June 7, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As summer is in full swing and the temperature is rising, I’m excited to share that we set another record for summer 2024 enrollment, with over 15,000 students registered for A, B, C, and D terms!

This summer, our students are spreading their wings all over the state, country, and the world. Over 150 students will be spending time this summer at our Wexford Learning Center in Wexford, Ireland. These students will immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Ireland while engaging in research projects aligned with their programs of study. It is a unique and life-changing experience to study abroad, and for many of these students, it is the first time they have ever been on a plane, out of the country, or even outside of Georgia.

Our “Together We Soar” fundraising campaign, which is helping to make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and shaping a brighter future for generations to come, has surpassed the $100 million raised milestone! The campaign’s success underscores the power of collective action and the impact that philanthropy can have on our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, has played a vital role in reaching this milestone and advancing our shared vision.

In the coming weeks, we will also welcome 671 Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) students to the Statesboro Campus for the second consecutive year. These students are among the brightest across our state, and we welcome the opportunity to host them for four weeks. Successfully hosting this program would not be possible without the support of our invaluable campus partners. Thank you for being willing to share our space, our faculty and staff expertise and time, and for welcoming them with open arms. Please reach out to ghp@georgiasouthern.edu with any questions.

June is also a month when we are welcoming incoming students and their families on campus for SOAR new student orientation sessions. I was honored to greet and welcome over 400 soon-to-be Eagles last week. These interactions, along with the incredible support of our faculty, staff, and departments, help validate the choice these students have made to be part of Georgia Southern.

Finally, I want to highlight one of our most recent graduates, Alayna Cassidy. Last month Alayna, at 20 years old, earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Human Development and Family Science. She will continue her journey this fall in our Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Alayna’s inspiring story of dedication to helping others, her volunteer work at the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, her award-winning service and leadership, and her recognition of the impact her family and Georgia Southern faculty have had on her, have all helped further her dream to work with survivors of stroke or traumatic brain injury, and to inspire rising practitioners, just as she was inspired in Georgia Southern’s classrooms.

Congratulations Alayna! Your story exemplifies our vision statement, “People, Purpose, Action – Growing Ourselves to Grow Others!”

Sincerely,

Kyle

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