Georgia Southern holds 2019 annual Fall Convocation, State of the University address

August 16, 2019

On Aug. 14, Georgia Southern University held its annual Fall Convocation and State of the University address with President Kyle Marrero on the Statesboro Campus and the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. The events officially marked the beginning of the University's 2019-20 academic year. 

Marrero welcomed faculty and staff in the Student Union Ballroom on the Armstrong Campus at 10 a.m. and in the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro Campus at 1:30 p.m. With a microphone in hand, he stepped down from the stage podium and into the audience at each venue to speak directly to faculty and staff members about the importance of their roles.

“It is the people that make this institution extraordinary,” Marrero said. “It’s you that make Georgia Southern what it is. It’s your dedication and your belief in the transformational power of education. It’s your belief that this institution now serving the entire region can be even more than it was before.” 

With the same enthusiasm, Marrero, who began his position on April 1, delivered his inaugural State of the University address, first touching on the institution’s strategic plan, which serves as a comprehensive roadmap to unite students, faculty, staff and the region. He cited the importance of the University’s mission, values and five pillars, which include teaching and research, student success, operational efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and community engagement, and inclusive excellence. 

He was also candid about the University’s challenges, as the institution faced the largest budget reduction in its history — $13.1 million of recurring dollars — last year. Within the first three months on the job, Marrero worked with leadership to identify and redirect $26.4 million. After filling the budget deficit, $13.3 remained to invest. 

“Where did we go first?” Marrero posed. “To our people. The salary equity study showed that our staff needed $3.7 million recurring to get the entry points of the pay band. $2.8 million went to faculty. It is a first step.” 

He said he will hold himself accountable, with measured metrics, to increase those numbers and vows to be transparent about University endeavors.

“We’ve got to face the challenges head on, together,” Marrero stated. “I’m going to be as transparent as I can about everything that we are facing so that together we can find solutions. That’s what shared governance is all about. It’s our collective wisdom and intellect that makes for better outcomes.” 

To that end, he invited faculty and staff to be a part of the FY2021 budget prioritization timeline and process, as the budget narrative will be delivered to the University System of Georgia Regents in October. In follow-up, he will share the results when they are available next April. 

Enrollment is trending slightly up, he said with optimism, despite declining freshmen populations statewide. Although classes start Monday, final enrollment figures for the semester will not be available until October. 

As part of the strategic enrollment plan, the University will increase the marketing budget this year to further drive enrollment. The goal is to foster steady annual growth, fueled by a quality academic plan that is in alignment with the marketplace. 

“Our regional academic plan with the market refresh and the strategic enrollment plan is what will drive us in the future to never be in an enrollment decline again,” said Marrero. “And that is our goal.” 

In closing, he stressed the importance of investing in the University’s faculty and staff. 

“I believe that an engaged faculty and staff is critical to creating an environment in which students can succeed, inside the classroom and in life,” he stated. “To create engagement, we need to ensure that all contributors understand their value and contribution to the whole.” 

In appreciation, Marrero and Provost Carl Reiber presented faculty awards. 

This year’s recipients include:

Kristina Brockmeier Award 
T. Kurt Knoerl, Ph.D., College of Arts and Humanities 

Judge Ron Ginsberg Faculty Excellence Award 
Traci L. Ness, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics 

Award for Distinguished Faculty Service to the University 
Jennifer Zettler, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics  

Award for Distinguished Faculty Service to the Community 
Douglas E. Masini, Ed.D., Waters College of Health Professions
Christopher E. Hendricks, Ph.D., College of Arts and Humanities 

2019-20 Award for Excellence in Contributions in Service 
Lisa A. Costello, Ph.D., College of Arts and Humanities
Donna J. Mullenax, College of Science and Mathematics

2019-20 Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction 
Traci L. Ness, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics
Diana Botnaru, M.D., Waters College of Health Professions

2019-20 Award for Excellence in Research/Creative Scholarly Activity 
Ji Wu, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics
John Van Stan, Ph.D., College of Science and Mathematics

To watch the State of the University address, visit https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/communication/messages-from-the-president/.