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GSW celebrated its eighth annual Day of Giving on Thursday, Sept. 17, with a record 668 donors from all 50 states contributing $139,125 in support of the University.
The 24-hour giving challenge is powered by gifts from alumni, community members, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students. Day of Giving brings the campus and community together, connecting Hurricanes across the country in a shared mission to support GSW's students, scholarships, academic programs, departments and athletics.
"GSW’s eighth Day of Giving has been a huge success," said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation and assistant vice president for Advancement. "I am profoundly grateful to our Hurricane family for continuing to raise the bar year after year, through volunteering, advocating and giving. I am so proud of our community."
Read more about Day of Giving results.
GSW was named the third best college for rural America in a national ranking by Washington Monthly, recognizing GSW for its affordability, social mobility and impact on Georgia’s workforce.
The ranking began with more than 1,000 rural colleges across the country, focusing on four-year nonprofit colleges and universities that provide students with strong educational and economic opportunities while serving the needs of their states and communities.
The methodology highlights areas central to GSW’s mission: providing an affordable, accessible and high-quality education while preparing graduates to strengthen Southwest Georgia and communities across the state.
Read more about the Washington Monthly ranking.
GSW has once again earned national recognition, ranking #49 in the Top Public Universities in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges list.
GSW also placed #37 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, up 25 spots over last year. This ranking recognizes institutions that successfully advance social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of economically disadvantaged students who receive Pell Grants.
“Georgia Southwestern’s recognition across several categories in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a tremendous reflection of the work happening across our university,” said GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. “Our faculty and staff are committed to giving our students an exceptional educational experience, and that commitment is reflected in the progress we continue to make. We’re building on that momentum, strengthening the opportunities we provide for our students and making sure GSW continues to play an important role in the future of southwestern Georgia.”
Read more about the US News and World Report rankings.
GSW has been ranked No. 3 Best Value College in Georgia for 2027 by Niche for delivering an affordable, high-quality education with strong outcomes for graduates.
Niche’s Best Value Colleges rankings evaluate institutions based on both the cost of earning a degree and the outcomes students achieve after graduation. The 2027 methodology considers factors including return on investment, economic mobility, average net price, graduation and retention rates, student debt, loan default rates, alumni earnings and employment outcomes. Data primarily comes from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census, along with student and alumni surveys.
“This recognition affirms that GSW is succeeding in what we have set out to accomplish, which is making a high-quality education accessible to as many students as possible,” said GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. “This distinction reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff, as well as the determination of our students and the support of our alumni and community partners.”
Read more about the ranking.
Americus Mayor Travis Rush signed a proclamation officially recognizing Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 as GSW's eighth annual Day of Giving.
GSW faculty, staff, and students gathered on the front steps of Wheatley Administration on Gold Force Thursday to witness Mayor Rush sign the proclamation alongside GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. Rush also presented his own personal contribution to the Day of Giving and expressed his appreciation for GSW’s impact on Americus.
“A university isn’t who they are without support from their city. The town-gown relationship is incredibly important,” Palmer said. “Our job [at GSW] is to make this region of the state in southwest Georgia, a better place to live, a better place to work, a better place to raise a family, and hopefully, an attractive place for industry to come and locate. We appreciate the support the City gives us for things like our Day of Giving and other activities we have, and in turn, we want to support the work that they do.”
Read more about the proclamation signing.
The men's golf team will open the 2026-27 season as the No. 3 team in the country following the release of the preseason Bushnell/Golfweek NCAA Division II Coaches Poll by the Golf Coaches Association of America on Friday.
GSW received 387 points in the preseason voting, trailing only defending national champion Florida Southern and Lee. Florida Southern collected 13 first-place votes and 430 points to take the top spot, while Lee received two first-place votes and 398 points.
Read more about the golf preseason ranking.Six employees recently completed a four-month Vertical Leadership Program designed to accelerate personal and professional growth through guided conversations, group discussions, personal reflection and leadership development. Led by Assistant Vice President for Student Success David Jenkins, Ed.D., the program consisted of 10 guided conversations over four months. Jenkins, a graduate of the USG Executive Leadership Institute, facilitated the program, which incorporated teaching by Keith Eigel, Ph.D., of The Leaders Lyceum in Atlanta, along with opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and reflect on their own leadership journeys.
The 2026 Vertical Leadership Program participants were:
The guided conversations explored a range of topics related to vertical leadership development. Each participant developed a Go Statement (Growth Objective) to articulate an area of future growth and establish a personal direction for continued leadership development.
"The Vertical Leadership Program creates space for employees to step back from the day-to-day demands of their work and intentionally consider how they are growing as leaders and as individuals," said Jenkins. "The conversations, reflections and practical steps give participants an opportunity to take ownership of their continued growth while learning alongside colleagues from across the university."
The completion of the Vertical Leadership Program reflects GSW’s commitment to investing in the development of its employees and cultivating a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and leadership growth across the university.
Georgia Southwestern was picked ninth in the 2026-27 Peach Belt Conference women's basketball preseason coaches poll released Tuesday by the league office. The Lady Hurricanes received 31 points in the 11-team vote.
James Frey enters his first season as the Lady Hurricanes' head coach after taking the position in July. GSW finished 10-17 overall and 6-14 in conference play last season.
Read more about the women's basketball preseason ranking.Staff Senate is now accepting submissions for the Chief Oris Bryant, Jr. Learning Material Incentive. Two lucky winners will be awarded $50 each to assist with the cost of required books and academic materials. All staff members that are currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning are eligible to be included in the drawing.
The purpose of the incentive is to support currently employed Georgia Southwestern staff members in their pursuit of higher education. Any single recipient is allowed to receive the incentive a maximum of two times. To be included in the drawing for this semester, please send proof of enrollment for Fall 2026 semester to kina.davis@gsw.edu. Staff Senate intends to offer incentives in the fall and spring semesters (as funding permits). The deadline to submit your enrollment verification for Spring 2026 semester is Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The drawing will be held the next morning by your Staff Senate representatives, and winners will be announced campus wide. Recipients will be contacted using information in the GSW Directory to pick up their stipends as well as be recognized on the GSW Staff Senate webpage and in The Breeze.
This program is named in honor of the late Oris W. Bryant, Jr., affectionately known as Chief. Oris Bryant was an active member of the GSW community where he served as the Director of Public Safety.
Georgia Southwestern received 37 points and was picked ninth of 11 schools in the 2026-27 Peach Belt Conference men's basketball preseason coaches poll released Tuesday afternoon.
The Hurricanes enter their second season under head coach Kevin O'Connor after finishing 16-13 overall and seventh in the PBC with a 9-11 conference record last year.
Read more about the women's basketball preseason ranking.The Day of Giving sheet sign contest winners were announced on Sept. 18. GSWANS won Most Spirited Organization, and Biology Club won Best Use of Theme.
From the President: A Month of Milestones(This story originally appeared in the Canes Corner section of the Americus Times-Recorder newspaper on Sept. 2, 2026.)
When I arrived at Georgia Southwestern in early July, I knew I was joining a special place with tremendous momentum. What I could not have fully anticipated was just how quickly I would see that momentum come to life.
August has been an extraordinary month at GSW filled with new beginnings, deep traditions, major milestones and a strong sense of pride in what this University means to Southwest Georgia.
My first two months on campus coincided with the beginning of a new academic year, and there could not have been a better introduction to the heart of this University.
GSW has named 18 freshmen to the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program, which was established to honor the legacy of GSW alumnus and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. These students are the eighth cohort to enter the program since its creation in 2019.
The newest cohort members were selected through a competitive application and interview process. Participants commit to rigorous program requirements, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA, living on campus for two years, participating in campus organizations, completing a minimum of 288 service hours, earning an 18-credit-hour academic leadership certificate, and completing a senior research or service project.
Learn more about the newest Carter Leadership cohort.
Garrett named PBC Goalkeeper of the Week Senior newcomer Hannah Garrett has been named the Peach Belt Conference Women's Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week after helping the Lady Hurricanes earn a pair of historic road results.
Making her first two starts of the season, Garrett totaled 18 saves as GSW went unbeaten with draws at Valdosta State and Columbus State.
Garrett opened the week Wednesday with seven saves in a 2-2 draw at Valdosta State. The result marked the Lady Hurricanes' first against the Blazers in five all-time meetings.
The Chelsea, Ala., native followed with a season-high 11 saves Saturday in a 1-1 draw at Columbus State to open Peach Belt Conference play. Garrett stopped 11 of the 12 shots she faced for a .917 save percentage as GSW earned its first result against the Cougars in 21 all-time meetings.
Garrett's performances helped GSW earn its first-ever results against both programs after going winless through the first 26 combined meetings.
The weekly honor is the first of Garrett's career. She becomes the sixth player in GSW women's soccer history to earn a PBC weekly award.
Read more about Garrett's recognition.
Hoang named PBC Player of the Week after four-goal opening weekendSenior forward Theo Hoang has been named the Peach Belt Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week after scoring four goals over the Hurricanes' opening two matches of the 2026 season.
Hoang, a native of Paris, France, scored twice in each contest and accounted for GSW's final four goals of the weekend. He finished the opening weekend atop the PBC in both goals and total points, holding a two-goal advantage over the rest of the conference.
The senior newcomer opened his GSW career Thursday night by scoring the final two goals in the Hurricanes' 4-0 victory over Andrew College at Hurricane Field.
He followed with another two-goal performance Saturday at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With GSW trailing 1-0, Hoang scored the equalizer to send the match into halftime tied at 1-1. He struck again in the closing minutes, pulling the Hurricanes within a goal at 3-2 before Embry-Riddle held on for the victory.
The weekly honor is the first of Hoang's career. He becomes the seventh player in GSW men's soccer history to earn PBC Player of the Week honors and the first since Cesar Rubio-Amaya received the award on Oct. 6 of last season.
Read more about Hoang's recognition.
Video production instructor and filmmaker Patrick Peacock will premiere his second feature film, Shadowed, at the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus on Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. Peacock teaches video production in GSW’s Communication and Emerging Media program, and the university played a role both in front of and behind the camera during the making of Shadowed.
Several scenes were filmed on the GSW campus, including locations in the Nursing and Psychology/Sociology buildings. Students in Peacock’s video production course also had opportunities to gain hands-on experience working on portions of the film. The connection to GSW extends throughout the production, with university alumni, faculty and staff represented among the film’s cast and crew.
Shadowed is a supernatural thriller centered on Mallory, a psychology professor whose life is thrown into turmoil following the sudden death of her husband. When her young daughter tries to communicate with her deceased father, increasingly disturbing events force Mallory to question the rational worldview she has long relied upon. She eventually comes face-to-face with a figure from her own traumatic past and must confront secrets she has spent years trying to bury in order to protect her daughter. The film blends a supernatural ghost story with a family drama exploring trauma, grief and the ways the past can continue to shape the present.
Shadowed is Peacock’s second feature film as a filmmaker. His first feature, Back Focus, is available on streaming platforms including Tubi and Amazon.
The Oct. 30 screening is being billed as the film’s Hometown Premiere, giving the Americus community — including many of the people and organizations who helped make the production possible — an opportunity to see the completed film on the big screen. General admission tickets are $20. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $40 and include admission to the film as well as access to an after-party following the screening. The Shadowed Hometown Premiere begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus. Tickets are available through the Rylander box office and website.
Assistant Professor Satyaki Nan, Ph.D., published three research articles as part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' 2026 International Conference on Intelligent Multimedia, Networking, and Security in August. Three of the articles were collaborations with recent MSCS graduate Soraya Partow of Kirkland, Wash., while another was a collaboration with MSCS student Brandon Allen of Palm Coast, Fla.
"Game-Theoretic Defense Against Hardware Trojans with Multi-Level Strategies" by Nan and Partow focuses on hardware Trojans, malicious modifications that can be secretly introduced into integrated circuits and potentially compromise sensitive information, system performance, or reliability. The study uses game theory to model the strategic interaction between an integrated-circuit manufacturer and a buyer or tester attempting to detect such threats. It also incorporates Prospect Theory to account for how human decision-making and risk perception can influence cybersecurity decisions. The research aims to develop more effective and cost-conscious approaches to hardware Trojan testing. The findings can help improve semiconductor supply-chain security by providing insights into how limited testing resources can be allocated while considering both strategic attacks and human decision-making. The work has potential relevance to critical infrastructure, defense, communications, and other systems where trustworthy hardware is essential.
"COALITION-VAST: Auditable Multi-Agent Alignment Under Byzantine Governance" by Nan and Partow addresses security and alignment challenges that emerge when multiple AI agents work together. The study introduces COALITION-VAST, a framework designed to reduce risks such as coordinated rule violations, malicious governance manipulation, and unauthorized changes to AI system constraints. It combines coalition game theory, auditable governance, trust-based monitoring, and targeted auditing to improve accountability in multi-agent AI systems. The work aims to support the development of safer and more trustworthy multi-agent AI systems, with potential applications in healthcare, autonomous systems, finance, cybersecurity, and other high-stakes environments where AI agents increasingly collaborate and make coordinated decisions.
"Behavioral Game-Theoretic Resource Allocation for IoT Security under Jamming Attacks" by Nan and Partow addresses the challenge of protecting Internet of Things (IoT) networks from jamming attacks. The study develops a behavioral game-theoretic framework that models how a defender allocates limited security resources while a strategic jammer attempts to disrupt network operations. By combining the Colonel Blotto game with Prospect Theory, the framework also considers how human decision-making and cognitive biases can influence security strategies. The research aims to improve the resilience of IoT networks against jamming attacks while making efficient use of limited defensive resources. The findings can support the development of more adaptive and robust security strategies for IoT, wireless communications, smart infrastructure, and other connected systems.
"Design and Implementation of a Heterogeneous End-to-End Load Balancing System" by Nan and Allen presents the design and evaluation of a dynamic load-balancing system that integrates multiple technologies, including Angular, .NET, Node.js, and Microsoft SQL. Using datasets containing more than 20,000 records, the study evaluates different load-balancing algorithms and examines their effects on request distribution, system throughput, response time, and resource utilization. The purpose of the research is to better understand how load-balancing strategies perform in heterogeneous computing environments. The developed system also provides a practical platform for testing distributed computing approaches under realistic workloads. The findings can help guide the development of more efficient, responsive, and scalable web applications and distributed systems.
Professor Alexander Yemelyanov, Ph.D., D.Sc., of the College of Business and Computing, chaired the 17th International Conference on Neuroergonomics and Cognitive Engineering, held at Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, Türkiye, from July 20-24, 2026. At the conference, he presented his recently published research paper titled: "AI-Assisted Cognitive-Behavioral Decision Support for Insurance Coverage Selection," co-authored with graduate students David Adeogun and Rahul Sukumaran. Yemelyanov also co-edited the conference proceedings, "AHFE International: Neuroergonomics and Cognitive Engineering."
Works from faculty in the Department of Visual Arts are on view at the Albany Area Arts Council through Oct. 30. The exhibition, "Collegium," features work by Professor Laurel Robinson; Professor and Department Chair Keaton Wynn; Professor Charles Wells; and Assistant Professor Justin Hodges.
"This exhibition provides an overview of the diverse creative practice of our faculty. The title of this show describes well the community and culture of our program: seeing each other more as family than colleagues, we are able to nurture, challenge, and encourage each other in both the classroom and studio," said the faculty. "As productive professional exhibiting artists, we share a philosophy that values skill development, conceptual curiosity, and a profound respect for the mystery and meaning of the materials we explore."
Gallery hours are 12-4pm at 215 North Jackson Street in Albany, Ga.
Sierra Harvey named director of purchasingSierra Harvey began serving as the Director of Purchasing on Sept. 1. A lifelong resident of Americus, she is proud to continue her family’s legacy as a fourth-generation Rutherford to serve at GSW. Harvey is an accomplished leader with experience in administration, financial management, operations, and organizational leadership. Prior to joining GSW, she served in key leadership roles with the City of Americus, including City Clerk and Interim City Manager.
Her professional background also includes positions with Albany State University, the Americus Police Department and the Sumter County School System. Throughout her career, Sierra has demonstrated a commitment to strategic leadership, fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and community service. In 2019, she was honored as Employee of the Year by the Americus Police Department Smarr/Smith Foundation. She has also spearheaded community initiatives and cultivated partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
Harvey holds a Master of Science in Management from Faulkner University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management from Albany State University. She is a Certified Public Manager, Georgia Certified Clerk, and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Harvey is excited to serve GSW and contribute to its continued success.
Justice Hayes joined the Office of Residence Life as a graduate assistant on Sept. 1.
Renee Mays joined the College of Education as a part-time instructor on Sept. 1.
Haley Skipper joined the Division of University Advancement as advancement services and operations manager on Sept. 1.
Yolanda Kendrick rejoined the College of Education as a part-time administrative assistant on Sept. 14.
Kina Davis is assistant director in the Department of First-Year Experience and Student Success as of Aug. 30. She previously served as University College and student success coordinator.
Amanda Barrett is director of budgets in the Office of Budgets and Payroll as of Sept. 1. She previously served as business and finance analyst.
Lisa Courtney is budgets and payroll analyst in the Office of Budgets and Payroll as of Sept. 1. She previously served as advancement services and operations manager in the Division of University Advancement.
Annie Nichols is assistant director of HAIL as of Sept. 1. They previously served as interim director of HAIL and continues their role as assistant professor in the Department of Music, Communication & Emerging Media.
Jennifer Ryer is director of HAIL as of Sept. 1. She previously served as interim director of HAIL and continues her role as assistant professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages.
Michelle Underwood is business and finance assistant in the Office of Accounting Services as of Sept. 1. She previously served as interim director in the Office of Purchasing.
Jason Wicker is coordinator of student rights and responsibilities and Title IX in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities as of Sept. 14. He previously served as ASN support specialist in the School of Nursing.
Donatavious Brown, shuttle driver in the Department of Residential and Campus Life, left that role on Aug. 11.
Paul Dahlgren, interim dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, left that role on Sept. 13.
Larry Pettis, golf course ground maintenance, left that role on Sept. 17.
Crystal Cheek, registrar support specialist and transfer coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, left that role on Sept. 21.
GSW's Accounting Club hosted its fourth annual Meet the Firms career fair on Sept. 16 in Canes Central. Students from freshman to MBA level met with representatives from each firm to network and apply for summer leadership programs, internships, and full-time jobs. Many of these businesses are active on campus throughout the year and serve as guest speakers and sponsors of various events.
This year’s participating firms included Carr Riggs Ingram, City of Americus, CKH Group, Draffin Tucker, F&W Forestry, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Mauldin & Jenkins, McNair McLemore Middlebrooks & Co., and Robert Baker & Associates.
Several GSW alumni were in attendance as representatives of these organizations, including Kaliyah Jordan, Connor Briggs, Jarrett Jenkins, Melanie Rose, Brittanee McConnell, Britani Thomas, Wynne Morris, Cam Tompkins and Carol Howell. Their return to GSW highlighted the lasting connections between COBAC alumni and the College, while giving current students the opportunity to learn from graduates who have successfully transitioned from the classroom into their professional careers.
GSW accounting faculty would like to extend special thanks and recognition to the alumni who returned to campus as representatives for their current employers.
"There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our students graduate, succeed in their careers, and then return to GSW to give back to our current students," said Danielle Taylor, lecturer of accounting. "It really brings everything full circle."
Student and employer feedback for this event was overwhelmingly positive, and organizers are already looking forward to next year.
On Sept. 20, the GSW Brotherhood attended the Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of their Atlanta Falcon Sports Business Virtual Panel and Gameday experience. The advisors for the program met with representatives from the Falcons, who also gifted them souvenirs.
On Sept. 25th, GSW students presented local historical research in a poster exhibit, "Americus Does History," an event that was part of the national "We Want More History!" initiative.
Inspired by the WWMH! emphasis on community history, GSW students shared diverse new explorations into Sumter County history. Students in HIST 2112 with Professor Susan Bragg, Ph.D., researched educational histories in Sumter County, variously tracing the civil rights politics of African American schooling, the diversification of public school curriculums, and the significance of school sports in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Bragg’s upper-division HIST 4560: American Popular Culture students shared their exploration into the role of local fraternal societies such as the Masons or the Knights of Pythias. Organized in both black and white communities of Americus, these societies provided individual economic benefits to members while supporting public displays of manhood.
Students in HIST 4900: 19th century World History with Professor Brian Parkinson, Ph.D., also participated, presenting analyses on the politics of slavery that set Sumter County histories in comparative analysis with Caribbean histories.
This event was made possible with the critical support of GSW staff, faculty and administrators. The organizers particularly thank Paul Dahlgren, Ph.D., and Timothy Tolbert, Ph.D., for endorsing this project, David Jenkins, Ed.D., for approving the exhibit’s display in Canes Central, Amanda Pawloski for taking photographs of students with their work, and Tiffanie Mathis for doing the critical poster printing work.
The Marketing and Management Association (MMA) student organization, along with other marketing majors, got to experience a study away event the weekend of Sept. 18-20 in Atlanta. They networked, went to the Georgia Tech game, and watched the Falcons game at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium. While at the Falcons game, the students had the opportunity to meet with a marketing executive who explained some of her job responsibilities that were present during the game.
One student noted, "It was a great experience filled with learning, networking and a behind-the-scenes look at marketing. We’re excited to continue the conversation with another conference call with Falcon's senior executives this October!"
Ten attendees participated in GSW 101: The Blue & Gold Experience on Sept. 2. This half-day experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at campus, showcasing the programs, the people, and the places that make GSW special. The September group included Eric Bryant, Sumter County sheriff; Katherine Council, director of Phoebe Sumter Foundation; Emily Crenshaw, GSW's content writer; Ben DeLoach, GSW’s web specialist; Allyson Drinnon, field representative for U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop’s office; Hill Fort, president and CEO of Magnolia Manor; Adrienne Hamlin, GSW alumna; Wesley Larkin, associate attorney at Beamon Law; Sonia McKenzie, GSW Alumni Association board member; and Mark Scott, Americus Police chief.
I can’t imagine there is another group of faculty and staff more supportive than the folks on our campus. Volunteering, advocating, donating (having family members donate!)…you all have been true all-stars during GSW’s 8th Day of Giving.
- Stephen Snyder
A huge thank you to Alex Espitia and his student helpers, Aubrey Craven and Ian Mitchell Edge, for generously volunteering their time at our Day of Giving campus event in The Pods! We truly appreciate their help in making the event a success by leading Day of Giving trivia, handing out door prizes, and keeping the music going. Also, a special thank you to Elior Dining Services for providing the sweet treats and drinks!
Find more events on the GSW academic calendar, on myGSW, and on the Events Open to the Community webpage.
