From the President: A Month of Milestones

When I arrived at Georgia Southwestern in early July, I knew I was joining a special place with tremendous momentum. What I could not have fully anticipated was just how quickly I would see that momentum come to life.

August has been an extraordinary month at GSW filled with new beginnings, deep traditions, major milestones and a strong sense of pride in what this University means to Southwest Georgia.

My first two months on campus coincided with the beginning of a new academic year, and there could not have been a better introduction to the heart of this University.

On Aug. 11, I had the privilege of welcoming our newest Hurricanes at Freshman Convocation. As part of that tradition, I presented each student with a silver Presidential Challenge Coin and challenged them to carry it throughout their GSW journey. When they graduate, they will have the opportunity to give that coin to someone who made a meaningful difference along the way. It was a special moment for me as a new president to welcome a new class beginning its own journey at GSW.

The following day on Aug. 12, our campus came fully back to life with the first day of classes. Seeing students fill our classrooms, sidewalks and gathering spaces was an important reminder of why we are here. Every initiative we undertake, every partnership we build and every investment we make ultimately comes back to creating opportunities for our students to succeed.

On Aug. 14, GSW welcomed special guests from across the country for the National First Ladies Day Commission luncheon, celebrating our new role as the academic home of the Commission. It is especially fitting for an institution with the connection to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Bringing presidential descendants, elected officials, community leaders and others together at the Griffin Bell Conference Center demonstrated the unique role GSW can play in preserving history, encouraging scholarship and creating new educational opportunities.

The following week on Aug. 20, we celebrated another defining moment with the public launch of Rising Together, Shaping Futures, GSW’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. Because of the tremendous support already received during the campaign’s quiet phase, we announced an increased goal of $15 million, up from the original $12.5 million goal. That ambitious new target reflects both the generosity of our supporters and their confidence in where GSW is headed. 

And we are quite literally building that future.

On Aug. 27, we celebrated the groundbreaking of GSW’s new Natural Sciences Building and the unveiling of its future name, Jeannette C. Mix Hall. The long-awaited facility is an investment in our students, our academic programs and the workforce that will serve Southwest Georgia for decades to come. 

That same evening on Aug. 27, the celebration continued with Under the Lights, bringing hundreds together at Hurricane Field for an exciting night of GSW soccer and fireworks. This unique fan experience helps build connections with campus and community members and an opportunity to share in the energy and spirit that make GSW special.

August also gave us another reason to show our Hurricane pride when Surge was named the Peach Belt Conference Mascot of the Year for the second consecutive year. After spending my first month around this campus, I understand why. The pride and enthusiasm Surge represents are evident throughout the GSW community.

Taken individually, each of these moments is worthy of celebration. Taken together, they tell a much bigger story: Georgia Southwestern is moving forward. We are honoring our 120 years of history while investing in our future. 

I am grateful to be a Hurricane, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

Georgia Southwestern’s future is taking shape and we are rising together to build it.