May 8, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

This week marks the final week of the spring semester and we will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students by conferring over 4,000 degrees during five commencement ceremonies. It is absolutely my favorite time of year!  

Each of our students brings a unique story and experience, which we celebrate at our official commencement ceremonies and our various organizational and cohort celebrations. While I may not know every story or journey, I do know our students would not have achieved their success without the dedication of our faculty and staff. It is our collective mission to transfer knowledge, transform lives, and propel the next generation of leaders forward.   

Evidence of this can be seen in the great successes achieved by our commencement speakers, including alumna Mackenzie Anderson, Global Director of Corporate Communications at Nike; alumnus Dr. Alton Standifer, Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Chief of Staff to the Provost at UGA; Kim Greene, President and CEO of Georgia Power; alumnus Chris Ahearn, Director of Research and Trade Development at the World Trade Center Savannah; and alumna Dr. Candicee Childs, Resident Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School! 

Speaking of celebrations, last week we held the annual University Awards of Excellence ceremony recognizing the wonderful achievements of 14 individuals and one team award. Also, we honored over 400 employees for their years of service, five years to 40 years, totaling over 5,200 years of dedication to Georgia Southern. These accomplishments and dedicated service to Georgia Southern University are what make our institution a special place to work and ensure the continued success of our students.

Lastly, we will be finalizing the FY2025 budget this month upon the Governor’s final signing of the budget and the Board of Regents meeting in mid-May. I will keep you posted on the outcomes and impact. Throughout this process, we continue to be thankful for the support of our local delegation and alumni in the Legislature and their understanding of our importance in the economic growth and success of the region. 

We have much to be grateful for. We are part of an institution that is growing in impact, setting records in student success, fundraising, and research, transforming lives, and serving as the catalyst for economic and talent development in Southeast Georgia. 

Sincerely,

Kyle

People. Purpose. Action: Growing Ourselves to Grow Others!