GSW breaks ground on new science building, unveils Jeanette C. Mix Hall name

AMERICUS, Ga. (August 28, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) broke ground Thursday, Aug. 27, on a new natural sciences building that will expand and modernize science education on campus. During the ceremony, the University announced the facility will be named Jeanette C. Mix Hall in recognition of the lasting impact Jeanette C. Mix and the Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund have had on GSW and the Americus community.

The $20.3 million project, which includes design, construction and equipment, is expected to be completed in fall 2027, with the first classes held in spring 2028.

At approximately 23,000 square feet, Jeanette C. Mix Hall will feature modern laboratories and instructional spaces designed to provide hands-on educational experiences for students in the sciences. The facility will be located adjacent to the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, further strengthening GSW's growing academic corridor for science and health-related programs.

“Over the last eight years, we have invested over $40 million in new construction and renovation projects on this campus with more to come from our new 10-year facilities master plan,” said GSW President Kerry Palmer, Ph.D. “This is just the very first step of that.”

The building's namesake, Jeannette C. Mix, came to Americus from Chicago in 1935 while traveling with her husband, Charles L. Mix. When he became ill during their travels, the couple stayed at the Windsor Hotel, where he later died of pneumonia. Moved by the kindness they received from the community, Mix made Americus her home and established the Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund in her husband's memory. Her legacy continues through the fund's longstanding support of GSW and the Americus community.

“We are very proud that this building will be named after Jeannette C. Mix in recognition of everything that the money she left behind has done for this community,” said Rick Whaley, chairman of the Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund. “This is a great way to pay tribute to the decision she made to use her estate for the betterment of this community.”

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together University, state and community leaders. Speakers included Regent Chris Cannon of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents; state Sen. Freddie Powell Sims; and state Reps. Mike Cheokas and PattyMarie Stinson.

Palmer recognized the many partners who helped make the project possible, including the Mix Foundation, Phoebe Health, the City of Americus, Sumter County and state and federal leaders.

“All of us working together can really deliver on our mission to make this part of Georgia a better place to live and to work,” Palmer said. “As the four-year institution in this region, we have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of each individual student here and in the lives of all of the people who call this region home.”

Jeanette C. Mix Hall will replace the aging Joseph C. Roney Building and Science Building, which have served generations of GSW students. The new facility will support programs in biology, chemistry and other science disciplines while providing students with enhanced opportunities for laboratory learning, research and preparation for graduate and professional programs.

GSW partnered with JMA Architecture on the building's design, with Allstate Construction serving as construction manager for the project.

The project represents another major investment in GSW's continued growth and its commitment to preparing students for careers and advanced study in STEM, health care and other science-related fields.