Georgia Southern junior Ariana Taylor-Williams will spend her summer in New York City after earning a Schomburg-Mellon fellowship. This prestigious opportunity will allow her to advance her undergraduate research on the Harlem Renaissance by giving her access to unique documents in the New York Public Library鈥檚 extensive archives.

鈥淏eing able to do research with primary sources is a big deal,鈥� said Taylor-Williams. 鈥淭his will be the highest level of research I have gotten to do and I鈥檓 really excited for the opportunity. It鈥檚 exactly what I need to be able to advance my thesis.鈥�

The Schomburg-Mellon fellowship is given to 10 rising college seniors annually.

Taylor-Williams is an Honors College student double-majoring in history and English while working as an archivist in the Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections. She is the head delegate of the University鈥檚 Model United Nations team and the vice president of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society. Her research into the effects of Cumberland Island鈥檚 commercial development on the Gullah Geechee community earned her the history department鈥檚 Richard S. Beene Scholarship. Now she is preparing her Honors thesis: 鈥淗arlem鈥檚 Federal Writers: Transnationalists, Humanitarians, and Public Historians,鈥� which examines how the work of African American authors in the 1930s contributed to the preservation of American history. 

Associate Professor of History Julie de Chantal, Ph.D., noted that Taylor-Williams took her work beyond expectations when teaming up with graduate students to produce an exhibit on American Independence.

鈥淪he operates at a level I have never seen before and she is tenacious like no other,鈥� said de Chantal. 鈥淪he has a profound ability to read text and subtext, so she finds patterns nobody else sees.鈥�

Taylor-Williams believes her success in so many fields comes from the supportive environment created by Georgia Southern faculty.

鈥淎ttending Georgia Southern is one of the best decisions I have made,鈥� said Taylor-Williams. 鈥淚 feel very lucky to have gotten these opportunities because not many students, especially in my field of archives, get to do this as an undergraduate student. All of the different extracurricular activities I have been able to hold leadership positions in, that鈥檚 not something you see at a lot of other universities.鈥�

De Chantal notes that a common theme in Taylor-Williams鈥檚 studies is using her own success to help others grow.

鈥淣ot only does she excel in her own work, she helps others to accomplish their goals too,鈥� said de Chantal. 鈥淲ith the Model U.N., she鈥檚 not only using the feedback that the faculty give her on her submissions, she shares the lessons that she learns with high school students whom she mentors. She does not just take knowledge in, she gives it back.鈥�

As Taylor-Williams prepares for a busy summer filled with rare books and handwritten notes, she already has her sights set on her next educational challenge. 

鈥淚 plan to get my master鈥檚 in history and library science because I really want to pursue a career as an archivist,鈥� said Taylor-Williams. 鈥淥nce I started working in Special Collections at the library, I realized it combines both history and English, so that became my goal. I want to do hands-on work that will help preserve historical documents for future generations to make their own discoveries.鈥�

Ariyana Braxton, radiation therapy student at 快猫app短视鈥檚 Waters College of Health Professions and native of Savannah, has been selected to participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Student to Leadership Development Program. This competitive three-year initiative is designed to cultivate future leaders in medical imaging and radiation therapy. Braxton is one of three students representing the state of Georgia at the national level.

The Student to Leadership Development Program provides selected students with opportunities to attend educational sessions, engage in national conferences and build meaningful mentorship relationships with professionals in the field. The program is designed to strengthen students鈥� leadership abilities while expanding their professional networks.

鈥淏eing selected for this program is truly an honor,鈥� Braxton said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to grow beyond the classroom, connect with professionals across the country and develop the leadership skills that will shape my future as a radiation therapist.鈥�

After discussing the opportunity with a classmate, Braxton felt inspired to apply to the program. She鈥檚 eager to gain greater insight into the field that she feels passionate about.

鈥淩adiation therapy is a close-knit field, and building professional relationships is so important,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to meet students from other programs, learn from experienced professionals and really put myself out there within the profession.鈥�

Through the program, Braxton hopes to gain deeper insight into the day-to-day realities of working in radiation therapy while developing practical leadership skills she can carry forward

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to learning what it takes to succeed in this field and gaining mentorship that will help guide me through the rest of my program and into my professional career,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he opportunity to participate in monthly mentorship meetings and attend the conference is something I鈥檓 especially excited about.鈥�

Braxton credits the chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences Laurie Adams, Ed.D., lecturer and clinical coordinator Theaonica Roberts, and senior lecturer and clinical coordinator Kerry Dunn, Ed.D., for introducing her to the program and encouraging her to apply.

Her selection reflects both her initiative and the strength of Georgia Southern鈥檚 radiation therapy program in preparing students for national-level professional engagement and leadership.

Morgan Kieffer, a 快猫app短视 sport management master’s student, is proof that classroom lessons can launch students into life-changing, real-world experiences.

Born and raised in Sharpsburg, Georgia, she grew up playing soccer and describes herself as naturally competitive. While she continues to compete on a semi-pro team out of Dublin, Georgia, she looks for ways to grow professionally on the administrative side of her favorite sports.

That lifelong passion for athletics eventually steered her toward a career in sports nutrition. After completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree in nutrition and food science at Georgia Southern, Kieffer immediately transitioned into the University鈥檚 sport management master鈥檚 program. 

鈥淚 go watch a ton of sports anytime I can, and then I just got really intrigued with nutrition and how nutrition really affects the body and performance,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, I put two and two together, and thought to myself 鈥� that’s what I want to do.鈥�

That passion for performance led her to an international opportunity that few students experience. While researching internships and global networking programs, Kieffer discovered Women in Football, a U.K.-based organization that supports women pursuing careers in the sports industry. When she learned about the group鈥檚 annual Women in Football Conference at Wembley Stadium, she applied for both the conference scholarship and a travel grant offered through the Georgia Southern Graduate Student Organization. She was awarded both.

鈥淚 thought, 鈥業 might as well just sign up for one of the free tickets, even though I probably won’t get it,鈥欌�� she laughed. 鈥淎nd then I got it.鈥�

At the conference, Kieffer joined panels led by international sports leaders and executives from Spain, England and Norway. Speakers discussed topics such as breaking industry barriers and career development for women in football. The experience expanded Kieffer鈥檚 understanding of how sports organizations across the world are working to create more equitable opportunities.

Of course, no trip to England is complete without taking in a match. Kieffer attended a national team game at Wembley, where she experienced international soccer culture firsthand.

Not just that, but the second-year graduate student was finally able to watch the sport she loved in one of the game鈥檚 most famous venues.

鈥淚 was wearing a jersey of one club and someone came up to me and they were just like trying to talk smack about the club,鈥� Kieffer recalled. 鈥淪o, it was kind of funny how passionate everyone is. It was really cool.鈥�

Second-year electrical engineering major James Eldridge doesn鈥檛 boast about the extensive work he does in his hometown of Hinesville, Georgia, but the community notices. From volunteering at his church to helping with the local food drive, Eldridge thrives on giving back to the community that raised him.

鈥淚 like to see the community be blessed, and I like to bless the community,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淓verybody needs a little helping hand now and again, no matter the situation. You could be on your best day or on your worst day, I feel like there’s a way for you to be helped. Just seeing the smiles on faces and knowing that I helped somebody is enough of an impact for me.鈥�

This supportive spirit earned Eldridge recognition by the Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Association. During their commemorative service, he was awarded the 2026 MLK Youth Award, a recognition that came as a surprise to Eldridge.

鈥淚t feels different to be recognized publicly,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚’m honored to be recognized, but it’s not something that I personally put out there, and it doesn鈥檛 change who I am or what I do. I’m still going to be regular James, and I’m going to continue to do the things that I always do.鈥�

Starting his degree at Georgia Southern鈥檚 Liberty Campus in Hinesville allowed Eldridge to continue serving his home community while bridging the gap in demands between high school and higher education.

鈥淪tarting locally was very good for me,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚t allowed me to get my feet wet and learn what needs to be done and what doesn’t. Starting college, it’s easy to get off track, and I didn’t want to be off track. The people at the Liberty Campus are like a family, and Georgia Southern has truly been a part of my growth as a young adult because they guided me and pushed me to be more, or as we’d say, to soar.鈥�

His desire to study engineering began at a young age and was tied to his hope to impact change in communities like his own.

鈥淚鈥檝e been on track for engineering since the fifth grade,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚’ve always had a passion for doing stuff with my hands, being creative, but I wanted to know that I could fix things for myself. Working as an engineer means I have the chance to improve outdated infrastructure for the country and make an impact in rural communities.鈥�

Eldridge has been surrounded by support throughout his time at Georgia Southern, but his biggest supporter, his grandfather, inspired more than just his commitment to academic excellence; he inspired his long-term goals.

鈥淢y grandpa served more than 21 years in the Army after being drafted,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淗e is my biggest role model and has always encouraged me. He’s what you would look for in a grandfather and much more. After I graduate with my degree in electrical engineering, I plan to commission as an officer into the Air Force and serve my country like he did.鈥�

Eldridge sees serving in the military as a continuation of his desire to serve those around him and the fulfillment of his dreams. The one constant in his motivation is his drive to always care for those in need.

鈥淚 grew up watching celebrities going back to help their hometowns after they had gone off and made their millions,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚 thought, why not start now? It would be great if I had more to give, but what I have now is enough and could inspire others to start giving back, too. I just want to be established in life enough to be able to support myself. And if somebody else needs help, to be able to support them. That’s the grand goal.鈥�

Every day, 40,000 cars cross the I-40 Hernando DeSoto bridge between Memphis, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The bridge, built in 1973, is made of corrugated metal and twisted steel, towering above the muddy banks of the Mississippi River.聽

In 2021, a worker with the Arkansas Department of Transportation discovered a major crack in one of the steel support beams during an inspection. The fracture was so severe that the bridge was closed for three months for emergency repairs, costing approximately $10 million.聽

快猫app短视 manufacturing engineering student Chowdhury Irtiza says he followed the news closely.

“The Department of Transportation found that they’d made a repair before to fix the problem,” he explained. “But that repair didn’t take properly because they failed to detect another internal crack.” 

Irtiza says it’s difficult to find these cracks because of the bridge’s structural nature. 

“This is a very big, very massive structure,” he said. “You cannot slice every single part and see if a defect exists. To do that, you need to use nondestructive testing.”

This is usually done with ultrasound technology. Engineers send out a high-frequency sound wave that produces an echo when it hits a crack. That echo generates information for the engineer to interpret and assess the structure’s condition.聽聽聽聽聽

But Irtiza has found a way to produce even more accurate, detailed reports.   

“Cracks are difficult to detect with conventional ultrasound testing,” explained Irtiza. “That’s why we use the total focusing method.” 

Total focusing is an enhanced technique for collecting the maximum amount of raw echo data possible to produce an accurate simulation.

“By combining simulations with the total focusing method, we’re able to produce inspections that yield a 15% increase in crack signal detection in comparison to standard conventional methods,” he said.

This major quality improvement gives engineers a more detailed understanding of the bridge, giving all drivers the chance for a safe commute. Irtiza says it’s all about finding the right frequency.

“You have to find the optimal frequency to get the best image of the defect,” he said. “This helps save time and money, because you can’t just do trial and error to figure that out. I know that from experience.”

His experience came from a deep love for engineering, which took him from Bangladesh all the way to Statesboro.  

“I didn’t know a lot about ultrasound or how it worked before coming here,” said Irtiza. “I was already working as a casting engineer, but I was fascinated at the thought of using ultrasound to tweak the material properties of the materials I worked on.” 

That’s how he met his mentor, Georgia Southern manufacturing engineering Associate Professor Hossein Taheri, Ph.D., working in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. Their first emails quickly led to a close working relationship, with Taheri offering Irtiza the chance to come to Statesboro to assist his research.

“Dr. Taheri is one of the pioneers of this method of ultrasound testing,” Irtiza explained. “The work he’s doing is really incredible.” 

Their working relationship became an important one to Irtiza. 

“I’m actually very grateful to have him as a mentor,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of scary things from my friends at other universities. Their professors are really strict and not very approachable. But Dr. Taheri has always encouraged students to share their thoughts and questions.” 

Irtiza credits this relationship as a source of inspiration when it came to taking his ultrasound research from the lab to the convention floor 鈥� specifically, the poster competition at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in Memphis.

“There were a lot of Ph.D. students from very big universities,” said Irtiza. “Their papers had multiple authors, and they came from big research groups. I was definitely wondering if my work would be recognized.”   

He says it didn’t initially register when he heard his name called as the winner of the best research award.聽

“I couldn’t understand the emotions that hit when they announced my name,” he explained. “But then I found my professor and told him. And he was so happy for me, and that’s when I realized what I had done. It was a major accomplishment, and it felt good.”

Irtiza plans to continue his time at Georgia Southern by pursuing his doctorate in engineering.

“The research I’m doing is actively making an impact in the field of nondestructive testing,” he said. “I’m able to do that because of the investments Georgia Southern is making in the field of research. It’s inspired me to make more investments in myself and my career as well.”

鈥淚 would struggle, I would flounder, I would face loss,鈥� said graduate Susan Hamilton. “I would rise, I would thrive, I would succeed. My personal journey to graduation has been long and hard, but I knew I was always on the right path.鈥�

Hamilton鈥檚 collegiate journey began over 25 years ago with an associate degree, and through the years, she faced many twists and turns, hills and valleys, on what seemed to be an endless road to her dream of attaining a master鈥檚 degree. 

For Hamilton, that day is finally here as she walks onto the stage once again and receives her Master of Arts in social sciences degree.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 believe I鈥檓 finally here!鈥� said Hamilton. 鈥淚t feels like a lifetime ago I received my first degree, and now, I鈥檓 completing my educational journey with my master鈥檚 degree. Over 25 years later, my dream, my parents’ dream for me, has finally been realized.鈥�

After earning her associate degree in marketing, Hamilton was married and soon welcomed a baby boy. 

鈥淚 wanted to get my bachelor鈥檚 degree, but I needed to take a step back and focus on raising my son,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 always kept my dream of completing my education simmering in the background. At that time in my life, we were young and just starting out with a new baby. I didn鈥檛 think we could afford it both financially and from a time perspective.鈥�

Hamilton has always been drawn to education since both of her parents were teachers with advanced degrees. After a few life changes, she wanted to work with students in some way so she began her career at 快猫app短视. 

After three years, she was established in her role and felt it was the right time to get started on the path to earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree. 

鈥淚 knew about the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) for full-time employees and at 42 years old, I was finally at a place in my life where I was ready!鈥� she said. 鈥淚 applied as a transfer student and was accepted the following semester. I couldn鈥檛 believe my dream was finally going to come true鈥� to finish my undergraduate degree I started when I was 18 years old!鈥�

However, life had other plans. Shortly after beginning her undergraduate program, Hamilton lost her father to Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease and became the full-time caregiver to her ailing mother. 鈥淚 lost my hero,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ow was I supposed to finish school, be a mom and caregiver and work full-time? I wanted to give up, but I kept hearing my dad鈥檚 voice, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e not done. You can do this.鈥欌�� 

Five years later, pushing through many obstacles and hardships, she graduated in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in human and family development at the same time her son graduated with his degree from Ogeechee Technical College. Not only did Hamilton achieve one of her life-long dreams, she also watched her son achieve his own dream at the same time.

 鈥淎chieving one of my dreams was hard-fought and felt amazing, but watching my son walk across the stage to accept his degree in a field he was passionate about, was even more fulfilling than I could ever imagine,鈥� she said. 

Hamilton kept that positive momentum going and began the master of social science program with a concentration in sociology in the fall of 2024. But life had one more major twist in store for her. 

鈥淥n the first day of my master鈥檚 program, my mother unexpectedly passed away,鈥� she recounted. 鈥淗ere I was again, beginning a degree program with the loss of my last living parent. Like before, I considered giving up because the loss just seemed too heavy to continue. I didn鈥檛 know how I could move forward without my parents guiding me through graduate school. They had walked that same graduate journey, and I had been depending on them to help me through it, but now they were both gone. But, I had come too far to stop now. I had to keep going – I wasn鈥檛 done yet.鈥�

With a heavy heart and uncertain future, Hamilton was going through her mother鈥檚 personal papers and found an old thesis her mother had worked on many years before. Reading through it, she felt the heaviness in her heart lighten. 

鈥淎s I read over her work, I was able to better understand some difficult material I had been struggling with that semester,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was just the sign I needed to not give up and to keep going on the path to earn my master鈥檚 degree. I knew both my parents were with me and I wouldn鈥檛 have to do it alone.鈥� 

One year later, Hamilton is fulfilling her dream. She will take the last steps on a long and challenging path as she walks onto the stage and receives her master鈥檚 degree. 

鈥淚 know my parents are proud,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey always had faith in me, even when I didn鈥檛 have faith in myself. The road was long and I didn鈥檛 follow a traditional path, but I always had my parents and my family supporting me along the way. Education is a lifelong journey with many starts and stops, it鈥檚 not just a destination.鈥� 

Hamilton鈥檚 journey will continue and her new path begins as a Double Eagle. 

鈥淚鈥檓 not sure exactly what direction I will take this time, but I look forward to continuing my work at Georgia Southern and my volunteer role at Camp Brightside working with students who have special needs and disabilities,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ike me, their journeys are filled with many twists and turns, struggles and hardships. I鈥檓 ready to help inspire them as they travel down their own paths from education to career to success and achieve their dreams. I know firsthand what it takes to get there, all they need is the courage to soar.鈥� 

The December 2025 issue of 鈥淔reshwater Science鈥� will carry special meaning in 快猫app短视鈥檚 Department of Biology.

The issue will feature a paper with the late GS biology alumnus Jos茅 S谩nchez-Ruiz as the lead author. The paper,聽 鈥�,鈥� is the culmination of S谩nchez-Ruiz鈥檚 graduate research during his time as a master’s student at the University.

Focusing on how environmental changes affect leaf decomposition and their role as an essential food source in aquatic ecosystems, the publication is based on five years of research by Sanchez and his faculty mentor and co-author, Checo Col贸n-Gaud, Ph.D., professor of biology.

Col贸n-Gaud says there is cause for celebration any time a student is published. This work, however, is particularly meaningful since it is being published posthumously. 

鈥淚 know that all of our students hold a very special place in our lives, but with Jos茅 it was even more,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e were both from Puerto Rico, worked in similar systems and with some of the same people, and we shared some unique experiences. This means a lot to me personally.鈥�

After graduating from Georgia Southern, S谩nchez-Ruiz pursued a doctorate in ecology at Montana State University. He passed away in 2023 before completing his degree, and the degree was awarded posthumously later that year.

Originally an art major at the University of Puerto Rico, S谩nchez-Ruiz was nearing completion of that degree when two science courses changed the trajectory of his life.

鈥淚t was kind of amazing that I could go and explore places that I would never imagine existed,鈥� S谩nchez-Ruiz . 鈥淚 thought, 鈥楽o they pay me to be an explorer? To do all of this stuff? To explain the natural world?鈥� I don鈥檛 know. It kind of fit with my personality, and I immediately switched my major to biology.鈥�

In his time as a researcher, S谩nchez-Ruiz conducted research across North America and Iceland. A National Science Foundation grant even led to field studies in southern Chile.

In 2016, S谩nchez-Ruiz graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He decided to further his education at Georgia Southern after establishing a relationship with Col贸n-Gaud during his undergraduate years.

Having found his passion later than most, S谩nchez-Ruiz more than made up for lost time. Upon graduation from Georgia Southern, he published six peer-reviewed papers and received the Averitt Award for Research Excellence, the university鈥檚 highest honor for graduate research.

Steve Vives, Ph.D., professor of biology at Georgia Southern and former biology department chair, called him an 鈥渆merging star in the field of freshwater ecology.鈥�

As impressive as his academic accomplishments were, S谩nchez-Ruiz, affectionately known as 鈥淭osti,鈥� is chiefly remembered as a caring friend who was quick to uplift others.

鈥淗e was simply a joy to be around,鈥� said Vives. 鈥淗e was a leader among the graduate students, sometimes as a mentor and role model, but just as often as someone who would be a good and invested listener. He was truly kind.鈥�

His investment in others wasn鈥檛 just limited to his fellow students. S谩nchez-Ruiz served as a fellow in the Society of Freshwater Science鈥檚 , which aim to increase representation from historically underrepresented backgrounds in freshwater science.

When asked in a whether he would recommend a career in biology to those who love science and adventure, he responded with: 鈥淕o for it.鈥�

According to his mentor, that three-word phrase captured much of what S谩nchez-Ruiz embodied, both in research and in life.

鈥淭hat was Jos茅,鈥� Col贸n-Gaud said. 鈥淗e was fearless, intellectually curious and up for anything. This latest publication is indicative of the kind of science Jos茅 believed in: rigorous, long-term and applicable beyond the boundaries of academia.鈥�

When 快猫app短视 student Anish Goyal arrived on the Statesboro Campus in fall 2023, he already had 63 hours of college credit and a clear goal: to dive into research that bridges computer engineering, physics and mathematics. Recently, his dedication took him across the world to learn from some of the brightest minds in science.

Goyal 鈥� a second-year Honors College student majoring in computer engineering 鈥� was selected to attend the Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Heidelberg, Germany. The annual event brings together 200 of the world鈥檚 top young researchers in mathematics and computer science to network with laureates who have received the Fields Medal, the Turing Award, the Abel Prize and other top honors in the STEM disciplines.

Goyal was one of only four undergraduates invited to the forum. Most attendees were Ph.D. candidates or postdoctoral researchers.

鈥淎t first, it was intimidating,鈥� Goyal said. 鈥淚 got to speak with the person who wrote my operating systems textbook. But over time, I realized the laureates were generous with their time and treated students as colleagues in training rather than guests on the sidelines.鈥�

The experience deepened his interest in quantum computing 鈥� a field he describes as the frontier where physics, engineering and computation meet.

鈥淨uantum computing offers new ways to model systems where classical simulations struggle,鈥� Goyal said. 鈥淏etter computational models could lead to safer batteries, clearer climate predictions and more efficient drug design.鈥�

Goyal鈥檚 path to Georgia Southern began in high school at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology near Atlanta. After taking 17 Advanced Placement courses and dual-enrolling at Georgia Gwinnett College, he spent the summer of 2023 at Georgia Southern as part of the Governor鈥檚 Honors Program (GHP) 鈥� an experience that solidified his decision to enroll at the University.

鈥淕HP was one of the most pivotal, transformative experiences of my life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 built a robotic hand that could fingerspell American Sign Language from spoken words. That project made me realize how engineering connects human needs with problem solving.鈥�

Since joining the Honors College, Goyal has pursued research across departments. Working with Mark Edwards, Ph.D., a professor of physics, he helped develop a quantum-based rotation sensor for inertial navigation. With Hossein Taheri, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering, he contributed to ConcreteNet, a deep learning model that analyzes radar images to detect infrastructure defects for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

His research has already reached an international audience as he participated in an event for the world’s largest technical professional organization. Last spring, he presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Symposium on Underwater Technology in Taiwan, sharing his work on an underwater robot inspired by zebrafish neural patterns.

鈥淭he conference taught me how to communicate complex ideas clearly and connect with researchers from different disciplines,鈥� he said.

Looking ahead, Goyal plans to pursue a Ph.D. in quantum science and engineering, with hopes of designing solid-state devices that make quantum bits, or qubits, more stable and easier to control.

鈥淢y time at Georgia Southern has shown me the value of mentorship and collaboration,鈥� he said. 鈥淩esearch progress happens when people share knowledge freely. That鈥檚 the kind of environment I want to build wherever I go next.鈥�

Jya Ewing was looking for a sense of belonging when she applied for college.

“I was excited to visit what I thought my top school was at the time,” said Ewing, who double majors in political science and international studies at 快猫app短视. “But I really value my community and my family, and I just didn’t feel that when I visited.” 

That’s how the pre-law hopeful’s number two school became her top choice.  

“My family lives down the road in Richmond Hill,” said Ewing. “I’ve been around the Georgia Southern area for a long time. I realized the University was more of the close-knit, community environment that I’d been dreaming of.” 

快猫app短视 was recently named as one of 75 ‘dream school’ colleges in Jeffrey Selingo’s latest book, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.”   

Selingo explained in a recent with NPR how working in and around higher education for nearly three decades led him to discover that prestige was often valued over purpose.

His book urges students and families to look beyond the usual A-list schools and instead focus on what matters at college: strong job prospects after graduation, hands-on learning experiences and what Ewing was looking for 鈥� a sense of belonging. She found all that and more at Georgia Southern. 

“My programs tend to have smaller class sizes, which makes it really easy to connect and engage with professors,” she said. “And then there are incredible resources, like the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) at Georgia Southern. They helped me write my personal statement for my law school application.” 

OCPD offers more than just support to students like Ewing. The office uses tools like career assessments, networking tips and job search strategies to prepare students to succeed in their dream career. Services like these really make a difference: OCPD reports that more than 72% of all graduates from the class of 2024 have secured jobs and careers relevant to their field of study. 

Ewing wants to make sure others have the same opportunity as she did to chase their dreams. She’s gone on to help others find their own community during her time as president of the Student Government Association. 

“Students come to the Student Government for help with things like financial issues or classroom access,” she explained. “To be able to advocate for people who need help like that, that’s something I’ve always wanted, and it’s something I’ve gotten to do at Georgia Southern.”  

Her friends told her just to drop out and try again later, but that only fueled Savannah Pickett鈥檚 fire to earn a college degree.

Pickett, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student, had started a new chapter of her life as a college student after serving five years in the U.S. Army. But just a few months into starting classes at 快猫app短视, she received news that she and her husband were expecting their first child.

She was excited to be a mother, and she never considered halting her education despite naysayers.

鈥淚’m gonna keep going to school,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淚’m not dropping out. I literally did not take a break. My son was born two days into the semester. I was three days postpartum and doing American government coursework in the hospital.鈥�

Since then, Pickett enrolled in the BSN program, and credits the University鈥檚 Childcare Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) for her ability to juggle motherhood and her coursework. 

CCAMPIS provides eligible low-income student-parents on the Armstrong and Liberty campuses with financial assistance for quality off-campus child care. It also provides on-campus services to students, like the new Family Study Space specifically designed with student-parents in mind.

At a recent grand opening, the Family Study Space was unveiled in the (ASC) on the Armstrong Campus, and gives student-parents a comfortable and soundproof room for studying or one-on-one tutoring with their child. On one end of the room, there are work tables and tablets to complete coursework, and the other side features comfortable bean bag chairs, children鈥檚 books and toys.

The University also unveiled a similar Family Study Space on the Liberty Campus as a collaborative effort between the ASC, CCAMPIS program and Chante Baker-Martin, Ph.D., Liberty Campus director. 

鈥淲e had a student who needed to bring her child to class, and this space made it possible,鈥� said Dawn Merrell, Liberty Campus associate director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to have a place where parents can stay engaged in their studies while their children feel welcome.鈥�

The Family Study Space stands as an example of collaboration and student-centered innovation, reinforcing Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to creating a campus environment where all students and their families can thrive.

鈥淚 think about our student-parents who are either working or trying to get as much done as they can to be successful in their classroom, but also having the responsibilities of having to keep their little ones with them,鈥� said Leslie Harris, Ed.D., assistant director of Student Success. 鈥淲hatever it is the parents need to do for class, they can do it all right here while also being able to oversee their little ones.鈥�

Pickett said the family study room will be a welcome resource when she needs to step away from distractions at home or when her son’s child care facility is closed during certain times of the year.

鈥淭his is going to be a really great space for me to bring him where I know that he’s safe,鈥� said Pickett. 鈥淚 know that there’s age-appropriate toys for him to play with and I can focus on studying.鈥�

CCAMPIS received more than $400,000 this year from the U.S. Department of Education to help nearly two dozen students find quality child care and create on-campus spaces like the Family Study Space.

Program leaders are confident the area is fit for students because they鈥檝e been in their shoes before.

鈥淚 was a low-income student-parent, so I am very tied to this program and my students,鈥� said Marvette Wilkerson, CCAMPIS director. 鈥淚’m most excited for my student-parents to actually have a space where they feel safe and where their kids can have a place that they just have of their own. I always try to fulfill their wishes and their needs, and I want Georgia Southern to be as family-friendly as possible.鈥�

The space鈥檚 availability for students with children can be found , but reservations aren鈥檛 required. The room will be unlocked weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.