STATESBORO, GA 鈥� For the 2026-27 academic year, has named 快猫app短视 a College of Distinction for Eagle Nation鈥檚 commitment to serving undergraduate students and championing the leaders of the future.聽

These merits signify a school鈥檚 adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. In addition, Eagle Nation was also named a 2026-2027 Military Support, Business, Education, and Nursing College of Distinction.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,鈥� said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. 鈥淲hat they need from higher education isn鈥檛 just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. 快猫app短视 delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.鈥�

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their remarkable contributions to higher education. Colleges of Distinction was founded on the premise that a college is the experience it provides, not its place for numerical rankings alone. Georgia Southern鈥檚 inclusion reflects its commitment to actionable, qualitative values. 

From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, Georgia Southern students are active participants in their own education.

鈥淣o two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success,鈥� Schritter added. 鈥淭he institutions we recognize understand that. Georgia Southern has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.鈥�

快猫app短视鈥檚 Beth McGee, Ph.D., associate professor of interior architecture and design and assistant chair of the School of Human Ecology, was awarded $20,000 through The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education 鈥淐reate Your Own Grant鈥� program in 2026. 

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. McGee鈥檚 achievement,” said Trent Davis, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “Lighting is an important element of interior design, and this grant will allow our students to gain hands-on experience with the latest knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.”

The grant proposal was developed collaboratively with the Lighting Knowledge Network and led by Principal Investigator Stephanie McGoldrick, assistant professor of interior architecture and design at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. 

This funding will be used to create a curated open access educational resource aimed to improve the teaching and learning of lighting design. The team plans to use this online, evidence-based curriculum to foster interior design, architecture and engineering students. 

“Receiving the Nuckolls Grant is a huge win for our team,” said McGee. “It validates the hard work we鈥檝e put into preliminary testing regarding identifying the current needs in lighting design education. We aim to provide an innovative curriculum that will continuously be updated within the Lighting Knowledge Network (LKN) which is one of several knowledge networks within the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), an organization committed to advancing interior design education.  I am excited to see how bringing together a more up-to-date and evidence-based approach to teaching will inspire student creativity and technical proficiency.”

The interior architecture and design program continues to thrive as a center for learning, technology and craftsmanship. McGee looks forward to continuing to help graduates enter the workforce not just as generalists but as specialists in environmental behavior. 

“My goal is to change how our students see their role,” said McGee. “We aren’t just picking fixtures. We are manipulating the atmosphere to improve lives. The Nuckolls Grant is helping us provide a tool that will support making Georgia Southern a premier destination for innovative lighting-focused interior design.”

James 鈥淏rad鈥� Willis, a doctoral student in 快猫app短视鈥檚 Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing, has been awarded a graduate research scholarship from the (SAE) to support his work in internal combustion (IC) engine sustainability.

This honor follows a dedicated five-year research journey that began during Willis鈥� sophomore year under the mentorship of Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy. Based in the Engines, Combustion and Emissions Laboratory, Willis focuses on optimizing IC engines through alternative fuels to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.  

鈥淢oments like these provide a true sense of achievement,鈥� Willis said. 鈥淩eflecting on my research at Georgia Southern, it鈥檚 clear the effort was worthwhile. This recognition serves as a powerful catalyst for my future work.鈥�

Willis currently serves as the lead graduate researcher overseeing three laboratory test cells. His work on sustainable energy solutions has been published in more than 12 peer-reviewed engineering journals. He attributes much of his success toGeorgia Southern鈥檚 advanced resources, noting that the campus facilities mirror those used throughout the industry.

“Utilizing cutting-edge technology provides a significant competitive edge,” Willis remarked. “Gaining this caliber of practical expertise is an invaluable benefit.” 

Sponsored by the , a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial vehicle industries, and the world鈥檚 leading manufacturer of non-vehicle diesel engines, the award recognizes Willis for his research in bridging the gap between academic excellence and practical environmental solutions that advance the future of mobility.

鈥淏rad’s work is not just academic; it is industry-ready technology that addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy,鈥� said Soloiu. “Scholarships of this caliber underscore the world-class research being conducted right here at 快猫app短视.鈥�

Director of 快猫app短视鈥檚 Office of Student Activities Memory Littles has been named the 2026 Chair of the University System of Georgia鈥檚 Chief Advisory Team on Student Life (CAT-SL). 

In this role, Littles will work alongside student life officers from institutions across the University System of Georgia to represent services and programs that foster student learning and personal development. CAT-SL shares responsibility with other administrative and advisory groups to make recommendations to the Chancellor and, through the Chancellor, to the Board of Regents regarding curricular and co-curricular experiences and services that support the University System鈥檚 educational objectives.

Littles is a Double Eagle who has dedicated her career to enhancing student life, leadership development and campus engagement. Under her direction, the Office of Student Activities earned a 2026 Gold Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) for its Student and Organization Leadership Development (SOLD) workshop series. Her role as Chair of CAT-SL reflects her leadership and commitment to student engagement, and will allow her to continue strengthening opportunities for student development at Georgia Southern and across the state.

快猫app短视鈥檚 Honors College continues to expand its connections with international institutions of higher learning. 

In May, Honors College Dean Steven Engel, Ph.D., and Professor of Geography Amy Potter, Ph.D, attended the first-ever Oslo Peace Congress in Norway and presented information about the Partners in Peace (PiP) Honors colloquium held earlier this year at 快猫app短视, in partnership with the Nobel Peace Center and the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This marks the first year of Georgia Southern鈥檚 participation in the PiP program. 

“Attending the Oslo Peace Congress was an excellent opportunity to learn from others who are integrating the Nobel Peace Prize into their honors experiences,鈥� said Engel. 鈥淎t Georgia Southern, our Honors Global Scholars participated in the Partners in Peace colloquium and generated research on the Nobel Peace Prize and presented their work on campus. Sharing that impactful experience with our international partners was rewarding and generated wide interest among fellow participants.”

As for the Oslo Peace Congress, the experience included visits to The Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the committee meets and announces the Peace Prize recipient each October; a reception with the Mayor of Oslo at City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held every December 10; and Ut酶ya, an island used for youth camps and the site of the July 22, 2011, terrorist attack.

Potter and Engel also met J酶rgen Watne Frydnes, current chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and author of 鈥淣o Man Is an Island: Community and Commemoration on Norway鈥檚 Ut酶ya.鈥� He spoke about his work as the former CEO of Ut酶ya and the ongoing challenge of balancing remembrance, education and healing on the island.

鈥淲hat struck me most about Ut酶ya was the commitment to remembrance without allowing tragedy to define the future,鈥� Potter explained. 鈥淭he island serves as a remarkable example of how education can be used to transform loss into action. As educators, experiences like this are incredibly important because they give us powerful examples to share with our students, helping them understand how communities can confront difficult histories while still investing in hope, democracy and the next generation of leaders.鈥�

However, Potter鈥檚 contributions to broadening the University鈥檚 international presence are an ongoing, multinational effort. At the beginning of this year, she was selected as a Fulbright Specialist and participated in a short-term exchange with Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia where she collaborated with faculty at the university鈥檚 Monter铆a campus on the project 鈥淐olombia鈥揢.S. Dialogue on Global Water & Sustainability.鈥� In March, she also embarked on a six-week Global Honors Scholars program in County Wexford, Ireland, to cultivate community-led research through Georgia Southern鈥檚 Wexford Learning Center. 

Natassia Mason, an Honors Global Scholar and political science major who took part in the Partners in Peace colloquium last year, will travel to Oslo later this year after being selected to participate in the virtual Fall 2026 Partners in Peace course, 鈥淭he Nobel Peace Prize Laureates: Exemplars of Determination, Faith, and Hope in Striving Toward Peace.鈥� The course will be housed at the Oslo New University College and led by Henrik Syse, the immediate past vice-chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. 

After completing the course, Mason, one of 20 students selected nationwide, will travel to Oslo during Nobel Peace Prize Week to attend events surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on Dec. 10, 2026.

鈥淚 am incredibly grateful to participate in the Partners in Peace program, which has helped me deepen my understanding of peace and global relations and relate these concepts to related research and development. I look forward to applying what I have learned during the upcoming Oslo program,鈥� Mason said.

The Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing (AEPCEC) at 快猫app短视 hosted its annual Student Research Symposium showcasing the next generation of technological and engineering advancements. 

The 2026 symposium featured academic talent and innovative research, highlighting presentations from over 300 undergraduate and graduate students. More than 130 interactive technical posters were presented spanning research topics in cutting-edge computing, advanced infrastructure, robotics, smart energy, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.  

The event drew participation from approximately 40 industry partner companies who actively engaged with the presented research, underscoring the symposium鈥檚 growing role as a bridge between student research, workforce development and industry needs. 

鈥淭his event is an essential launchpad for our students to step out of the classroom and showcase their innovative work with real-world applications,鈥� said Reinhold Gerbsch, DSc, director of industrial relations for the college. 鈥淧resenting research across fields like robotics, civil engineering and artificial intelligence teaches students how to articulate complex concepts with clarity to industry professionals.鈥� 

The symposium also featured an on-site career fair, giving students the opportunity to connect with major industry employers, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Thomas & Hutton and more. 

鈥淗aving companies on-site creates a dynamic professional network where industry leaders are not simply judging the students鈥� work, they are there to mentor, advise and hire,鈥� Gerbsch explained. 鈥淭heir involvement ensures our students understand what the engineering and computing sectors are looking for in new hires and how their research connects to emerging industry needs.鈥�  

Team and individual awards were presented to undergraduate and graduate students. These included:

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

Olaudo Victor-Ofoegbu, Jalen Mordica, Iniuobong Unah

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Elizabeth McGlone, Sebastian Oviedo, Ariana Story, Anish Goyal

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Nicholas Hubbard

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Michael Woodcock

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Tamera Gilmore, Jack Jones, Perrin Freeman, Bryan Bosely

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Caleb Lewis, Jack Giles, Elsie Lappin

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Milton Tomas Santizo

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Rosemarie Gante, Ariful Islam Shuvo, Peya Sharif, Yocelin Ramos-Perez, Natalia Alanis, Isabella Funes

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Alejandro Gir贸n, Thi Tran, Nicholas-Paul Webster, Casey Morgan 

GRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

John Havenar

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Emmanuella Ogun,Yong Ann Voeurn

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Mary Dufie Afrane

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Temitope Elijah

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Jonas Chen

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Chowdhury Irtiza

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Melinawo Vowotor

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Md. Moshiur Rahman Tushar

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Deborah Osahor

Industry and community partners interested in engaging with Georgia Southern engineering and computing students are invited to participate in future Student Research Symposium events through judging, sponsorship, career fair participation, technical mentorship and research collaboration opportunities.

For more information about participating in the Student Research Symposium and to view all of the 2026 award finalists, please visit: /colleges/engineering-computing/research/undergraduate-research/symposium. 

快猫app短视 is once again setting the standard for excellence at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, receiving outstanding delegation distinction for the 15th year in a row. 

“Our success is due to the quality of our students,” said Barry Balleck, Ph.D., team advisor and professor of politics and international studies. “They have a passion for Model UN and they believe in the diplomatic process. They have not been jaded to believe that diplomacy is weakness and that international cooperation is pass茅.”

Georgia Southern has one of the longest-running Model United Nations programs in the country, beginning in 1972. Balleck says that the team’s wins this year have just reinforced what he’s known since he started leading the program 30 years ago. 

“Our students can match up to students from any university anywhere in the world,” Balleck said. “The difference between our students and others is that they have a passion for Model UN and for the standard of excellence that we have set in this program. We emphasize every year that our students are not just representing themselves in any particular year; they are representing the legacy of the Model UN established by 快猫app短视.”

The weight of that responsibility is heavy, but Balleck says it’s a crucial tool in preparing students for their future. 

“Our students learn research, writing and critical thinking skills that help them in whatever profession they choose,” he explained. “I have students who are teachers, diplomats, doctors, lawyers, government officials, peace corps volunteers, lobbyists — the list goes on and on.” 

Those skills helped the Georgia Southern team stand out at the conference this year, bringing home multiple awards in categories like Outstanding Distinction for Position Paper Writing and Outstanding Delegate Distinction in Committee. Balleck says the group is already preparing for next year.  

“Our delegation will be conducting three middle and high school conferences next academic year,” he said. “These conferences will bring nearly 1,200 students to 快猫app短视. Then we’ll attend the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference next year in New York City at the end of March 2027.”

That will mark Balleck’s 31st year with the organization. After all this time, he still says that Model UN is the best academic tool he’s ever been associated with. 

“It teaches students advanced methods in public speaking, research, technical writing and diplomacy,” he said. “In my opinion, the experiential components of Model UN are unmatched by any other experience.”

Winners include:

OUTSTANDING DELEGATION

• Becerra, Ruby
• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Busboom, Emma
• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Collins, Logan — Assistant Advisor
• Dykes, Kierstin
• Franco, Jaelly
• Gibbs, Amiyah
• Hill, Xenovia
• Mason, Natassia
• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Moore, Chloe
• Norman, Malachi
• Pagelsen, Logan
• Roberts, Lily
• Rumsey, Ava
• Sherrill, Jacob
• Taylor-Williams, Ariana — Head Delegate
• Wheeler, Jaden
• Williams, Emma
• Balleck, Barry — Advisor

OUTSTANDING POSITION PAPER WRITING 

General Assembly Third Committee (GA3)

• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Pagelsen, Logan

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

OUTSTANDING DELEGATES IN COMMITTEE

General Assembly First Committee (GA1)

• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Franco, Jaelly

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• Becerra, Ruby
• Mason, Nattassia

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Moore, Chloe

The RiteCare庐 Center for Communication Disorders, located on the Armstrong Campus of 快猫app短视, continually implements innovative strategies to broaden its impact throughout the community. As the clinic鈥檚 reach continues to grow, Georgia Southern Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) students are finding unique opportunities to connect with the people who need them. 

鈥淭hrough continual reflection, we strive to expand our services, community support and student readiness,鈥� said Tory Candea, Ph.D., SLP.D., director of clinical education in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Georgia Southern. 

Over a three-week period, the RightCare Center partnered with local horse-therapy nonprofit Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Premier Accredited center in Guyton, Georgia, for ‘Manes and Memories.’

鈥淭he graduate students went above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment,鈥� Candea added. 鈥淭heir ability to combine evidence-based strategies, fun and compassion made the experience truly meaningful for everyone involved.鈥� 

Together, the two organizations offered free speech therapy services to people living with speech-altering health conditions, alongside their caregivers, using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, sensory-friendly stations and the healing power of equine friendship. 

Along with providing services throughout South Georgia, the RiteCare Center has continued to expand services for children and adults beyond the boundaries of the University鈥檚 four campuses. Recently, the center was named the for the state of North Carolina. 

Graduate students will now have the opportunity to provide free research-based treatment for people with Parkinson鈥檚 and related disorders, helping individuals regain and retain their speech and swallowing through high-quality virtual sessions. 

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to be chosen as North Carolina鈥檚 SPEAK OUT! Therapy and Research Center. This allows us to broaden access to care and empower students to learn, serve and lead under the guidance of exceptional clinical instructors, “said Candea.

The SPEAK OUT!Therapy Program at Georgia Southern was made possible by grant funding from , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with Parkinson鈥檚 Disease worldwide. 

For Candea, working across communities benefits both patients and their future clinicians, helping students deliver the highest level of care to the people they serve.

She said, 鈥淥ur students are not waiting for graduation to make a difference; they are already changing lives through knowledge, consistency, and commitment to high-quality care.鈥�

Beth McGee, Ph.D., associate professor and assistant chair in the , has been named the 2026 Postsecondary Professional of the Year by the Georgia Association of Teachers of Family & Consumer Sciences (GATFACS). This award recognizes her transformative impact in Career Technical Education (CTE) and her success in connecting academic study with community needs.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from my peers in GATFACS,” said McGee. “Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) provides a vital foundation for students to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. At Georgia Southern, we strive to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact, and this award is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our entire department.鈥� 

During her time as the interior design program coordinator, McGee helped double the program’s size to more than 300 students while maintaining top-tier accreditation. She also led the 2025 launch of a new interdisciplinary major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education to address the regional shortage of middle and high school teachers.

Trent Davis, Ph.D., interim chair of the School of Human Ecology, praised McGee鈥檚 dedication, noting that her work aligns with national high-quality CTE frameworks. 

鈥淚n both of Dr. McGee鈥檚 roles as assistant chair and program coordinator for interior design, she consistently exemplifies excellence through her contributions to program quality, innovation and leadership,鈥� said Davis. 鈥淗er work has had a profound effect on students, educators and the broader community.鈥� 

The GATFACS Postsecondary Professional of the Year award honors educators who drive innovation and show an unwavering commitment to advancing CTE within their institutions.

STATESBORO, Ga. 鈥� 快猫app短视 recognized more than a dozen exceptional faculty and staff members from across the institution with the University Awards of Excellence and Years of Service Recognition. These awards celebrate individuals whose dedication and service has significantly contributed to the advancement of the University鈥檚 vision, mission and values. 

The University Awards of Excellence span across seven distinctive categories honoring faculty and staff who have consistently gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Additional honors include the John D. and Meryln J. Denitto Outstanding Endeavor Award and the Team Award for Collective Impact. 

The East Georgia Campus of Georgia Southern also highlighted three remarkable faculty and staff members who embody the heart, mission and values of the Golden Eagles with the Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Reliability (STAR) Award and the Spirit of East Georgia Award.

The 2025鈥�26 University Awards of Excellence recipients include:

Innovation and Discovery 鈥� Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., Distinguished Chair and professor of mechanical engineering; Ryan Gilbert, Associate Athletics Director

Economic and Social Mobility 鈥� Richard Cleveland, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Counselor Education; Heather Shelly, Associate Vice President for Financial Aid and Enrollment Services

People and Community Development 鈥� Taylor Norman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Middle Grades and Secondary Education; McKenzie Peterman, Ed.D., Associate Director of Career Development and Instruction

Teaching, Learning and Development 鈥� Anna Brady, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology; Deborah Walker, Instructional Services Coordinator

Collaboration and Partnership 鈥� Ed Mondor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology; Corine Ackerson-Jones, Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Leadership 鈥� Beth Howells, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor of English; Kiera Stansell, Employee Relations Manager

Sustainable Stewardship 鈥� Lacey Huffling, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Science Education; Joann Cottrell, Tutoring Services Coordinator (Armstrong Campus)

John D. and Meryln J. Denitto Outstanding Endeavor Award 鈥� Nandi Marshall, DrPH, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Health Policy and Community Health

Collective Impact Award 鈥� Vertically Integrated Projects team, including faculty and staff contributors across disciplines:

Shainaz Landge, Ph.D., Gwendolyn Carroll, Ph.D., Heidi Eisenreich, Ph.D., Anthony Siccardi, Ph.D., Heather Joesting, Ph.D., Brigette Brinton, Dragos Amarie, Ph.D., Mark dela Cerna, Ph.D., Rocio Perez, Ph.D., Sara Gremillion, Ph.D., Urkovia Andrews, DrPH, Kristina Patterson, Ph.D., Dr. Stetson Rowles, Ph.D., David Weindorf, Ph.D., Karin Fisher, Ph.D., Suzanne S. Hallman, Hossein Taheri, Ph.D., Meenaloshini Vimal-Cruz, Ph.D., Jianzhou He, Ph.D., Vijayalakshmi Ramasamy, Ph.D., Stephen Griffin, Ph.D., Jorge Villa Vargas, Ph.D., Brian Koehler, Ph.D., and Jessica Orvis. 

The 2025鈥�26 University East Georgia Awards of Excellence recipients include:

S.T.A.R. Award 鈥� Jeffrey Howell, Ph.D., Professor of Social Sciences; Tifani Pool, Director of East Georgia 鈥� Statesboro Campus

Spirit of East Georgia Award 鈥� Courtney Joiner, Chair of the Department of Social Science and Professional Studies in Social Sciences

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For more detailed profiles on each recipient of the 快猫app短视鈥檚 2025-26 University Awards of Excellence and Years of Service Recognition, click here. 

To find more information on the East Georgia Campus 2025-26 STAR Awards and Years of Service Recognition, click here.