Letter From The Dean - Fall 2023

It’s a great time to be in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) at Georgia Southern University. I started in the role as Dean of this wonderful College in August 2023 and have been impressed with the outstanding faculty, staff, and students in the College. First, I would like to provide you with a little background on me. I am an organic chemist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and have served as dean at two previous institutions. Most recently, I was dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M System. I am passionate about helping students be successful during their time with us at Georgia Southern as well as after graduation when they are moving into their professional careers.

During the first two months on the job, I have been learning more and more about the programs, facilities, campuses, and people in COSM. As you likely know, COSM is home to four academic departments (Biochemistry, Chemistry, & Physics; Biology; Mathematics; and Military Science), a school (the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability), two research centers (Oliver Institute for Coastal Plain Science and the Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center), and the Botanic Garden. Currently, we offer nine bachelor’s degrees (Biochemistry, Biology (B.A. & B.S.), Chemistry, Geography (B.A.), Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Sustainability Science), five master’s degrees (Applied Geography, Applied Physical Sciences, Biology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics), and a PhD (Environmental Science). The programs are offered across three campuses (Armstrong, Liberty, and Statesboro) and are in eleven different buildings. There are more than 1,700 students and over 220 faculty and staff in the College of Science and Mathematics!!

In the coming weeks and months, the College of Science and Mathematics will begin to craft a vision and roadmap that will be the basis for continued teaching excellence provided by our outstanding faculty as well as expand our research excellence into new areas of science and mathematics. As we expand into new areas, we will not forget the traditions and history of our great University, including the rich history of the Armstrong campus.

If have any questions or would just like to tell me about your Georgia Southern experiences, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I love hearing from alumni about their experiences while at Southern as well as their professional accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Huggins

Professor and Dean