Clayton State University President Georj Lewis, Ed.D., (’07) has deep- rooted connections to Georgia Southern University. Not only is he an alumnus, but he also has served in pivotal leadership roles at Georgia Southern, including dean of students and vice president for student affairs. “It was one of the best times in my life and…

How Russell Keen’s GeorgiaSouthern experience shaped him as a leader. When Russell Keen, Ed.D., (’99, ’14) was appointed president of Augusta University in July 2024, it was more than a professional milestone – it was a full-circle moment. A first-generation college student raised in Augusta, Georgia, the journey to university leadership began years earlier at…

Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., (’10) is celebrating. At age 39, the new leader of Savannah State University is the youngest president of a Historically Black College and University in the country. He started his college journey as an economics student, hoping to serve as an economist for the Federal Reserve Bank. But whispers of an old…

OUR CHERISHED LIVE MASCOT “Soar Beyond.” These words perfectly capture the spirit of Freedom, our beloved bald eagle mascot. For years, Freedom soared above the crowds at Georgia Southern University events — football games, graduation ceremonies and participated in community outreach initiatives. His presence inspired generations, teaching us about wildlife, endangered species and the importance…

Mouths drop in awe as the huge body of a whale shark fills the Observation Wall of the Ocean Voyager Gallery at Georgia Aquarium. Its shadow passes over the heads of visitors crowding the glass, putting mere feet between them and the largest fish in the world. Tammie Williams (’98, ’15) beams as the shark…