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Graduates of Georgia Southwestern rank third in median earnings among institutions in the University System of Georgia (USG) one year after graduation, according to data compiled by the USG for alumni employed within the state.
The Georgia Institute of Technology and Augusta University ranked first and second, respectively. Both institutions are designated research universities with extensive doctoral programs, while GSW offers bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees.
“This ranking demonstrates the value of a Georgia Southwestern degree,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “Our graduates compete with those from the largest institutions in the USG. Our faculty and staff are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and real-world experiences they need to succeed after graduation. At an institution of our size, we take pride in delivering personalized academic experiences that translate into strong career outcomes.”
Learn more about this ranking.
The College of Business and Computing (COBAC) recently hosted its first-ever Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, showcasing student-driven business ideas and entrepreneurial talent.
The event opened with remarks from GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D., and COBAC Dean Gaynor Cheokas, D.B.A, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of innovation and leadership in today’s business landscape.
Students presented their ventures to a panel of judges, and two teams were awarded top honors, each receiving $1,000 in prize funding. La Ruta Café earned the Best Pitch award, while FitFlow was recognized for Best Innovation.
Both winning teams will advance to represent GSW at the inaugural University System of Georgia Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition on April 6–7 at Kennesaw State University’s Marietta campus. The statewide competition offers participants the opportunity to compete for $25,000 in cash prizes, the USG trophy, mentorship from industry experts, and access to leading institutional accelerators.
Learn more about the competition.
GSW students now have greater access to technology thanks to a recent gift of refurbished laptop computers.
The University System of Georgia (USG) Foundation provided refurbished laptop computers to students across the 25 public institutions, including 20 students at GSW. This gift is part of a broader effort to support students with extreme financial need by ensuring they have access to essential academic tools and removing barriers that stand in the way of their academic success.
GSW staff members in Financial Aid and Student Affairs coordinated the selection and distribution process to ensure the laptops reached students with the greatest need. Financial Aid staff first identified students with the highest levels of financial need based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions. Additional criteria were then applied to ensure recipients were students actively progressing toward graduation. Excluded from the list were students in their first term, those nearing graduation, transfer students, and students with GPAs below 2.0. After reviewing academic records and hours earned, the list was narrowed to 319 eligible students.
Learn more about the laptop giveaway.
On March 27, GSW welcomed over 400 students from local schools for the Area 11 Special Olympics. Special education teacher candidates in the College of Education organized the event as an opportunity to learn how to support students with disabilities in our area. The athletes had the chance to develop athletic skills through a variety of activities that were led and cheered on by GSW student-athletes, coaches, and members from several student organizations.
Find the full photo album on GSW's Facebook page.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Laughlin, D.M.A., has been selected as a peer reviewer for the inaugural cohort of the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE). Laughlin was one of only 50 individuals selected across six state university systems including the State University System of Florida, Texas A&M University System, University of North Carolina System, University of South Carolina System, University of Tennessee System, and the University System of Georgia. Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) is a new accrediting agency that will seek recognition from the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public colleges and universities.
Assistant Professor of Information Technology Jonathan Hobbs, D.Sc., recently welcomed GSW alumnus Stenio Araujo to speak with students in his capstone class. Araujo, now a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, shared insights from his work on Microsoft’s OneOCSP infrastructure, discussing distributed systems, large-scale deployment, and the skills needed to grow as a professional software engineer working on global platforms. Students engaged in an interactive discussion, asking questions about deploying and scaling their own capstone software projects. Araujo provided practical perspectives on real-world engineering practices, helping students better understand how the concepts they are learning in the classroom apply to large-scale production environments. Opportunities like this allow students to connect classroom concepts with the real-world experiences of industry professionals and successful GSW alumni.
The Georgia Southwestern men's golf team climbed to No. 6 nationally in the latest Bushnell/Golfweek Division II Coaches Poll released this morning by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA).
The Hurricanes earned 324 points in the poll, moving up one spot from their previous ranking and extending one of the most consistent runs in Division II golf. The ranking marks the 53rd consecutive national poll in which Georgia Southwestern has appeared in the top 25, a streak that began September 27, 2019.
GSW's rise in the rankings comes on the heels of a strong start to the spring season, highlighted by a team championship at the 16-team Oldfield Classic in Okatie, S.C., on February 24. The Hurricanes topped a competitive field to capture the title, continuing a season that has kept them firmly among the nation's elite programs.
Learn more about the poll results.
Williams named PBC Defensive Player of the YearSenior forward Deonte Williams capped a historic season by being named the Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year while also earning All-Peach Belt Conference Third Team honors for 2025-26.
Williams, a native of Sydney, Australia, delivered one of the most dominant defensive seasons in program history and became the first GSW men's basketball player ever to be named PBC Defensive Player of the Year.
His impact on the defensive end was unmatched across the conference. Williams led the Peach Belt with 68 blocked shots, finishing 29 blocks ahead of the next closest player in the league. He also tied for second in steals per game (1.8), showcasing his versatility by protecting the rim and disrupting passing lanes at an elite level.
Learn more about Williams' recognition.
Canes Spotlights highlight Georgia Southwestern students who hold leadership roles, are involved in extracurricular activities and/or excel academically in their degree programs.
January's Spotlight was senior marketing major Kennedy Daniels (top left).
Daniels found her place on campus in the Writing Center. She began working as a consultant in Fall 2024 and believes every student should take advantage of the Center's resources. "It's a lot more than tutoring to help you get a good grade on a paper; we focus on helping writers develop themselves and their skills," Daniels said. "It's also a calm place on campus to get some writing done or just relax."
Daniels encourages incoming students to find similar opportunities outside of class. "Organizations and clubs are a great way to connect with other students, as well as professors that work in areas that align with what you want to do," she said. "Even just getting to know your professors can be a big help."
In February, recent computer science graduate Tyeshia Walker (top right) and senior psychology major Hanae Colquitt (bottom left) were recognized.
Walker was hesitant about attending a smaller college in an unfamiliar town, but her experiences at Storm Day changed her mind. "After attending Storm Day and being greeted and helped by the Storm Spotters and staff here, I fell in love with how genuinely kind and welcoming everyone was," she said. "I chose GSW because I felt like everyone here truly cared about my success and the success of all students here deeply."
Walker went on to be heavily involved in campus life as a member of Zeta Phi Beta, the Student Government Association, Canes Rainbow, and many more organizations. She even worked as a Storm Spotter for two years, following the footsteps of the students who helped her feel at home on campus as a freshman. "I decided I wanted to do the same for other students, especially those in the computer science and IT fields," she said. "By helping students grow, I have also grown myself to be a better leader."
Colquitt is one busy student. She is a taking a full load of classes, works full-time, serves as a tutor for several psychology and sociology classes, and conducts independent research. "Despite the pressure, I realized that the most daunting part of managing my tasks is simply believing I have the capacity to do so," she said. "Once I understood that all I needed was a commitment to myself, I never really looked back."
Colquitt says that she's always felt comfortable at GSW. Her parents met on campus, and as she grew up in nearby Ellaville, she attended campus events, participated in GSW's community band, and took dual enrollment classes. "When it came time to complete my undergraduate studies, choosing GSW was the natural option because it has always felt like home to me."
March's Spotlight was senior business management major Edith Acevedo Cordero (bottom right).
Acevedo Cordero has established herself as a student leader on campus. She is a founding member of Alpha Psi Lambda, GSW's first co-ed Latino fraternity, and currently serves as President. She's also a Residential Leader, Zephyr tour guide, and member of Golden Legacy, a student organization that support first-generation students - something that Acevedo Cordero is committed to.
"I'm passionate about supporting first-generation students and showing them that not coming from money does not limit their ability to succeed," said Acevedo Cordero. "With hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals and create better opportunities for their future. Going to college can be life-changing and a powerful way to make their families proud."
Six students from the College of Business and Computing and members of the GSW Chapter of the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) attended the 2026 SAM Conference and Competitions in Providence, R.I. from March 18-22. Seniors Xavier Blodgett, Cedric McNabb, and Petrona Leon, junior Demarion Williams, and sophomores Briggith Machuca and Asia Farley represented GSW in four different business skills competitions against 20 other universities and more than 120 students.
The group prepared over many months, raising funds for the trip by creating and marketing a GSW calendar. Their hard work paid off as the GSW team placed second in the Business Knowledge Bowl and third in the Case Study Analysis, which required an assessment and recommendations for a real company, Senesco Marine, a shipbuilder in North Kingston, R.I. The students were able to meet and interact with Senesco's CEO, Ted Williams, and networked with competitors from across the country, including students from Florida State, Marshall, Ohio Northern, Illinois, Minnesota and Clayton State.
Accounting major Xavier Blodgett earned individual awards by placing second in the Business Knowledge Bowl final round and placing second overall in the entire competition. The Business Knowledge Bowl is a premier academic competition within the ICBSC, challenging students across business fundamentals, current events, and pop culture. The competition begins with a 100-question qualifying exam, where participants compete to become their institution’s top performer and advance to the semifinal rounds.
Top competitors are then seeded into a bracket-style tournament, where they face off in a live, trivia-based format. Participants select questions from a points-based board and buzz in to respond, requiring speed, accuracy, and strategic thinking under pressure.
Williams, president of GSW's SAM chapter summed up the trip, saying "We learned a lot and we were an amazing team, especially considering this was our first time at the competitions and for some of us the first time ever on a plane. We stretched ourselves and that helped us grow. We are already looking forward to next year."
Pictured (L to R) are Farley, Machuca, Leon, McNabb, Williams and Blodgett.
Georgia Southwestern State University's JR Jacobs and Ray'ven Robinson were recognized among the Peach Belt Conference's top performers for the 2025-26 season, earning All-Conference honors in their respective sports.
Jacobs was named to the All-Peach Belt Conference Men's Basketball Third Team, while Robinson secured a spot on the All-Peach Belt Conference Women's Basketball Second Team.
A junior guard from Memphis, Tennessee, Jacobs established himself as one of the league's most consistent and efficient perimeter players this season.
Jacobs averaged 13.5 points per game, shooting an impressive 48.8% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range, making him one of the most reliable outside threats in the conference. His ability to stretch defenses opened opportunities across the floor for the Hurricanes' offense.
On the women's side, Robinson delivered one of the most productive offensive seasons in the Peach Belt.
The junior guard ranked seventh in the conference in scoring average (15.0 points per game) while finishing sixth in field goal percentage (41.4%). She also ranked 11th in free throw percentage (72.4%) and 11th in assists (2.7 per game), showcasing her versatility as both a scorer and playmaker.
Learn more about Jacobs' and Robinson's recognitions.
Six GSW students from across the College of Arts and Sciences participated in the annual Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) regional undergraduate history conference at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. on Feb. 21, 2026. Students presented and discussed their history-based projects with students and faculty members from across three states, as well as participated in a luncheon and keynote speech with a leading scholar of early Native American history.
Mentored by Assistant Professor Jennifer Ryer, Ph.D., (English) and Professor Susan Bragg, Ph.D., (History), this was a highly productive conference for our students. GSW’s PAT team represented creative and interdisciplinary scholarly interests.
Art major Noah Miller presented a paper completed under Professor Keaton Wynn’s guidance. In "Deep Time in the Gothic Revival: An Art Historical Analysis of John Ruskin’s Influence," Miller assessed how history, philosophy, and culture shaped 19th century architecture.
Political science major Connor Harrington presented, “The Boy Scouts’ Educational Influence in Early 20th c. Georgia,” based on research into Augusta newspapers.
History major Brandiyala Jones shared her analysis of advice literature aimed at African American women shaped notions of respectability politics in the late 19th century. Jones' work, "The Spine of a Child v. The Weight of a Race: Black Girlhood Under Jim Crow," provided an effective tandem pairing in a panel with political science major Chaylia Brown. Brown’s study, "More Than Just a Toy: The Politics of Racial Identity and Resistance Through Black Dolls" was based on marketing campaigns for black dolls published in early 20th century civil rights journals like the NAACP’s Crisis magazine. These final three papers were produced Bragg’s US Social History class in Fall 2025.
All presenting students received positive feedback from faculty judges who noted the depth and originality of their research. Additionally, two students attended to participate in the scholarly conversations of the day: education major Gracie Tallent and history major Kiera Williams. This meant that GSW students represented the academic culture of our campus with real pride and energy. It is also worth noting that most of the papers presented emerged from HAIL collaborations in the 2025-2026 academic term.
Huelsman claims PBC Player of the Week awardSenior Kendall Huelsman has been named the Peach Belt Conference Softball Player of the Week, the league announced Monday, following a standout performance in the Lady Hurricanes' doubleheader at Miles College.
Huelsman was a force at the plate on Tuesday, going 4-for-7 across the two games with a home run in each contest and driving in seven runs. Three of her four hits went for extra bases as she added a double in the opener. Her timely hitting fueled GSW's offensive production and continued a red-hot stretch at the plate.
Huelsman joins teammate Peyton Namyslowski as a PBC Player of the Week award recipient this season as the duo becomes only the second pair in program history to earn the award in the same season. Overall, Huelsman is the seventh player in program history to earn the league's weekly distinction.
Learn more about Huelsman's recognition.
Writing Center consultants run workshopThree consultants and the director of the GSW Writing Center presented at the Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) at the end of February in Florence, Alabama. Kennedy Daniels, Dori Nwagbara, and Mikayla Wentzell, along with Professor Lauren DiPaula, Ph.D., ran a workshop titled "Educating Tutors to Be Listeners and Leaders." The workshop covered various theoretical and practical approaches to listening, drawing on writing studies, conflict studies, crisis intervention, and counseling.
Demonstrating these techniques at a regional conference reinforced and helped the consultants articulate strategies vital to their work. Furthermore, the conference allowed them to network with writing center consultants across the Southeast.
Nutt secures fourth PBC honorStarting pitcher Johnny Nutt has been named the Peach Belt Conference Baseball Freshman of the Week for the fourth consecutive week, the league office announced on March 9, continuing a historic run for the Hurricanes' standout rookie.
Nutt, a Fitzgerald, Ga., native, delivered another remarkable performance Sunday afternoon against the two-time defending national champions and top-ranked University of Tampa, leading GSW to a series-clinching victory and improving his collegiate record to 4-0.
Through the season's early stretch, Nutt has established himself among the Peach Belt Conference's most effective starters. He currently ranks third in the league in earned run average (2.50), fourth in opposing batting average (.194), and fourth in innings pitched (36). He is also tied for third in wins (4) while ranking sixth in both fewest hits allowed (25) and fewest runs allowed (14).
Nationally, Nutt sits 61st in NCAA Division II in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (6.25) and 84th in earned run average, further highlighting the freshman's strong start to his collegiate career.
Learn more about Nutt's recognitions.
Brown named PBC Golfer of the WeekMen's golfer Sam Brown has been named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week, becoming the first Hurricane golfer this season to earn the conference honor.
Brown earned the recognition following an outstanding performance at the Oldfield Classic hosted by USC Beaufort, where he finished tied for second place out of 90 players at 3-under par (73-70-70), just two strokes behind medalist honors.
The runner-up finish marked the highest tournament finish of Brown's career as a Hurricane, surpassing his two third-place finishes during the 2024-25 season. He also ranked second in the field in eagles with two, each coming on the Par 5 11th hole.
As a result of his strong showing, Brown made a significant leap up to #51 in the national rankings, jumping 91 spots after the tournament.
Read more about Brown's recognition.
Jones earns PBC Honor following commanding victoryJordan Jones has been named the Peach Belt Conference Golfer of the Week after a standout showing at the Bobcat Invitational.
Jones, a sophomore from Auckland, New Zealand earned the honor after delivering an efficient and dominant performance that resulted in a seven-shot victory over a strong, nationally ranked field. The win marked his first collegiate victory and his play also helped guide the Hurricanes to their second team win of the spring season.
From the opening round, Jones positioned himself near the top of the leaderboard with a 2-under 68, but it was his second-round performance that defined the tournament and allowed no other competitor to keep pace. He followed with the lowest score of the tournament, a 6-under 64 matching the second-lowest round in program history.
Read more about Jones' recognition.
Nation's strikeout leader Koehler repeats as PBC Pitcher of the WeekSenior right-hander Evan Koehler has been named the Peach Belt Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced March 16, marking his second consecutive weekly honor and third of the season.
Koehler delivered another outstanding outing in the series opener at USC Aiken, working eight innings while striking out 10 batters and issuing no walks. The Orange City, Fla., native allowed just one run on the night, earning a no-decision despite a commanding performance.
Koehler's continued excellence has placed him among the top pitchers in Division II this season. He currently leads NCAA Division II in strikeouts (73) while pacing the Peach Belt Conference in innings pitched (51.2), total strikeouts (73), strikeouts looking (23) and wins (5).
He also ranks second in the conference in earned run average (1.74) and opposing batting average (.179), while sitting third in fewest runs allowed (12).
Read more about Koehler's recognition.
Associate Professor of Human Resources Management Jim Aller, Ph.D., recently published a book titled "Dacona: The Heart of Walmart: Dacona's Journey Through Leadership and Loyalty." The book follows Dacona Smith's career path from a cart attendant to chief operating officer.
Smith and Aller first met as colleagues at Walmart. According to Aller, Smith’s story of triumph, determination and success is a great example for aspiring businesspeople that resonates across generations.
Smith visited campus is 2019 and spoke with one of Aller's classes.
Iordanova presents at ACS conferenceProfessor of Chemistry Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., presented a poster at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Spring 2026 Conference held in Atlanta, Ga. on March 23, 2026. Iordanova presented her poster at the ACS Local Section Showcase at the Sci-Mix session and talked to many participants about all the activities the local section has done in the past year.
Many of the highlighted activities took place either at GSW or local schools in Sumter and surrounding counties, including GSW's annual Science Day for local high school students, Chemistry Club making liquid nitrogen ice cream at the Homecoming Tailgate, and several other chemistry demonstrations in the community.
Associate Professor of Human Resources Management and Associate Dean of Graduate Program Jim Aller, Ph.D. presented at the National Charter School Association Meeting on March 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. His presentation was titled "Why Mattering Matters for Students and Employees: Understanding the Psychological Connection & The Art of Managing Going Forward."
Assistant Professor of Psychology Yongwon Cho, Ph.D.presented a poster in the Society of Personalty and Social Psychology conference in Chicago, Ill. in February. His research was titled "College Students’ Responses to Setbacks in Difficult Courses: Associations with Peer and Faculty Support." It discussed how emotional and informational support from peers and faculty members help college students overcome challenges in academic goal pursuit.
Hobbs presents, speaks at business research conferenceAssistant Professor of Information Technology Jonathan Hobbs, D.Sc., recently presented at the Academy of Business Research (ABR) Conference as part of the AI/MIS track. In addition to his research presentation, Hobbs was invited to serve as the conference keynote co-speaker, where he opened the event with a session on the practical use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The keynote focused on how faculty can integrate AI tools into teaching in a way that enhances learning outcomes while maintaining academic rigor. The session highlighted real classroom strategies, including structured prompting, AI-assisted feedback, and designing assignments that encourage critical thinking rather than passive AI use.
Hobbs’ research presentation introduced a cloud-native accessibility microservice designed to automatically generate ADA-compliant syllabus documents. The system leverages structured HTML input and automated PDF tagging to produce accessible documents at scale, addressing a growing institutional need for compliance with accessibility standards. The project demonstrates a low-cost, serverless approach that reduces the burden of manual remediation while improving consistency and usability for students.
Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Geology, & Physics and Professor Samuel Peavy, Ph.D., presented at a geology symposium sponsored by the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Ga. on March 21. Peavy was invited to present by a GSW geology graduate, Ryan Roney, who is the curator of minerals and fossils at the museum. The presentation, titled "Student Senior Thesis Projects using Geophysics at Georgia Southwestern State University, 2001-2019" covered senior research projects involving geophysics during Peavy's time at GSW.
Professor of Political Science Jason Berggren, Ph.D., spoke with WTVM's Macy Woodworth about the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Georgia. The piece was aired in WTVM's viewing area and published online.
Mallett wins award for work on data-driven higher ed improvementsAssistant Professor of Management Brian Mallett, D.M., won the Best in Track Award for Educational Research & Measurement at the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) International Business Conference, held March 21, 2026.
Mallett was recognized for his paper titled "Six-Sigma and DMAIC: A Framework for Data-Driven Improvement in Higher Education," which explores how industry-proven methodologies can be applied to improve student success in higher education institutions.
His research examines how colleges and universities can better translate data into actionable strategies to improve retention and graduation rates. Using the Six Sigma DMAIC framework, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, the study provides a structured approach to identifying root causes of student attrition and implementing targeted interventions.
Drawing on applied work conducted at GSW, the research analyzes a decade of institutional data to better understand why students leave before completing their degrees. The findings highlight key drivers of student success, including academic performance, course completion, student engagement, and access to support systems.
Through the use of tools such as process mapping, control charts, root cause analysis, and performance dashboards, Mallett demonstrates how institutions can move from data collection to data-driven decision making. His work emphasizes the importance of measurable, actionable improvement strategies that align with institutional goals.
"Brian Mallett’s work exemplifies the purpose of the Best in Track Award by combining academic rigor with meaningful application," said Shelby Perry, 2026 SAM International Business Conference Chair. "His research provides a clear and practical framework for higher education leaders seeking to turn data into action and improve outcomes for students."
As higher education institutions face increasing pressure to improve retention and graduation rates, Mallett’s work offers a timely and scalable approach. By adapting methodologies traditionally used in industry, his research demonstrates how structured problem-solving and continuous improvement can be applied to complex educational environments.
The SAM International Business Conference brings together scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to share research that advances the field of management. Best in Track Awards recognize outstanding contributions within specific disciplines that demonstrate both scholarly excellence and practical relevance.
Alumni Engagement Specialist Angela Smith was invited to attend the 2026 Collette President's Club Summit in Spain from March 1-7. Alumni Affairs partners with Collette Travel for its GSW Alumni & Friends travel program, which consistently sells out several trips a year. Collette covered Smith's flight to the summit, which included workshops, insights into future travel trends and the newest technology that can make GSW trips better for all travelers.
Assistant Professor or Special Education and Assessment Director Michele McKie, Ed.D., was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Elyse Boylston Foundation on behalf of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) to support the New Teacher Induction Support Program for the 2026-27 academic year. The grant will help strengthen support for new teachers as they enter the profession.
The Elyse Boylston Foundation provides funding for educational research, innovative projects that improve education in Georgia, and initiatives that promote professional growth for educators.
Benjamin Hicks returns to GSW as Senior Associate Director of AthleticsGeorgia Southwestern State University Director of Athletics Mike Leeder has announced the hiring of Benjamin Hicks as the department's new Senior Associate Director of Athletics.
Hicks returns to Americus with an extensive background in collegiate athletics administration and coaching, most recently serving as Athletic Director at Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
"We are excited to welcome Ben back to Georgia Southwestern," said Leeder. "He brings a wealth of experience as both a coach and administrator, along with a strong commitment to student-athlete success. His leadership and familiarity with our institution make him a tremendous addition to our department."
No stranger to Georgia Southwestern, Hicks previously served as the Hurricanes' head men's basketball coach from 2016-19, building a reputation for recruiting high-character student-athletes and emphasizing academic achievement.
Learn more about Hicks.
Bailey Guffin named Head Men's Soccer CoachGeorgia Southwestern State University Director of Athletics Mike Leeder has announced the hiring of Bailey Guffin as the next head coach of the Hurricanes men's soccer program. Guffin will officially begin his duties on April 8.
Guffin arrives in Americus after serving as the head coach at Sul Ross State University, where he led a steady rebuild of the Lobos program over the past three seasons.
"We are excited to welcome Bailey and his family to Georgia Southwestern," said Leeder. "He is a rising coach with a strong track record of developing student-athletes and building programs. His vision and energy make him a great fit to lead our men's soccer program forward."
During his tenure at Sul Ross State, Guffin guided the program to significant improvement, highlighted by a dramatic turnaround in 2024 as the Lobos improved from 1-10-5 to 6-9-2. The squad remained competitive throughout the season, with five losses decided by two goals or less, and produced the program's first-ever Lone Star Conference Player of the Week honoree.
Learn more about Guffin.
Aaron Pinckard joined the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success as the dual enrollment and student success coordinator on March 2.
As of March 2, Griffin Johnson has been named academic and student success coordinator in the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success. She previously served as registrar support specialist and transfer coordinator in the Office of the Registrar.
As of March 2, Tiandra Standford has been promoted to student accounts coordinator in the Office of Student Accounts. She previously served as the customer service and data entry specialist in the same office.
Tiara Key, coordinator of student activities in the Office of Campus Life, left that role on March 13.
Zachary Hatchett, painter in Physical Plant, left that role on March 17.
Becky Bankston, assistant director of auxiliary services, left that role on March 27.
Morgan Whaley passed away on March 1. She was a lecturer in the College of Education and a 2024 GSW alumna.
Ellis family welcomes baby RileyWelcome to our newest Hurricane, Riley Mitchell Ellis, son of Courtney and Luke Ellis. Riley was born on Friday, February 6, weighing 6 lbs. 6 oz. and measuring 20 inches long.
Courtney serves as the Assistant Director of First-Year Experience & Student Success. She is also a two-time GSW alumna, having earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2015 and an MBA in 2018.
Luke is the Assistant Director of Recruitment & Admissions. He is also a GSW alumnus, having earned a BBA in 2008.
Congratulations to the Ellis family!
The College of Business & Computing hosted its 6th Annual Advisory Council Meeting and Leadership Dinner. The event brought together faculty, students, and members of the COBAC Advisory Council to share program updates, hear directly from students about their GSW experiences, and discuss ways to continue strengthening opportunities for students. The College also recognized Mark Blalock for his leadership and service as Advisory Council Chair over the past two years and welcomed Chase Burnfin as the new Advisory Council Chair.
The evening’s keynote speaker, DJ West, a 2006 Marketing B.B.A. graduate and former Georgia Southwestern softball player, shared insights from her successful career in the luxury beauty industry. Following an internship with Macy’s Inc., she joined LVMH in 2011, where she excelled as an Account Executive for Make Up For Ever and Dior across the Southeast and Florida. Currently serving as Director of Field Development and Sales Growth for LVMH Fragrance Brands, West leads the East Coast retail business for Givenchy and Kenzo Parfums in North America. Her leadership extends beyond LVMH, including service on the Advisory Board for Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry, as Makeup Lead for Miami Swim Week, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society and the GSW COBAC Advisory Board.
COBAC also extended sincere gratitude to President Johnston and the GSW Foundation for their continued support of COBAC students and faculty as the College continues its mission of learning excellence.
Spring has been busy for student in the Marketing and Management Association (MMA). They volunteered on Feb. 13 to help with the Valentine's Day Party at Perfect Care (pictured). The students and advisors brought gifts to the residents, helped coordinate fun activities with them and assisted them in playing games.
MMA also launched their first fundraiser of the season by teaming up with the locally owned Fish House. restuarant. Students sold tickets for dinners at The Fish House for pickup or dine-in for a discount during the month of March. This fundraiser will help fund their 2026 conference trip.
Science students, faculty participate in Dooly STEM nightOn March 3, chemistry major Kenneth Daniels, biology major Noah Bridges and Professor of Chemistry Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., participated in the STEM night event at the Dooly County K-8 Academy in Pinehurst, Ga.
The GSW team conducted experiments for over 100 students, parents and teachers. Ice cream made with liquid nitrogen is always a crowd favorite. They also demonstrated "dragon breath" with liquid nitrogen cooled cereal and the levitation of a magnet by a liquid nitrogen cooled superconductor.
All the school students were excited to visit the GSW table at the event, to taste the ice cream and showed curiosity about the demonstrated phenomena.
The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management recently hosted Perfectly Polished, The Etiquette School, which conducted a series of workshops focused on social intelligence and helping students develop essential "people skills."
During these sessions, students learned important principles such as proper etiquette, respectful communication, and how to present themselves with confidence in a variety of social and professional settings. Through activities that included practicing introductions, maintaining positive body language, and demonstrating consideration for others, students strengthened their self-awareness and professionalism.
The Perfectly Polished program encourages students to carry themselves with confidence and integrity, equipping them to build meaningful relationships and make strong impressions in academic, community, and future career environments.
Founded in 1986 in Athens, Ga., Perfectly Polished, The Etiquette School recognizes the value of individual excellence and is dedicated to promoting confidence, leadership, and social intelligence.
A marketing research class, led by Senior Lecturer of Marketing Becca Jones, and a chemistry class, led by Professor of Chemistry Nedialka Iordanova, Ph.D., joined together to experience a unique HAIL cluster, "Combining Social Sciences with Hard Sciences to Produce a Visual Representation of Experimental Design." The marketing research students learned about the formulas used in the hard sciences to interpret data, and the chemistry students learned about the social science practice of using constructs to explain phenomenon. Collectively, the students worked on an assignment, sharing skills across the disciplines, and completed a reflection about the experience.
Staff Senate continued its Break to Educate series this spring with two engaging opportunities designed to connect employees across campus while highlighting GSW's unique programs and resources.
On March 25, approximately 25 staff members and several student workers attended a hands-on session with Dr. Tom Lorenz, who introduced participants to the field of herpetology. Attendees got the opportunity for an up-close look at anacondas, a variety of snakes from around the world, an axolotl, and four iguanas. The interactive experience included feeding the iguanas bananas and even holding select snakes, making for a memorable and hands-on learning opportunity.
Earlier in the month, on March 3, approximately 15 staff members gathered in the newly renovated James Earl Carter Library for a guided tour led by Dr. John Wilson, Director of Library Services. The session highlighted the library’s refreshed spaces and enhanced resources available to faculty and staff. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the services offered while enjoying a cup of coffee with colleagues.
"I value opportunities like our Break to Educate series because they bring staff together beyond our daily roles," said Chelsea Collins, Staff Senate Chair. "It’s a chance to step away from our desks and build connections with colleagues across campus while learning more about the incredible programs and services that make GSW so special."
Find more events on the GSW academic calendar, on Canes Connect, and on the Events Open to the Community webpage.
