Community invited to April 27 Golden Eagles celebration

The ��èapp���� – East Georgia Campus has been officially accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), marking a significant milestone in the evolution of athletics on the Swainsboro campus. During its April 12 meeting, the , effective July 1. The institution will begin competition in the Continental Athletic Conference during the 2026–27 academic year.

The East Georgia Campus was established through the consolidation of ��èapp���� and East Georgia State College, with the campus formerly operating as East Georgia State College and competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This transition to the NAIA signals a new era of growth and opportunity for student-athletes and the broader campus community.

“Acceptance into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics marks an exciting new chapter and a defining moment for athletics on the ��èapp���� – East Georgia Campus,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As we proudly launch our new identity on the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro as the Golden Eagles, this milestone reflects both where we are and where we are going. At the heart of this milestone are our student-athletes, and this opportunity expands their ability to compete, grow and represent our campus with pride. This milestone strengthens our ties to institutions committed to excellence, integrity and community, and positions the East Georgia Campus within a vibrant and competitive collegiate athletic community.”

Currently, the East Georgia Campus sponsors baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and softball, with plans to add men’s and women’s cross country beginning this fall.

To commemorate this new chapter, ��èapp���� – East Georgia Campus will host a public celebration to officially unveil its new Golden Eagles athletics brand, which symbolizes excellence, determination and a bold vision for the future of athletics on the East Georgia Campus. The event will be held on April 27 at 4 p.m. in the Luck Gambrell Center Auditorium. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear remarks from campus leadership, learn about the inspiration and process behind the Golden Eagles identity, receive updates on the campus’s transition to the NAIA, and take part in recognizing the student-athletes who will represent the new identity in competition.

��èapp����’s East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro will soar to new heights with the announcement of the campus’s new athletics name and logo. At the start of the next East Georgia Campus athletic season, student-athletes will compete as the Georgia Southern Golden Eagles. The program is working toward National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) membership.

The Golden Eagles represent a culture built on earning success through hard work and perseverance. The program embraces the grind that reveals true commitment to sport and turns that reality into a competitive advantage. More than a team, the Golden Eagles are a family — fostering a campus environment where relentless student-athletes are known, supported and developed as whole people. As a four-year NAIA program, the Golden Eagles will be built to fly, transforming the campus from a stepping stone into a launchpad where student-athletes can build continuity, recognition and something lasting. 

“The launch of the Golden Eagles marks a defining moment for our East Georgia Campus. This new identity reflects the resilience, determination and pride that already exist within our student-athletes and our Swainsboro community,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As we pursue NAIA membership, we are not simply changing a name — we are expanding opportunity, strengthening our commitment to student success, and building a program where student-athletes can grow, compete and leave a lasting legacy.”

The new name was selected following information and branding sessions with East Georgia Campus students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, campus leaders and community held over the last several months. 

The Golden Eagles logo showcases a left-facing eagle head with a fierce determination echoing the dedication that the coaches, staff and student-athletes exhibit each and every day. The design glistens with a golden foundation creating a focal point of distinction while adding to the rich tradition of Georgia Southern’s proud Eagle Nation. The new logo is an extension for Georgia Southern, representing how the institution continues to grow and impact more communities. 

Joe Heikkinen has been selected to direct East Georgia Campus athletics. Heikkinen is a former Division 1 football scholar athlete at Rice University. He has coached at the collegiate, high school, youth and professional levels with experience in strengthening academic and athletic outcomes. With more than 20 years of professional experience in sales and operations, he has led teams, managed significant budgets and developed sustainable systems. Heikkinen joined the Golden Eagles in February. 

“I am incredibly honored to join our East Georgia Campus and the greater Eagle Nation at such an exciting time,” said Heikkinen. “The Golden Eagles brand represents more than a new identity. This is about creating pride across campus and throughout our local community. It represents our commitment to developing student-athletes who succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life. I look forward to sharing this vision with our fans and partners in April.” 

A special community event celebrating the launch of Golden Eagles Athletics is scheduled for April 27, 2026, on the University’s East Georgia Campus. Heikkinen and Golden Eagles student-athletes will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, while attendees get a first look at the full Golden Eagles athletics brand, including uniform concepts and facility branding. The event will also feature updates on athletic facilities and the University’s transition to the NAIA.