In June, 快猫app短视鈥檚 Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Director Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D., and Associate Vice President for External Affairs at 快猫app短视 Kendria Lee took part in a two-week immersive program for educators in South Korea sponsored by Ajin USA and hosted by Korea Corner at Auburn University. Each year, participants experience a fully funded journey through South Korea鈥檚 vibrant cities and vast, bountiful farmlands. 

鈥淭he majority of participants were educators throughout the Southeast,鈥� Southerlin said. 鈥淎s South Korean industries continue to find homes throughout the south, educators want to be prepared to welcome and accommodate students making the difficult transition to a new country and a new school system.鈥�

As one of the key organizers of CPE鈥檚 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� program, Southerlin felt honored to be among the group of education innovators. 

Having planned successful educational experiences throughout Europe, the introduction to South Korea felt like a meaningful step forward in her longstanding career. 

鈥淢any of our neighbors, new and old, are already working for or with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). Educators have the unique opportunity to uplift and champion South Korean students. This program is a wonderful experience for teachers to see first-hand the interconnected communities students and their parents came from,鈥� explained Southerlin. 

During the program, participants visited Seoul, Andong and Gyeongju. They also toured cultural landmarks, including the National Museum of Korea, Hahoe Folk Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bulguksa Temple, as well as industrial sites, including the Ajin Group and LG Energy Solution facilities. 

鈥淪outh Korea鈥檚 ability to quickly and efficiently build a global economic and industrial force is astounding,鈥� Southerlin said. 鈥淲e were welcomed by communities and were very thankful to gain insight into cultural values, long-held traditions and the foundations of modern South Korean society.鈥�

Georgia Southern continues to be involved in collaborative efforts with local and global institutions of higher education, business and organizations. Moving forward, Southerlin hopes to gain support from local South Korean-based industries to continue to provide and maintain funding for these invaluable, critical educational experiences for professionals across the region. 

鈥淛enny Lee and Dr. Daniel (Dongwoo) Yu, coordinator for Korea Corner in Auburn鈥檚 Office of Professional and Continuing Education, were wonderful organizers and hosts for the program,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a transformative experience, and we hope to work with Auburn to secure funding to keep the program robust and thriving.鈥�

Nine Liberty County students entering eighth and ninth grade spent four days discovering that exciting career opportunities exist right in their own community. Through the Youth Workplace Readiness Institute, a partnership between 快猫app短视’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), Liberty College & Career Academy and local business partners, students explored workplace skills, career pathways and the employers shaping Liberty County’s future.

The institute focused on four essential workplace readiness themes: self-awareness, professional presence, communication and critical thinking. Through interactive activities, guest speakers, mock interviews and workplace visits, students developed the skills employers consistently identify as essential to success.

“Our partnership with 快猫app短视 through the Youth Workforce Readiness Institute has created a meaningful bridge between education, workforce development and community engagement,鈥� said Roland Van Horn, chief executive officer and principal of Liberty College & Career Academy. 鈥淏y integrating the program into Liberty County’s Summer Innovation Camp, our associates gained more than workplace readiness skills 鈥� they experienced firsthand what is possible through exposure to industry leaders, higher education and real career pathways.鈥�

Community partners brought these lessons to life. WorkSource Coastal, which provides employment and training resources for youth, reinforced the importance of communication and critical thinking while Fort Stewart Child and Youth Services prepared students for the hiring process through professional presence workshops and individualized mock interviews. Georgia Power demonstrated how teamwork, professionalism and communication apply across careers while introducing students to the many opportunities available within the company.

Students also experienced three very different workplaces. At Huey Magoo’s, they learned how teamwork and leadership drive a successful restaurant. Publix introduced them to career opportunities across every department while showcasing employees who built long-term careers within the company. At Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, students witnessed electric vehicles being assembled on a state-of-the-art production line, gaining firsthand exposure to advanced manufacturing and the wide range of careers that support it.

鈥淭he enthusiasm of our students and the support of our community led us to extend the program into the school year through our new Youth Workforce Readiness Institute Club,鈥� Van Horn said. 鈥淭his partnership demonstrates what can happen when schools, universities, businesses and communities work together with a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals.”

As the week progressed, students began asking thoughtful questions about part-time jobs, career pathways and the steps they could take now to prepare for their futures. They also discovered that whether working in hospitality, retail, utilities or advanced manufacturing, success begins with the same foundation: communication, professionalism, teamwork, critical thinking and a willingness to learn.

鈥淥ne of the greatest lessons students learned this week was that success isn鈥檛 defined by a single career choice,鈥� said CPE Program Manager Maria Rogers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 shaped by how they communicate, treat others and respond to challenges every day. By investing their time and sharing their experiences, our community partners reminded these students that they are valued and that they have an important role to play in the future of our community.鈥�

The Youth Workplace Readiness Institute demonstrates the power of community collaboration. By connecting education, workforce professionals and local employers, the program equips students with practical workplace skills while inspiring them to envision themselves as the future workforce of Liberty County.

The program was made possible through the support of Liberty College & Career Academy, WorkSource Coastal, Fort Stewart Child and Youth Services, Georgia Power, Huey Magoo’s, Publix, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Malone Workforce Solutions.

As Georgia Southern continues to strengthen workforce development across Southeast Georgia, CPE has plans to expand the Youth Workplace Readiness Institute into additional communities.

To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact the Division of Continuing and Professional Education at 912-478-5555 or visit .

Over the past year, the 鈥�Travel with Purpose鈥� program hosted by 快猫app短视鈥檚 Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), has provided immersive educational travel experiences outside the traditional college experience, underscoring the importance of furthering education. 

Director of 快猫app短视鈥檚 Division of CPE, Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D., emphasizes that education goes beyond the typical classroom setting. 

鈥淟ifelong learning isn’t limited to earning degrees or certifications,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ome of the most valuable lessons come from experiencing new places, meeting new people, and seeing the world through a different lens. That’s what 鈥楾ravel with Purpose鈥� is all about.鈥�

In a diverse, fast-paced job market, the ability to provide invaluable, worldly insight continues to grow in demand. The CPE program offers learners a non-degree, skill-focused approach to education, enabling participants to expand their knowledge through immersive experiences. 

鈥淥ur goal isn’t simply to take people on trips,鈥� Southerlin said. 鈥淚t’s to create educational experiences that encourage a lifetime of educational enrichment, foster curiosity and help participants see the world from new perspectives. Every 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� program is designed with learning in mind.鈥�

Locally, 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� hosted history buffs on a day trip through Emanuel, Jenkins and Burke Counties guided by John Derden, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history at the East Georgia Campus. The excursion includes exploring historic roads once walked by soldiers and visiting Camp Lawton, the largest Civil War-era prison.

In December 2025, the program brought learners across state lines to experience the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, during the holiday season. Learners were given a private tour of the 250-room chateau and experienced a candlelit, holiday-themed dinner. The immersive atmosphere gave participants a chance to better understand the Vanderbilt family鈥檚 life within North Carolina’s history. 

鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� also gives learners the opportunity to gain cross-cultural experiences outside of the United States, fostering reflection and critical thinking.   

In November 2025, a group of 20 travelers spent 11 days in Tuscany, Italy. This excursion included a private tour and wine tasting at the Lornano winery, as well as a private tour of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence. One of Europe鈥檚 most historically and culturally significant regions, Tuscany is best known as the “cradle of the Renaissance,鈥� serving as the epicenter of historic and cultural significance.  

For CPE, 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� provides adult learners with study abroad experiences outside of the traditional degree path. Southerlin and her team also say that the experiences go beyond travel and education alone. 

鈥淲e’ve seen participants build friendships, discover new interests and return home with a new excitement for learning,鈥� she said.  鈥淎s the program grows, we’re looking forward to expanding both domestic and international opportunities, so even more people can experience the value of lifelong learning beyond the classroom.鈥�

As for what鈥檚 coming next, CPE鈥檚 鈥淭ravel With Purpose鈥� program leadership is currently planning a visit to Seville, Spain, for March 10-20, 2027, and a return trip to Tuscany in 2028. 

The 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� program in Seville is currently open for registration. Additionally, all 鈥淭ravel With Purpose鈥� programs are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, meaning that travelers of all backgrounds are welcome.

A new partnership between 快猫app短视鈥檚 Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) and Division of Facilities is empowering community members to handle small home repairs with confidence. 

The Handy Homeowner Workshop series is a community program designed for individuals interested in do-it-yourself style home maintenance projects. Though the course began as an idea for a power tools class, it quickly evolved. 

鈥淚t grew into a new series designed to help people feel capable and confident tackling projects in their own homes,鈥� said Jamie Burke, business and marketing manager for CPE. 

Each session in the series focused on a different home improvement skill, giving participants practical experience with tools and techniques they can use right away. One participant noted they feel more confident in tasks such as changing a shower head.

Drawing on the expertise of University employees, CPE partnered with employees in the Division of Facilities to serve as instructors. 

鈥淚 enjoyed working with the participants of the class,鈥� said Micah Boesche, a plumber in the Department of Mechanical Maintenance who served as an instructor for one of the series courses. 鈥淭hey were very receptive to what I was teaching and eager to learn something new.鈥�

The most recent workshop took place at the Freedom鈥檚 Landing model apartment on the Statesboro Campus and centered on plumbing basics. During the session, participants learned how to use a closet auger, replace a shower head and perform proper water heater maintenance. Several attendees even stepped in to help replace a faucet, turning the session into a true learning-by-doing experience.

鈥淚 enjoyed how they were not afraid to get hands-on and jump right in,鈥� Boesche said. 鈥淚t was a pleasure, and I hope enough information was given so they will understand that plumbing isn’t scary and maybe give them the confidence to tackle small tasks around the house.鈥�

This practical approach is what made the class especially successful. Instructors provided overviews of each task, and guided participants through hands-on practice while answering questions along the way. The environment was supportive and approachable, making it ideal for those with little to no prior experience who want to build confidence using basic tools.

Earlier sessions in the Handy Homeowner series covered how to use different power tools safely and effectively. With strong participation and positive feedback, future installments are already being planned to explore additional home improvement topics.

The Handy Homeowner workshops offer an accessible way to gain essential skills and practical knowledge. Details about future workshop sessions, which will cover topics like flooring installation, electrical work and yard maintenance, will be posted on CPE鈥檚 as they are available.

Collaborative research by College of Education associate professor Richard Cleveland, Ph.D., has allowed him to form close partnerships with others in the field, making his study of solitude anything but isolated. Thanks to the bonds he has formed with researchers around the world, the International Society for Research on Solitude (ISRS) will host its annual conference in the U.S. for the first time.

鈥淚鈥檓 very thankful for being able to make these friendships and connections with international scholars,鈥� said Cleveland. 鈥淚t was through those connections and the College of Education being willing to host international faculty that we caught the eye of the ISRS.鈥�

The 鈥淎lone Together鈥� symposium, which will be held April 23 to 25 at the Armstrong Campus, dives into both the challenging and liberating aspects of what it means to be alone. Researchers will discuss findings on how people in professions, ranging from law enforcement to religious leadership, can feel disconnected, even while surrounded by the noise of modern life. They will also explore the benefits of having time to reflect inward as an important part of knowing ourselves and our values. 

鈥淭here is something restorative about being alone,鈥� said Cleveland. 鈥淲e do need time for solitude where we are not influenced by the world, not influenced by others, and have time to deeply reflect and recharge.鈥�

The hallmark style of the program is to include small group conversations beyond the presentations for larger groups of conference attendees. . Cleveland says those intimate conversations draw out deep understanding and personal relationships with attendees.

鈥淏eing vulnerable with each other and having conversations, particularly on an international level, really allows you to learn more about each other鈥檚 specialties,鈥� said Cleveland. 鈥淚t opens up opportunities that you cannot get in a larger conference environment.鈥�

Cleveland鈥檚 own research spans a broad spectrum of topics in solitude. He has examined the social difficulties children face in school and how law enforcement officers feel about being alone. His research in law enforcement drew the attention of ISRS scholar Anna Szafranek, Ph.D., from the University of Bialystok in Poland. Cleveland hosted a visit by Szafranek to the US so they could work together in person. In turn, Cleveland visited Poland and spent a month teaching and conducting workshops to share his own expertise. That kind of exchange is exactly what Cleveland loves about working with the ISRS.

鈥淩ecognizing someone鈥檚 specialty and what they can share with you is where discovery happens,鈥� said Cleveland. 鈥淚f I can work with someone who gets excited about the research together, that鈥檚 truly rewarding.”

Conference registration is available online at