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Faculty Experts Directory

Georgia Southern University’s faculty experts in Savannah, Statesboro and Hinesville have extensive knowledge on a variety of current topics.

To add your name to the faculty expert database, contact the Communication Officer for your college (a GS login is required).

To connect with a faculty expert for a story, contact Jennifer Wise, Director of Communications, at 912-478-2301.

Expert Spotlights

Georgia Southern University names Jennifer Schroeder, Ph.D., as dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Georgia Southern University has named Jennifer Schroeder, Ph.D., as dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, effective July 1. Schroeder will lead efforts to expand graduate education, enhance student success and strengthen research and workforce alignment across the university. Schroeder joins Georgia Southern from East Texas A&M University, where she serves as dean of the Graduate School, supporting more than 3,000 graduate students across a wide range of programs. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving access to graduate education, strengthening academic programs and building systems that support student success. “Dr. Schroeder brings a strong record of leadership in graduate education and a deep commitment to student success,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her collaborative approach, experience in program innovation and focus on aligning graduate education with workforce needs make her an outstanding addition to Georgia Southern. I am confident she will play a key role in advancing our graduate and research programs and expanding opportunities for our students.” Schroeder is recognized for her ability to bring together faculty, staff and institutional partners to create new opportunities for students. During her tenure at East Texas A&M, she helped launch a master’s degree in artificial intelligence and worked across campus to enhance admissions processes, student support services and program development. Her background includes experience as a program coordinator, department head and dean, with academic training in school psychology. Her leadership reflects a commitment to access, quality and innovation in graduate education. “I am excited to begin this new chapter at Georgia Southern University,” said Schroeder. “I’m looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students to build on the university’s strong foundation and advance graduate education to expand opportunity, strengthen research and support student success.” Schroeder’s appointment marks a continued investment in graduate education at Georgia Southern, positioning the University to meet evolving student and workforce needs while strengthening its academic and research mission. Looking to connect with Jennifer Schroeder in person or virtually? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

June 01, 2026

2 min

Georgia Southern – East Georgia Campus Athletics joins NAIA

The Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus has been officially accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), marking a significant milestone in the evolution of athletics on the Swainsboro campus. During its April 12 meeting, the NAIA Council of Presidents approved the application of Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus, effective July 1. The institution will begin competition in the Continental Athletic Conference during the 2026–27 academic year. The East Georgia Campus was established through the consolidation of Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College, with the campus formerly operating as East Georgia State College and competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This transition to the NAIA signals a new era of growth and opportunity for student-athletes and the broader campus community. “Acceptance into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics marks an exciting new chapter and a defining moment for athletics on the Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As we proudly launch our new identity on the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro as the Golden Eagles, this milestone reflects both where we are and where we are going. At the heart of this milestone are our student-athletes, and this opportunity expands their ability to compete, grow and represent our campus with pride. This milestone strengthens our ties to institutions committed to excellence, integrity and community, and positions the East Georgia Campus within a vibrant and competitive collegiate athletic community.” Currently, the East Georgia Campus sponsors baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and softball, with plans to add men’s and women’s cross country beginning this fall. To commemorate this new chapter, Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus hosted a public celebration to officially unveil its new Golden Eagles athletics brand, which symbolizes excellence, determination and a bold vision for the future of athletics on the East Georgia Campus. Attendees heard remarks from campus leadership, learned about the inspiration and process behind the Golden Eagles identity, received updates on the campus’s transition to the NAIA, and took part in recognizing the student-athletes who will represent the new identity in competition. Interested in learning more about athletics at Georgia Southern University? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

May 29, 2026

2 min

Georgia Southern University names new dean of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of Georgia Southern University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. He will begin his role July 1. Bhattacharyya currently serves as the inaugural dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University, where he has led a period of strategic growth focused on student success, workforce development and research expansion. During his tenure, the college launched new academic programs in high-demand fields, strengthened industry partnerships and advanced initiatives supporting student recruitment, retention and career readiness. “I have the honor and privilege to join Georgia Southern at an exciting time in its journey as it soars beyond its current very strong position in the state of Georgia,” said Bhattacharyya. “The energy on campus and within the college was palpable during my visit, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on that strong foundation and create a national brand.” Prior to his current role, Bhattacharyya held several leadership positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, including interim vice provost for Research and dean of the graduate school, as well as associate dean of Engineering and Information Technology. He began his career as a faculty member committed to teaching, research and service, and remains an active scholar with externally funded research from federal agencies. Bhattacharyya earned his Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rutgers University, along with a master’s degree in applied mechanics. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and serves as an ABET program evaluator. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D., said Bhattacharyya’s experience and leadership align strongly with the University’s strategic priorities. “Dr. Bhattacharyya brings a proven record of growing engineering education, advancing academic programs, bolstering research, managing accreditation, strengthening industry partnerships and positioning engineering and computer science for long-term impact,” said Mukherjee. “His commitment to faculty excellence, student success and workforce development will be instrumental as we continue to expand opportunities for our students and elevate the national profile of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.” Looking to connect with Abhijit Bhattacharyya? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

May 27, 2026

2 min

Experts Center

Our experts are available to respond to qualified inquiries from journalists, conference organizers and more. Expert profiles below contain detailed biographical information and media files to help you find the most relevant expert for your needs. Use the search bar to refine your search by name, expertise or affiliation. On Deadline?: If you are a journalist please inform us of deadline requests and we will respond promptly.