Plans for e-sports at AU

By Rakiyah Lenon Editor in chief

A multi-billion dollar business, gaming is an interest shared among many throughout the country, and continues to grow.

Colin Stewart, associate vice president of student affairs, said that e-sports, or competitive gaming as a virtual sport, is something he would like to see brought to Augusta University in the coming months.

“The hope is to launch our e-sports program in fall of 2023,” he said.

Stewart said that e-sports is a way students can stay involved and engaged in their college experience.

“My hope is that we build a culture that really engages and fosters e-sports here at Augusta University,” he said.

Speaking of the cyber center and Peach Belt championships, Stewart said,“We’re really positioned to be a place where we can host some major e-sports tournaments in the future.”

He added,“I’m just excited about what this could be for our students.”

Brionna Law, a junior communication major, is looking to take a class offered by the department that will work to creare video productions for AU e-sports events.

From Law’s perspective as a gamer, she said it’s been intriguing to witness how e-sports has grown.

“I think it’s very interesting and cool to know that it’s sort of a recognized profession now,” she said. “Through that, other jobs can be created.”

Law said that the opportunity to explore possible career opportunities through the course, combined with her skills in videography is something that also drew her interest.

“Maybe that’s an avenue I can go down to, just explore and see what’s out there.” president, being a resident assistant, being active and engaging on campus is one of my missions in helping.”

Mallory hopes to one day connect Augusta University and Paine Colleges SGA programs to do community service to have a more significant impact.

“Through this, we could teach our members, and we can professionally develop our members into people who are willing to uplift our society,” Mallory said.

With finals coming up for students, Mallory said SGA wants to help them take their minds off exams and final projects with a builda-critter event on Wednesday, April 26.

“These events are planned as de-stress week events so that students can have time to chill out with their friends, take their minds off of finals for a second, and then hopefully get them recharged and ready to study,” said Mallory.

The organization will also have a table at CommuniCon on Thursday, April 27 and a field day event on Friday, April 28.

Logan Moore, the coordinator for student involvement and campus activities, and the current advisor for the Jaguar Production Crew, said adding involvement can be beneficial for resumes.

“It shows that you can be involved. You can have a personal life but also do your job. It shows that you have a good work/ life balance, and I would recommend putting it on your resume especially if it impacted your life and you can speak on it positively,” said Moore.

Students can create their own student organization, with the office of Student Life & Engagemen accepting packets for new organizations beginning April 27.

To learn more, contact the SLE office.