Georgia Southern University Joint-Enrolled Student Chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholar

May 19, 2011

Georgia Southern University Joint-Enrolled student Colby Parker has been chosen as a U.S. Presidential Scholar by the U.S. Department of Education. Parker is one of only 141 high school seniors in the country to receive the honor.

Parker is the valedictorian at Statesboro High School, and has been joint-enrolled in Georgia Southern University’s music program for two years. Parker, who plays the tuba, credits the music faculty at Georgia Southern University with much of his success.

As part of the award process, winners are asked to name their most influential teacher. Parker chose Richard Mason, who is a music professor at Georgia Southern University. As part of the award, Parker and Mason will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a special ceremony at the White House. Since Parker was chosen for the scholarship as part of the nationwide YoungArts Competition, he will also perform at the Kennedy Center as part of his award.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 115 degree programs serving nearly 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. In 2011, the University was named the fourth most popular university in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.