands-on experience, students complete IRS certification, conduct client interviews, gather and review tax documents, accurately prepare federal income tax returns, and meet with clients again to finalize filings and offer future financial planning, enhancing their understanding of community engagement and social responsibility.
Read more about the VITA program.
Georgia Southwestern and the GSW Alumni Association hosted its fourth annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the new Griffin Bell Conference Center, bringing together over 250 guests for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. The sold-out, black-tie fundraiser honored GSW’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award winners and helped raise over $17,000 for scholarships from the silent auction.
“This signature event is a testament to the unwavering support GSW alumni have for their alma mater,” said Angela Smith, alumni engagement specialist. “It is always an honor to celebrate our Outstanding Alumni Award winners, who reflect the caliber of students we are producing today. I am incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support from those who made an event of this magnitude possible.”
Guests heard remarks from scholarship recipient and student leader Madeline Taylor, a senior accounting major from Buena Vista, GSW President Dr. Michelle Johnston, GSW Alumni Association Chair Ryan Garnto, and GSW Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Benton. Scott Westbrook served as emcee, guiding attendees through the recognition of the evening’s distinguished honorees whose professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to service exemplify the values of Georgia Southwestern. The celebration concluded with live music by Catfish Johnson and the Hushpuppies.
Learn more about the Gold Force Gala.
Twenty-seven students have been selected to one of Georgia Southwestern State University’s most prestigious and oldest organizations on campus, the GSW Marshals.
Established in 1939, the GSW Marshals are student ambassadors who serve as university hosts for special events including commencement, convocations and donor receptions among others. Students are recommended by faculty or staff for their leadership, communication and enthusiasm for GSW, and complete a thorough application, interview and training process.
“These outstanding servant leaders are some of our best students on campus. The networking opportunities they get to have by interacting with faculty, staff, board members, alumni and community leaders plays an important role in their college experience,” said David Jenkins, Ed.D., director of First-Year Experience and Student Success and advisor to the Marshals.
Learn more about the 2025-26 Marshals.
Nursing faculty attend GANE conferenceDean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Courtney Ross, D.H.A., Lecturer of Nursing Paige Long, and Lecturer of Nursing Sandra Leigh Swords attended the Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE) Conference at Lake Oconee.
Long also served as the program planning chair for the conference.
GANE provides nursing educators across the state opportunities to influence and improve nursing education, impact practice and improve health care for the citizens of Georgia, promote nursing research, and collaborate with other health care disciplines and organizations as we seek to meet these objectives.
The Office of Information and Instructional Technology is proud to share the work it’s been doing with interns this Spring semester. Senior computer science major Aiden Jordan has been working directly with Senior Systems Administrator William Miller. They have been working on a project to repurpose VMWare server hosts that were recently replaced for IIT’s systems and security staff.
Luke McKie, a senior at Southland Academy, shadowed IT staff for a week in February. In his interactions with staff, he learned about topics such as computer repair, software installation, server vulnerability and management, operation and security of GSW's data center, video editing, the new voice-over-IP telephone system and help desk support. He also reviewed the business procedure manual and learned about incident response and disaster recovery planning.
"We are fortunate to have relationships with entities inside and outside of our campus community that we can partner with to provide educational opportunities to students," said Technology Services Director Bob Slenker.
As athletes from around the world compete on the global stage at this year’s Winter Games, one member of Georgia Southwestern State University’s freshman class already knows what it feels like to stand atop the podium.
Jayda Hughes, of Moultrie, Ga., won a gold medal in Alpine Skiing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. In addition to gold, she earned two bronze medals in other skiing events, bringing home three medals in her first World Games appearance.
Hughes was one of only three athletes from Georgia selected to compete at the 2025 Games, where she faced more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries.
Now a fine arts major at GSW, Hughes concentrates in ceramics. Her pottery and artwork have been exhibited at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. She says the encouragement she received from the GSW community meant everything as she prepared for international competition.
“Everyone at GSW was very supportive, gave me prayers and blessings and told me very encouraging words,” Hughes said.
Although she has only been skiing for about five years, her coach, Mitchell McKinney, describes her as a natural skier with “raw talent.” Hughes first tried skiing at age 14 on a trip with Special Olympics to Boone, N.C. Because Georgia rarely sees snow, she is typically able to practice just once a year. Even so, McKinney says she has impressed coaches from around the world with her determination and skill.
Learn more about Hughes and her Special Olympics trip.
Lum Fube, Arul Thason and Elizabeth Taliaferro have achieved a significant academic milestone by publishing their capstone research in PLOSONE, a peer-reviewed journal. These senior biology students spent their last academic year designing, conducting and refining original research projects as part of their capstone requirements.
Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Biology and Thomas Distinguished Biology Chair Surya Amarachintha, Ph.D., they studied Biliary atresia (BA), a neonatal disease characterized by loss of bile duct and affects one in 10,000 children born in USA. Children with BA develop liver failure and require liver transplantation. Applying rigorous methodologies and contributing fresh insights to ongoing scholarly research, GSW students have identified a novel molecular pathway contributing to the progression of the disease. After completing their projects, the students worked through the formal submission and peer-review process. Their work, titled "Taurocholic acid induces intrahepatic cholangiocyte cell proliferation via activating NRAS and YAP1”, was ultimately accepted for publication, marking a rare and notable achievement for undergraduate researchers.
The published research not only highlights the students’ academic excellence but also reflects GSW’s emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate scholarships. Such achievements enhance students’ readiness for graduate study and professional careers, while elevating the institution’s research profile. Funding for the projects was provided by Thomas Chair Foundation and Department of Biology.
Nutt twice named PBC Freshman of the WeekPitcher Johnny Nutt has been named the Peach Belt Conference Baseball Freshman of the Week for two consecutive weeks.
For the week of Feb. 16, Nutt had a standout performance in the Hurricanes' series finale against USC Beaufort. He delivered seven strong innings in Sunday's 6-1 victory to secure the series sweep. The Fitzgerald, Ga., native retired the first seven batters he faced and set the side down in order three separate times, keeping the Sand Sharks off balance throughout the afternoon.
For the week of Feb 23, Nutt had another for his standout performance in the Hurricanes' series finale against Georgia College & State University. He delivered seven strong innings in Sunday's 11-3 victory to secure the series win and held the Bobcats to just one unearned run through six innings during a stretch where he retired 10 consecutive batters.
Nutt ranks fifth in the Peach Belt in opposing batting average during league play (.146) and is tied for sixth fewest hits allowed overall by a starter (14).
Nursing students present at capitolOn Feb. 18, BSN students Taylor Baptista and Emily Davis traveled to the capitol in Atlanta with Assistant Professor Rhonda Slocumb, Ph.D., and presented their group poster, conducted alongside Trinity Johnson and Allie Dalton, titled "How Can We Reduce CAUTI Rates in the Hospital?" Their project looked at the occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and possible solutions to decrease the rate of occurrence.
Fifty undergraduate posters from a wide variety of disciplines were presented by university students from around Georgia. Students were able to see the work of other undergraduate students in other disciplines. The Georgia Legislature was in session, and the poster gallery was open for all to visit.
Dullabh wins in Summit ChampionshipMBA student Neeshel Dullabh (center) competed in The Summit Championship in East Rutherford, N.J. this January. He placed in several categories, including:
The Summit Championship is a premier annual international Afro Latin dance competition based in the U.S. and is often highlighted as a top event within the World Latin League. It features elite dancers in various styles, including salsa, bachata, kizomba, cha-cha, merengue and various other forms as part of a high-level competition circuit.
Nursing students, led by Lecturer of Nursing Sandra Leigh Swords, attended a conference at Shepherd Center in Atlanta that focused on patient care for those with brain or spinal cord injuries.
Dr. Glenn Robins, chair and professor of history, has published "Georgia’s Debt of Gratitude: The Politics of Securing Benefits for Vietnam Veterans" in the most recent edition of the Georgia Historical Quarterly. The article demonstrates how Jimmy Carter and Max Cleland led Georgia’s debate regarding the state’s obligation to Vietnam veterans. Their efforts demonstrate that Georgia supported pragmatic legislative solutions to Vietnam veteran readjustment issues, and employed a rhetoric of gratitude that cast the war’s veterans as patriotic citizen soldiers. The article is a revisionist counter argument to the orthodox view of both the Vietnam War and the antiwar movements.
Professor and Chair of English and Modern Languages Michael A. Moir, Jr., Ph.D., published an essay titled "In and Out of Faerie: England and the Perilous Realm in Farmer Giles of Ham and Smith of Wootton Major" in "Critical Insights: J.R.R. Tolkien," edited by Joseph Michael Summers and published by Salem Press. The essay is part of a larger project on which Moir has been working in which he analyzes the relationship between fantasy writing and English cultural identity, and for which he has a publishing contract with Lexington Books.
Abbott and Jenkins present at Seattle conferenceProvost Rachel Abbott, Ph.D., and Director of First-Year Experience and Student Success David Jenkins, Ed.D., presented at the 45th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience in Seattle, Washington in February 2026. Their presentation, "Partnering for Progress: Integrating Academic and Student Affairs in First-Year Seminar Redesign highlighted strategies that foster student engagement, belonging, academic growth, and improved retention through integrated curricular and co-curricular efforts.
The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition serves education professionals by supporting and advancing efforts to improve student learning and transition into and through higher education. Over 1,600 higher education professionals were in attendance representing 49 states and 10 different countries.
Also attending the conference were Kina Davis, University College and Student Success Coordinator, and Marlee McArthur, Academic Resource Coordinator.
Assistant Dean of the College of Education and Professor Chris Pritchett, Ed.D., presented at the 2026 Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting on February 9, 2026. The national conference was held in Arlington, Virginia. The title of his presentation was "Teaching Elementary Science: Preparation, Perceptions, and Practices."
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A., presented at the Humanities Education and Research Association’s (HERA) national conference on February 26. His presentation, "Higher Education at Risk: A Deep Dive into Data Breach Vulnerabilities," explores data breach vulnerabilities within higher education compared to other industries such as retail, manufacturing, financial, and healthcare.
Associate Professor Michael Crosby, Ed.D., and Assistant Dean of the College of Education and Professor Chris Pritchett, Ed.D., presented at the 2026 Georgia Science Teachers Association Conference held in Macon on Feb. 13. The title of their presentation was "Ziploc Cell Models: A Hands-On Make and Take for Science Teachers." Approximately 30 teachers representing elementary, middle and high schools across the State of Georgia attended the session. The session presented an alternative method of teaching cell parts and functions. Teachers could easily adapt the information presented to their own classroom to increase student performance.
Lisa Courtney joined the Division of University Advancement as the advancement services and operations manager on February 2.
Tripp Larkey, dual enrollment and student success coordinator in the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success, left that role on February 6.
Danielle Crawford, coordinator of fitness and wellness in the Office of Recreation and Wellness, left that role on February 6.
Eric Crawford, senior associate director in the Department of Athletics, left that role on February 11.
Joseph Barber, head men's soccer coach in the Department of Athletics, left that role on February 13.
Ashton Bledsoe, student accounts coordinator in the Office of Student Accounts, let that role on February 27.
Hollis D. Clayton passed away on September 18, 2025. He retired as an electrician in Physical Plant.
Professor Emeritus William "Hap" Tietjen, Ph.D., passed away on September 23, 2025.
John F. Henry, Ph.D. passed away on October 6, 2025. He served as a professor and head of the management department in the School of Business before his retirement.
Leona Mae Cartwright passed away on December 6, 2025. She retired from the accounting department.
Assistant Professor Emeritus Reginald "Reggie" Comer passed away on December 16, 2025. He retired in 2000 from the Department of English and Foreign Languages, where he taught French, Spanish and German for 30 years. He returned to teaching at GSW part-time in 2011 and enjoyed taking study abroad groups to France.
Jerry Rowland passed away on January 19, 2026. He retired as a professor in School of Business, where he taught marketing and began the local chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Georgia Southwestern held its 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on Feb. 25 with civil rights icon and Freedom Singer Rutha Harris serving as the keynote speaker. The ceremony also included performances from the GSW Concert Choir and Southwest Civic Chorus, Sumter County High School Select Choir, and the GSW Gospel Choir with the wreath presentation by the Sumter County High School JROTC. Several area schools were also in attendance.
Read more about Harris and find photos from the event on GSW's Facebook page.
GSW accounting graduate Connor Briggs recently spoke to the local Rotary Club about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and shared his experience serving as a student volunteer.
The VITA program provides free tax preparation for the community, GSW faculty, staff, and students with household income under $60,000, in partnership with the Sumter County Extension Service. Services began on Feb. 9 and are completed by IRS-certified student volunteers under faculty supervision.
Hobbs and Diep judge SkillsUSA ChampionshipsAssistant Professor of Information Technology Jonathan Hobbs, D.Sc., and COBAC Instructional Technology Support Minh Diep were invited to serve as judges for the SkillsUSA Championships State competition at South Georgia Technical College in Americus.
The SkillsUSA Championships is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels.
The event showcased talented students and provided a valuable opportunity to support SkillsUSA while partnering with fellow institutions to promote career-ready skills and student success.
On Jan. 29, Associate Professor of Accounting Sondra Smith, D.B.A. accompanied three accounting students—Xavier Blodgett, Ashlyn Thomason, and Dajanai Downs—to CPA Day at the Gold Dome at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Hosted annually by the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA), CPA Day at the Gold Dome is a free advocacy event that brings together CPAs, accounting professionals, and students from across Georgia to connect with lawmakers and discuss critical issues affecting the profession. The 2026 event welcomed nearly 150 participants who gathered to build relationships with legislators, gain insight into the legislative process, and advocate for the future of the CPA profession in Georgia.
Throughout the day, participants met with state representatives, observed legislative proceedings, and networked with professionals from across the state. The experience provided students with firsthand exposure to the intersection of accounting, public policy, and professional advocacy. Attendees also had the opportunity to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit. The visit reinforced the importance of civic engagement, ethical leadership, and professional involvement—core values emphasized within GSW’s accounting program.
"The students sincerely loved this experience and asked me to do it every year—even though we did leave at 4 am!" said Smith.
The Annual Pucks & Chucks event on Saturday, January 10, brought together 40 GSW Alumni & Friends to Columbus for a pregame at The Mix Market followed by an action-packed hockey game with the Columbus River Dragons. The GSW crowd even snagged a picture with mascots Torch and Scorch. This family-friendly event was the largest group to-date as the event continues to grow in popularity each year.
English students and faculty members took a field trip to the Middle Georgia Literary Festival in Warner Robins on Saturday, Feb. 7. Hosted by Between Friends Coffee and Between Friends Publishing in collaboration with the City of Warner Robins and Visit Warner Robins, this annual festival brings together writers, publishers, artists, and readers. Attendees spent the day networking with authors and participating in writing workshops.
From Feb. 6-7, GSW hosted the 2026 Georgia Association of Accounting Educators (GAAE) Annual Conference, welcoming accounting faculty from colleges and universities across the state. The conference theme, “Integrity in Action: Leading with Ethics & Accountability,” focused on the evolving role of ethics, fraud prevention, and professional responsibility in accounting education. A highlight of the conference was keynote speaker Cynthia Cooper, internationally recognized as the WorldCom whistleblower and a champion of ethical leadership. Her message on courage, integrity, and accountability resonated deeply with attendees and reinforced the vital role educators play in preparing the next generation of accountants.
The program also featured a dynamic roundtable discussion on The State of Fraud in the Accounting Profession, bringing together a distinguished panel that included a CPA firm partner, a director of the Georgia State Board of Accountancy, the CEO of the city’s electric company, a retired professional with experience in fund management and public accounting, and a recent audit professional. The conversation explored ethical expectations, emerging fraud risks, technology’s impact on detection and prevention, and how accounting education must evolve to meet these challenges.
In addition to the academic sessions, attendees enjoyed unique extracurricular experiences that showcased Americus and the surrounding community. A special meeting was held at the historic Rylander Hotel, where Boyd Search, CEO of the Georgia Society of CPAs, addressed participants. Following the conference, guests boarded a trolley to Plains, touring sites connected to former President Jimmy Carter’s childhood home, high school and residence, and even enjoying the town’s famous peanut butter ice cream.
"As President of GAAE this past year (and an officer for the past 4 years), it was my honor to host the state conference and to formally pass the gavel to our new President, Mike Wiggins of Georgia Southern University," said Associate Professor of Accounting Sondra Smith, D.B.A. "The 2026 conference was a meaningful celebration of professional collaboration, ethical leadership, and the continued strength of accounting education in Georgia."
"A special thank you to our President, Dr. Michelle Johnston, for welcoming everyone to the conference, along with Dr. Rachel Abbot and Dr. Gaynor Cheokas attending," said Smith. "In addition, Madeline Taylor, accounting major, was my Executive Assistant, and I could not have done this without her and our wonderful student volunteers."
The Department of Chemistry, Geology, & Physics at GSW and the Southwest Georgia Local Section of the American Chemical Society sponsored demonstrations for the STEAM Night event at Schley County Elementary School in Ellaville Thursday February 12, 2026. At the event, Professor of Chemistry Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., and chemistry major students Kayden Poole and Kenneth Daniels made liquid nitrogen ice cream and served it to more than 100 elementary school students and parents. The students were excited to observe the process of making the ice cream and enjoyed its wonderful taste. The students also observed the levitation of a magnet over a superconductor.
A large group of travelers from GSW Alumni & Friend's trip to Iceland gathered for a reunion luncheon hosted by Leon Holloway at The Carnegie in Americus on Saturday, Jan. 17. Everyone brought a dish to share for a traditional potluck meal, including special cookies inspired by the Iceland adventure. Nearly 30 were in attendance to share in the fun, food, fellowship and a special slideshow of pictures from the trip which played during the meal. Everyone in attendance received some group photographs, a special wooden luggage tag as a favor and door prize ticket for the prize drawing at the end of the event.
"I just want to thank all the Alumni Legacy Students, GSW Marshals and GSW alumni who volunteered their talents and assistance before, during and after the Gold Force Gala. The event was a tremendous success despite the crazy-cold temperatures and I'm so grateful for everyone who lent a hand! Thank you again!"
Find more events on the GSW academic calendar, on Canes Connect, and on the Events Open to the Community webpage.
