Madeline Taylor of Tazewell named GSW’s 2026 Outstanding Scholar

AMERICUS, Ga. (May 20, 2026) — Madeline Taylor was recently named Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) 2026 Outstanding Scholar, the University’s highest academic honor. Taylor is an accounting major from Tazewell, Ga. and recently graduated summa cum laude. She was recognized by Chancellor Sonny Perdue during Academic Recognition Day at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) in Atlanta.

The USG Outstanding Scholar Award recognizes one student from each of the 25 public colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and service.

“The Academic Scholar Awards began 39 years ago to celebrate outstanding scholars,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “Out of more than 290,000 undergraduate students in the USG, only 25 students are selected for this prestigious award. We are incredibly proud of Maddie and all she has accomplished during her time at Georgia Southwestern.”

“Being named GSW’s Outstanding Scholar is truly humbling,” said Taylor. “Since I started at GSW, I promised myself that I would work hard and make the most of my experience here. This award shows that the time spent studying and maintaining campus involvement was all worth it.”

Taylor distinguished herself as both an exceptional student and campus leader throughout her time at GSW. She earned University’s honors lists every semester since beginning in Fall 2023.

Beyond academics, Taylor served in a variety of leadership roles, including as a member of the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program, a GSW Marshal and vice president of Kappa Delta. She was also active in the Accounting Club, served as a Zephyr student tour guide, studied abroad in Europe and completed internships at local businesses.

This summer, Taylor will complete an internship with Draffin Tucker in Albany before enrolling in the University of Georgia’s Master of Accountancy program, and work towards completing her CPA license. Following graduate school, she plans to join Mauldin & Jenkins as an associate.

“I am so lucky to have friends and family who support me and have pushed me to be my best,” said Taylor. “It’s a challenge to maintain good grades in college, but it’s possible with the right people encouraging you and supporting you along the way.”

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned while being at GSW is to let go of things that I have no control over. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when things aren’t going your way, but here, I’ve learned to breathe and put it all in God’s hands.”

As recipient of this award, Taylor and the other USG top students received a signed resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives and Chancellor Perdue.