Averitt Awards: Excellence in Graduate Instruction
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 three separate categories — research, service and instruction.
Marisa Kortright, Spring ’26
Master of Science, Experimental Psychology
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
What did you teach?
Research and Analysis II Lab
What did you enjoy about teaching?
What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing students gain confidence in themselves.
Many students come into Research and Analysis feeling intimidated by writing APA-style research papers or using SPSS, and it is really rewarding to watch that shift over time. I also enjoy supporting students beyond the classroom, whether that is helping them think through graduate school options or figure out which direction fits them best.
What are your post-graduate plans?
I will be pursuing a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling.
What did you appreciate most about the program in your college?
What I appreciated most about my program was its supportiveness and hands-on approach. I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with faculty who were genuinely invested in my growth, both academically and professionally.
What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?
I realized how much I’ve grown in my ability to handle challenges that once felt overwhelming. Balancing teaching, research and other responsibilities pushed me in new ways, but over time, I learned how to step into those roles with more confidence. These experiences showed me that I grow the most when I’m challenged and willing to push myself a little outside my comfort zone.
What will you miss most about Georgia Southern?
What I will miss most about Georgia Southern is the people and the environment. I’ve really valued the relationships I built with faculty, peers, and students as well as the sense of support that came with being part of the program.
What is your favorite Georgia Southern experience?
My favorite Georgia Southern experience has been the lifelong friendships I formed while being here. Those relationships made my time here so much more meaningful and gave me a real sense of community and support that I know I’ll carry with me well beyond graduation.
What did it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award, which is the highest honor given to graduate students in the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies?
Receiving the Averitt Award in Instruction was incredibly meaningful to me, especially knowing how many strong and dedicated graduate teaching assistants there are at Georgia Southern. It is an honor to be recognized for the effort I’ve put into supporting students and creating a positive learning environment in my labs. It also encourages me to continue growing as an instructor and to stay intentional about how I support student learning and confidence in the classroom in my future work.
What are your career plans?
My goal is to become a licensed mental health counselor.
Any shoutouts for any professors you met along the way?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Dr. Hackney. She’s been an incredible mentor throughout my time at Georgia Southern, especially in supporting my growth as a researcher. Her guidance, feedback and encouragement have not only shaped my academic and professional development but also helped me grow personally and build more confidence in myself.
Do you have any fun hobbies you would like to share?
I love traveling, going to concerts, and working out!