From the President: A New Chapter Together

Starting July 1, I had the privilege of beginning my service as president of Georgia Southwestern State University. During these first few weeks, one thing has become abundantly clear: this is a university and a community defined by people who genuinely care.

I want to thank those who have welcomed my wife, Robyn, and me to Americus. Your kindness and hospitality have confirmed what we hoped when we first considered this opportunity – that Georgia Southwestern and Americus are truly special places.

Before joining GSW, I spent many years at Troy University in Troy, Alabama, most recently serving as provost and chief academic officer. Throughout nearly three decades in education, I have been fortunate to serve as a teacher, school leader, dean, and university administrator. Before entering higher education leadership, I spent roughly two decades in K–12 education as a teacher and administrator. This experience continues to shape my perspective on student success and the importance of strong partnerships between schools, universities, and communities. Those experiences reinforced what I have long believed: higher education is at its best when it is deeply connected to the community it serves.

That belief is one of the reasons Georgia Southwestern appealed to me so strongly.

As a first-generation college graduate, I know personally how education can change the trajectory of a life, and even an entire family. Regional universities like GSW do far more than award degrees. We prepare nurses, teachers, business leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants who strengthen our communities every day. We create opportunity, support economic development, and improve the quality of life across southwest Georgia. That mission is one I feel called to serve.

I’ve already encountered people who believe in this university and are committed to its success. That shared commitment gives me tremendous optimism for our future.
Universities cannot succeed in isolation. Our progress depends on partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, industries, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, alumni, and generous donors. Together, we can continue developing the workforce our region needs, creating opportunities for students, and ensuring the state of Georgia continues to prosper.

Georgia Southwestern has experienced remarkable momentum thanks to the leadership of those who came before me and the dedication of this campus community. My goal is to build upon that strong foundation while continuing to position GSW as an economic, educational, and cultural leader for southwest Georgia.

Robyn is excited to join me in Americus this August, and together we look forward to becoming active members of the community. Our two grown children now live out of state, making this an exciting new chapter for both of us. We hope to see you at Hurricane athletic events, Chamber Concert performances, Under the Lights, our Campaign Launch celebration, and Homecoming. And if you happen to run into me at Horne Pecan Company, there’s a good chance I’ll be ordering my new favorite drink – the Butter Pecan coffee. I have a feeling it’s just the first of many local favorites Robyn and I will discover as we explore Americus together.

Thank you again for the warm welcome! I look forward to getting to know many more of you in the months ahead as, together, we continue building an even brighter future for Georgia Southwestern, Americus, and the region we proudly call home.