Soaring by Example: Georgia Southern Alumnus Presented with 2025 Talon Award
tephen Milner (‘96) still remembers the crisp, fall evening he held his daughter in his arms with his son in tow, at his first Eagles game at the Prettiest Little Stadium.
“Our kids never stood a chance,” he said. “My wife, Sharon (‘94), and I are both diehard Eagles; we always have been. There’s only ever been one place that has had our hearts, and it’s right here in Statesboro.”
Nights like those flew by. His children, now both Georgia Southern Eagles, are making memories with their own friends in the stands. When Milner watches them head out the door, he can’t help but reflect on what his time in college has given him over the years.
“I wouldn’t trade my time at Georgia Southern for the world,” said Milner.
He is the recipient of the 2025 Talon Award from Georgia Southern University. The award is the University’s highest honor, recognizing alumni who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the institution.
President Kyle Marrero applauds Stephen Milner, recipient of Georgia Southern’s 2025 Talon Award, with his wife Sharon by his side.
“Stephen Milner exemplifies the very best of Georgia Southern University,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As a proud alumnus, devoted Eagle and passionate supporter of our mission and values, his service to this institution reflects a deep commitment to excellence, community and Eagle pride. The Talon Award honors not only what Stephen has done for Georgia Southern, but who he is – an Eagle through and through.”
“There are more than 162,000 alumni who are considered for this,” said Milner. “Leaders who embody the core values of Georgia Southern, people who excel in their careers and lead with integrity.”
Milner is reluctant to admit that he meets those criteria despite his 20 years as CEO of Planters Broadband Cooperative.
“I was fortunate enough to be at this university during a time that it was evolving,” he said. “It was going from a directional college to becoming a first-choice destination for students.”
He said it was during this time that he learned the most important lesson of all: how to be comfortable with making mistakes.
“My professors gave me the freedom to make mistakes, fail quickly and then learn from them,” shared Milner. “That philosophy is central to the culture we’ve established at Planters. We encourage our team to view past errors as lessons, preparing them to succeed on the next challenge. If we aren’t making any mistakes, it likely means we aren’t taking enough necessary risks.”
Milner credits his understanding of leadership and business to his time spent in classes at Georgia Southern.
“It helped me learn how to deal with issues on my own and navigate the nuances of the business world, but most of all, it helped me think past stage-one thinking,” he said. “My professors challenged me to look beyond immediate outcomes, prompting me to consider the long-term, multi-stage effects of my decisions.”
Those formative years are what inspired him to serve the University long after graduation.
“I’ve served on the University Foundation board for 15 years now,” he said. “I’m lucky enough to be the current chair of the University Foundation. Iwt’s one of the biggest privileges of my life.”
Milner’s love for the University extends beyond his role as chairman.
“My time at Southern provided me with so much over the years: knowledge, wisdom and lifelong friendships. I’ve been fortunate to be able to give back to this institution with my time, passion, talents and love. I believe true happiness stems from giving, especially when it is a heartfelt, non-transactional act.”
— Stephen Milner
He believes the University is headed in the right direction, and he’s happy to be along for the ride.
“Georgia Southern is going through a Renaissance,” he explained. “With the push for R1 and an increasing role as a major economic force in the region…I feel fortunate to be at this university during a time when our leadership is lifting us higher, helping us soar to new heights!”
— Bradley Mullis