Features

GSW dominates on list of Most Affordable Online Colleges & Degrees as #1 in nation

It is no secret that GSW is affordable, but to come in first on the list of 2019 Most Affordable Online Colleges and Degrees in the nation is quite the recognition.

According to SR Education Group, GSW has received another top ranking for having the most affordable online degrees in the country across a variety of popular programs. The group researched 723 institutions across the nation in order to highlight 25 of the most affordable online schools.

“Focused attention from faculty and flexible class scheduling are assurances for GSW’s online programs,” said GSW President Neal Weaver. “When combined with the affordability of an accredited institution, it’s no surprise that Georgia Southwestern is at the top of this list. At GSW, we believe you can get a quality education that doesn’t have to come with years of debt.”

Online students made up 60% of GSW’s enrollment in Fall 2018, with 1,765 students taking at least one online class during the semester. While most of GSW’s online students come from Georgia, many come from around the country, with 26 other states represented in the online student body. Students often choose online education to work around their part-time or full-time schedule, which can include jobs, family, or other personal commitments.

The majority of GSW’s online students surveyed during the University’s branding efforts in 2018 admitted to choosing GSW because of the “tuition, flexibility, accessibility, value, and reputation for specific degree programs.”

Learn more about GSW’s online programs here.

News

It’s not too late to register for fall classes

If you are a continuing student who has not yet registered for Fall 2019, there is still time! Registration will remain open until classes begin on Monday, August 19. Visit gsw.edu/registration for more information, including class schedules for Fall, a registration checklist and payment information.

Dave named new Writing Center director

On August 1, Associate Professor of English Anish Dave, Ph.D., will take over as director of the GSW Writing Center. Dave joined GSW in 2010 as an Assistant Professor. “My aim for the Writing Center is that it will help more of GSW's students to improve their writing across their various courses and in different writing situations,” Dave noted.

Dave will succeed Lauren Reed, Ph.D., (formerly DiPaula), who has served as Writing Center director since 2011. During that time, the Center  and its consultants have helped nearly 2,000 writers on campus, created workshops and resources for students, collaborated with other writing centers in the area, presented at regional and international conferences, and even helped a local high school establish and maintain their own writing center.

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the James Earl Carter Library. Current hours and appointment information can be found here.

Macon area alumni event

GSW Alumni are invited to Lake Tobesofkee in Macon, GA for an evening of community, inspiration and good eats on Thursday, August 22. Enjoy a buffet dinner at The Boathouse of the Fish & Pig) 6420 Moseley Dixon Rd, Macon, Georgia 31220) from 6:30-8:30 pm, while connecting with your 'Canes family. Not only will there be great food, fellowship, and door prizes, but President Neal Weaver will be there along with many of our coaches.

Cost is $20 per person and includes dinner and beverages. Register online here.

Publications

Kutzler’s piece on Carter published by History News Network

Evan Kutzler, assistant professor of history, recently published “Jimmy Carter, Public Historian” in History News Network. The piece explores Carter’s role as a public historian through his involvement in many local events and groups, including Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church and his involvement with the Plains Better Hometown Program and the Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.

Student Recognitions

Students attend EdRising conference in Dallas

From June 22 through June 25, Educators Rising members Taylor Lawhorn, Bailey Reynolds, Maggie Johnson, Scott Jacobs and advisor Michele McKie traveled to Dallas, Texas to attend the 2019 Educators Rising conference. The students learned valuable lessons to utilize in their future classrooms and information about how to grow their collegiate chapter.

Canes Spotlights Announced

Canes Spotlights highlight Georgia Southwestern students who hold leadership roles, are involved in extracurricular activities and excel academically on campus. The July Canes Spotlights were sophomore Business Management major Maci Waller and junior Sociology & Criminal Justice double major Haley Stark.

Canes Spotlights are nominated by GSW faculty and staff.

Students names Trainee Park Guides at Andersonville

GSW Psychology major Gloria Beard and History major Jaden Terry were recently named Student Trainee Park Guides at Andersonville National Historic Site. They will assist with visitor services in the National Prisoner of War Museum, complete research requests and give interpretive tours.

New Hires, Promotions & Retirements

Valerie Hines named Web Content Strategist

Valerie Hines is a double ‘Cane, having earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing (’07) and a Master of Business Administration (’17) from Georgia Southwestern. She lives in Americus and, in her spare time, enjoys reading, cooking, yoga, listening to true crime podcasts, and anything involving creativity.

She began her career as a Graphic Designer for “I Care” Products and Services and, for the last 11 years, served South Georgia Technical College as Marketing Coordinator for the Americus Campus (2008-2017) and, most recently, Library Services and Technology Coordinator at the Cordele Campus. Her newest role brings her back to her alma mater as Web Content Strategist for Georgia Southwestern.

When asked how she feels about being back on the GSW campus, she exclaimed, “I’m pleased to be joining the staff of my alma mater almost 17 years after first stepping through the doors of the University. I can’t wait to make GSW proud!”

Dr. Melanie Thornton joins College of Education

Dr. Melanie Thornton recently joined the College of Education as Associate Dean and Associate Professor.  Her research in education has been focused variously on service learning, college readiness, classroom techniques for success and reading comprehension. Recently, she was a featured presenter at the National Perkins Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. She has taught at Darton State College, Troy University, and Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also a Commissioner for College Readiness with the American Association of Community Colleges.

Thornton is a Georgia native, having been born and raised in Southwest Georgia. Her graduate education includes an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University, an M.Ed. in Reading Specialist from Georgia Southwestern State University, an Ed.S. from Troy University and an Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University.

Raven Burkes joins the Library

Raven Burkes has joined the staff of the James E Carter Library as a Library Technician – Collection Development Assistant. She is in charge of ordering books, DVDs, and serials and will work with faculty and staff to make sure items are available. A December 2018 graduate of GSW, Raven has a degree in Sociology.

Upcoming Events

• July 19: STORM Day
• July 24: Last day of Summer classes (full term)
• August 2: First Friday
• August 12: Fall tuition and fees due
• August 12-16: Southwestern Week
• August 13: Freshmen Move-In Day
• August 14-17: Freshmen Orientation
• August 17: Upperclassmen Move-In Day
• August 18: Freshmen Convocation
• August 19: First day of Fall classes
• August 19: Late registration
• August 19-23: Welcome Week

  Find more events on the GSW academic calendar and on CanesConnect.