Minh Phong Diep named GSW’s 2022 Outstanding Scholar

AMERICUS, GA (May 20, 2022) — Minh Phong Diep was recognized as Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) 2022 Outstanding Scholar, the university’s highest academic honor, for his commitment to academic excellence and student success. He recently earned his bachelor’s degree in information technology with a multimedia concentration.

As Outstanding Scholar, Diep and other scholars from the University System of Georgia’s 26 institutions were recognized by the Board of Regents at the Academic Recognition Day in April 2022. Each student was selected as their institution's best representative of the system's highest scholastic ideals. All honorees received a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives along with a letter of commendation from Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney congratulating them for their outstanding academic achievements.

Originally from Vietnam, Diep’s family moved to the United States for more opportunities. He studied at the English Language Institute (ELI), previously housed on GSW’s campus, to learn and improve his English in order to gain acceptance to GSW. After two years studying English, he was accepted as a student and began his college journey. Diep notes that the ELI “left a great impression on me that the staff are friendly and patient here at GSW.”

During his time as a student, Diep interned with GSW’s College of Business and Computing as a videographer and graphic designer from August 2021 until graduation. In this role, he edited instructional videos for faculty and created highlight clips for campus events such as graduation, Homecoming, and the inaugural TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU event.

“Through my internship, I learned how to connect with my colleagues and how to relate my studies to my future career,” he says. “The opportunity to work with many caring and passionate professors has helped me develop more as a confident professional.”

The College of Business and Computing also recognized Diep as the Department of Computing’s Outstanding Undergraduate for 2022 at the Annual Student Recognition Ceremony. This award is given annually to students that exceed academically in their field of study. He is also a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and Upsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society for Computing and Information Disciplines.

Diep now looks forward to finding a career in the field of information technology while living in Americus. He hopes to continue his education in the future by attending graduate school.