Campus Updates

College of Arts and Sciences

Science Day

GSW’s science programs hosted over 100 area students in September 2022 for their annual Science Day. Students from Marion County Middle/High School, Lee County High School, and Americus homeschools explored a variety of science disciplines through handson experiments. GSW faculty and students led the demonstrations, which included holding snakes, igniting gas-filled bubbles in their hands, making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, burning gummy bears in a test tube, and watching liquid nitrogen explosions in Centennial Plaza.

New Certificates

The new communication and emerging media program offers concentrations and certificates in health communication, media studies, rhetoric, strategic communication, pop culture, and sports journalism. The certificates are available to every student regardless of major and provide numerous professional and experiential learning opportunities, as well as internships. Recent business and community collaborations include, but are not limited to, T31, OneSumter, SOWEGA Children’s Alliance, Art Hive, Americus Main Street, Horne Pecans, and GSW’s Department of Athletics.

College of Business and Computing

EMBA Program

The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program launched in Fall 2022, with the first students set to begin in Fall 2023. The 12-month, cohort-based program is designed specifically to prepare mid- to upper-level executives for increasingly advanced management roles leading to career advancement, personal growth and salary increase. One of only four EMBA programs in the USG, GSW’s program is notable in that it has no prerequisites and can be completed in half the time and at half the cost.

New MBA Director

In January 2022, Dr. Jim Aller, assistant professor of human resources management, was named director of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. He brings a wealth of knowledge to academia from his 25 years in the corporate world with companies such as Wal-Mart, The Home Depot and Pep Boys Auto. His experience includes talent acquisition, talent development, performance management, labor relations, scheduling management, and affective associate engagement. Aller replaced longtime director Carol Bishop, who served over ten years as MBA Director.

College of Education

GAPSC Accreditation

The College of Education (COE) underwent a successful accreditation review from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) in May 2022. The COE met all six Georgia standards and received two areas of strength for technology and clinical practice with partner schools. The accreditation’s continuing approval lasts for seven years for all programs, although the COE will continually review their programs, ensuring they meet the Georgia standards and the needs of all P-12 education partners.

A+ NCTQ Designation

GSW’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program was named among the best in the nation when it comes to ensuring future elementary teachers have the essential content and skills they need to teach mathematics. In May 2022, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) gave GSW an A+ designation for meeting 100% of the instructional goals across each of the elementary mathematics topic areas. GSW is among only 79 programs in the nation to earn this “exemplar” level of distinction.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

#1 Nursing School

For the second time, GSW has received the top ranking as one of the “Top 10 Nursing Schools in Georgia” by nurse.org. GSW’s #1 rank is based on the nursing program’s reputation, NCLEX pass rate, tuition and acceptance rate. These factors were reviewed by a panel of five experienced registered nurses. According to nurse.org, GSW is a “great destination for nursing students.” The “affordable” in-state tuition, “impressive” NCLEX pass rate at 96.88%, and “plentiful” programs to choose from are “huge draws” for nursing students.

Auditorium Naming

In February 2022, GSW named the Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium in Carter I of the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, one of the most utilized spaces on campus. Magnolia Manor is a favorite volunteer location for GSW student-athletes and serves as an academic practice partner with GSW, hiring many nursing and long-term care graduates. The rising need for more of these graduates has led to their invaluable support and financial contributions to re-establish the ASN program at GSW.

Pi Kappa Phi Scholarship

Alumni from the Gamma Xi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi endowed a new scholarship in the summer of 2022, perpetuating a legacy of community, school spirit and brotherhood. The scholarship will be granted to legacies of the Gamma Xi chapter. This permanent fund was initiated during the Gamma Xi Chapter 50th Reunion a few years ago. In the fundraising process, over 75 donors have contributed to the fund, which will be active for the first time at GSW during the Fall 2023 semester.

The Pods

The space previously known as the Marshall Student Center patio was renovated and reopened as The Pods in May 2022. The high-traffic space has become a popular hang-out spot, study area and event space for students with its many seating options, TVs, string lights, turf area and lawn games. The Pods also offers an outdoor seating option for the cafeteria and coffee shop. The project was spearheaded by the Student Government Association.

Renovation Update

The Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center project is in the design phase for reconstruction. The project received final approval from the University System of Georgia in 2022 – Nelson Architects out of Atlanta and Allstate Construction out of Perry are under contract to design and build. When complete in Summer 2024, it will be a place where students, alumni, faculty and staff can come together with community leaders to nurture new ideas and encourage entrepreneurship.

William Reid Scholarship

The GSW Alumni Association raised $5,300 for student scholarships in memory of the late William Reid at its annual Homecoming 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run in February. William died in a tragic biking accident on September 18, 2021. His wife DeAnn (Young) Reid ’89, son Blake ’09, Blake’s wife Emmy ’07, his daughter Andi ’17, and several extended family members are GSW alumni. The race honored all that William held dear – his family, education, and his love of running.