Campus Updates

College of Arts and Sciences

New Chemistry Tracks

The Department of Chemistry, Geology, and Physics now offers two new interdisciplinary concentrations starting Fall 2023. The forensics concentration, offered in conjunction with GSW’s online criminal justice program, prepares students to understand the basics of criminal justice and evidence. The biochemistry concentration, in conjunction with the Department of Biology, provides an in-depth background in human biochemistry while maintaining a strong foundation in all areas of chemistry.

Humanities Symposium

The 2nd Annual Humanities Symposium in November 2022 featured student presentations, discussions, and panels surrounding topics across the humanities, including history, English, and visual arts. Over 30 students participated by presenting original research. Organized by Associate Professor of History Dr. Susan Bragg, the event also featured keynote speaker Sam Mahone, who was an activist in the Americus Movement as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and serves as chairman of the AmericusSumter County Movement Remembered Committee.

College of Business and Computing

Hurricane Pitch

GSW hosted its first-ever Hurricane Pitch Competition in April for entrepreneurial students with dreams of starting their own small businesses. Kameisha Smith of Albany, Ga., an online pre-marketing major with an entrepreneurship certificate, took home the grand prize of $7,500, which she will use to get her small business off the ground. Winning the $3,000 People’s Choice Award was Jacquelyn Levay ’23 of Tampa, Fla., a management major with an entrepreneurship certificate.

MBA Growth

GSW's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has continued to build on its strong foundation and commitment to excellence in education at an affordable price. The accredited program is competitive nationally and attracts students from coast to coast as well as across the globe. Current GSW undergraduate students are also now eligible to enroll in MBA courses through the accelerated Double Canes Program. As a result, the MBA student population has been steadily increasing, with 175.8% growth from 2019 to 2022 with 171 students and well over 200 for Fall 2023.

College of Education

ESOL Endorsement

The College of Education now offers a new online postbaccalaureate English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement for certified teachers. The program, consisting of three online courses, provides Pre-K through 12th grade teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of their students and prepares teachers to respond to the increasing number of English language learners in classrooms. Two ESOL courses are taken in the summer and one in the fall.

Outstanding Scholar

Charles Doswell, III, a special education graduate from Blakely, Ga., was named GSW's 2023 Outstanding Scholar, the University’s highest academic honor. Doswell graduated with a 4.0 GPA, which put him among the top of his class. The Outstanding Scholars, recognized by the University System of Georgia, represent the system’s highest scholastic ideals and are selected by each individual institution. These students have a high GPA, strive for excellence and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise. Doswell graduated summa cum laude.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

ASN Program

After a 22-year hiatus, GSW’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program was revived to help combat the nursing shortage. This allows students to complete a degree and apply for RN licensure in a shorter period of time than a baccalaureate program. The program surpassed its goal, admitting 52 students to the first cohort. Current ASN students range in age from 18 to 52, with 52% being non-traditional students by age and 46% of ASN students are minority status by race or ethnicity.

Health Sciences Programs

The School of Health Sciences launched two new stand-alone exercise science programs in Fall 2023, in addition to the existing bachelor’s degree in exercise science, based on feedback from the regional workforce. The Exercise Physiology Endorsement is a 9 credit-hour program, while the Exercise Science Certificate is an 18 credit-hour program. Both expand the offerings and possible career paths for either aspiring or practicing exercise physiologists, exercise specialists, physical therapy assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and fitness/ wellness trainers.

New Provost

Jill Drake, Ed.D., was named GSW's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs (VPAA) after serving as interim for just over a month, beginning her full-time duties on July 1, 2023. She has 23 years of experience in higher education and is an accomplished academic, having published eight books and held a tenured, full professor rank in education. Drake previously served as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.

Research Symposium

GSW hosted its 5th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 28, 2023. The event featured student research on topics such as politics, history, marketing, psychology, biology and issues in nursing. With more than double the participation as last year's event, a total of 89 students took part in the Symposium: 16 presented their research in an oral presentation, 70 displayed their work on posters, and three served as moderators for the oral presentations. First through third place and Provost's Choice accolades were awarded.

Library Renovation

The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, signed by Gov. Kemp in May 2023, included $5 million to renovate the James Earl Carter Library. The project will reestablish the Library as a destination for all students to study and access resources. Plans include updates to the HVAC system, electrical, bathrooms and furniture, as well as an open floor plan for the first floor. The Library has not undergone an extensive renovation since its construction in 1971.

Special Olympics

For the first time in three years, GSW welcomed over 60 athletes from Sumter County Schools, Dooly County Schools, Furlow Charter School and The Opal Project for the Area 11 Special Olympics. Special education teacher candidates in the College of Education organized the event as an opportunity to learn how to support students with disabilities in our area. The athletes, ranging in age from 5 to 62, had the opportunity to compete in activities that were led and cheered on by GSW student-athletes, coaches and members from student organizations.