2025 AVERITT AWARD WINNERS EXCEL IN TEACHING, RESEARCH
Four scholars receive coveted graduate student award
The Averitt Awards are the highest honors bestowed upon graduate students within the Georgia Southern University Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies. The award given to outstanding scholars serves to independently recognize academic excellence in two separate categories — research and instruction. Meet the four graduate students who received this year’s Averitt Award.
EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE INSTRUCTION
ARIJANET PARADISE OSUMAH (’25)
Master of Science Graduate Student College of Science and Mathematics
Hometown: Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Major: Applied Physical Science
What did you teach?
Introductory Physics 1111, General Chemistry 1211, Organic Chemistry 3401 and 3402.
What did you enjoy about teaching?
What I enjoyed most about teaching was watching students grow in confidence and skills. It was always rewarding to watch the students’ expression when they finally understood a concept that seemed so difficult to them. In addition, teaching allows me to keep learning.
What did you appreciate most about the program in the College of Science and Mathematics?
What I appreciated most was the strong sense of support from both faculty and peers. The College of Science and Mathematics fostered a collaborative environment for me to grow both as a student and an educator.
What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?
At Georgia Southern, I discovered how resilient and adaptable I am. Whether it was adjusting to different teaching formats or mentoring students, I realized that I thrive when I am being challenged to be flexible.
What did it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award?
Receiving this award, especially among such a talented and qualified group of graduate teaching assistants here at Georgia Southern, is truly humbling. It is both an honor and a responsibility. It motivates me to continue working hard and provide my students with the best possible learning experience.
What are your career plans?
I am keeping an open mind about my next steps, but I know I want to stay in a role where I can teach and keep learning myself. Whether it’s in academia or a related field, I am focused on finding opportunities that allow me to make a meaningful impact.
Describe your Georgia Southern experience.
Georgia Southern has been a place of growth, challenges and connections. Studying here gave me a chance to develop as an individual, a scientist and an educator. I also got to meet amazing people and build friendships that not only enriched my time here, but also provided a support network that I’ll carry with me as I leave.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?
I love to write poetry, even though I rarely share it.