Hometown: Fitzgerald, Georgia

Major: Senior Nursing major

Graduating: May 2022

Why did you choose to attend GSW?
I chose to attend GSW after getting a taste of the University through dual enrollment at Lee County High School. The school offered high-quality courses while also providing personable relationships with your professors that other universities don’t offer. Also, the distance from home was perfect to remain close to my family and the people in my life. Looking back at my decision, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities and development that Georgia Southwestern has brought me.

Please list your University highlights, achievements, leadership and awards.

• Kappa Sigma Fraternity, President (2021-22) and Treasurer (2020-21)
• Interfraternity Council, President (2021-22) and Representative (Fall 2021)
• Student Government Association, Representative (2020-2021)
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences Guaranteed Acceptance Program (GAP)
• President’s List, 2 Semesters
• Dean’s List, 3 Semesters
• Academic Achievement List (Summer 2021)
• Kappa Sigma Donald C. Dilley, Jr. Scholarship-Leadership Award
• Kappa Sigma John V. Harper Scholarship Recipient, 1 Year
• Kappa Sigma Walter Mae Hamilton Scholarship Recipient, 1 Semester
• J. Emory Rylander Scholarship Recipient, 2 Years
• Top 5 Greek Leader (2021-22)
• GSW Undergraduate Research Symposium Best Poster: Students’ Choice Award (2022)

Tell us more about something you’re involved with on campus.
I’ve been very involved with Kappa Sigma, serving as both Grand Treasurer and Grand Master on the Executive Committee. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunities that my fraternity has brought me including scholarships, leadership workshops, and travel opportunities. Most importantly, becoming part of a brotherhood that is “not for a day or an hour or a college term only - but for life.”

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the lake. It’s a great place to go whenever you are looking for some peace and quiet. I’ve spent hours out there reading.

Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?
There have been a handful of professors and staff members that have greatly impacted my time at GSW in a positive way, but my favorite professor on campus would have to be Dr. Elizabeth Gurnack. She was my professor for the Principles of Chemistry courses my freshmen year, and I was extremely motivated by her love of the subject. I’ve been able to take that passion forward into the rest of my studies.

What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge during college has been time management and prioritization. For almost any undergraduate student, this period in our lives is full of chaos and at times can be overwhelming. It was very important for me to set my goals and to focus on achieving them.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
One of the biggest pieces of advice that I’ve learned from my time at Georgia Southwestern is that if you’re going to do something, give it your all. Also, don’t be discouraged by setbacks, use it as motivation and keep moving forward.

What is your favorite series to binge watch? Why? 
Game of Thrones is absolutely one of my favorite series to binge watch. Every time you watch it again, you see new stuff just due to how long the show is.

Posted April 26, 2022 | Photo by Cameran Cruz