{"id":12652,"date":"2026-09-01T12:07:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/?p=12652"},"modified":"2026-09-01T12:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:07:09","slug":"averitt-awards-excellence-in-graduate-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/2026\/09\/01\/averitt-awards-excellence-in-graduate-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Averitt Awards: Excellence in Graduate Service"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 \u2014 research, service and instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Steven Ashley, Spring \u201926<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Master of Science, <\/strong>Kinesiology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Waters College of Health Professions<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What acts of service are you most proud of during your college career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building the GPSTC Health and Wellness video curriculum is probably the act of service I\u2019m most proud of. I produced, filmed and edited over 40 short-form, TikTok-style educational videos for future law enforcement officers across Georgia. The goal was to make health and performance information brief, practical and easy to absorb. I\u2019ve since had instructors and current officers tell me the videos sparked meaningful conversations about their habits and wellness, which has been incredibly fulfilling to hear.I hope I played a small role in giving these officers tools that improve both their careers and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give yourself as a child for becoming who you are today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter exactly what you\u2019re doing as long as you mean it. Day-to-day life isn\u2019t always about making the \u201cright\u201d decision. It\u2019s about working hard, using what you know, listening to people you trust, and continuing to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your post-graduate plans?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The week after I walk for graduation, I\u2019ll head to Oregon to begin work as a wildland firefighter on a handcrew. From there I plan to continue serving tactical populations by enhancing physical readiness and improving overall quality of life. In all honesty, I\u2019m going wherever I\u2019m pointed by opportunity and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you appreciate most about your program?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is ample opportunity to take part in research, service and instruction with the kinesiology professors. They\u2019re ready to let you into their work, give you the chance to prove yourself and build you up along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change I’m capable of making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Describe your Georgia Southern experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like to describe it similarly to how I\u2019ve heard cadets and enlisted friends describe boot camp: \u201cThe best time you never want to have again.\u201d It was demanding and challenging, but I grew professionally and personally because of it. I\u2019m thankful for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was surprised when I received the award. I\u2019ve always given this work everything I have and sometimes a little too much, so it was meaningful to have that commitment recognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I once road-tripped through Utah with a stranger I met on a yacht. Shoutout to Whitmore \u2013 hope you\u2019re having a great time in Alaska!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any shoutouts for any professors you met along the way?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d like to thank Dr. Emily Langford, whom I first met during undergrad at the University of Montevallo, and Dr. Bridget Melton. Dr. Langford brought me into her work at Montevallo and connected me with Dr. Melton. Without that, I wouldn\u2019t be here. And if Dr. Melton hadn\u2019t taken a chance on me after a last-minute Zoom interview, I probably wouldn\u2019t have ended up at Georgia Southern University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any family, friends or pets that you want to recognize?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My parents, brother, sister-in-law and grandparents have been massive supporters of me since day one through the highs, lows and missed family events that came with trying to earn my name in this profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n