�����Ƶ has appointed Timothy L. Shuey as associate provost for academic resource management, effective November 2025.

In this role, Shuey will provide strategic oversight of financial planning, budgeting and resource allocation for Academic Affairs. He will collaborate closely with deans, academic leadership and administrative partners to ensure alignment of resources with the University’s strategic mission, enrollment growth and commitment to student success.

Shuey joins Georgia Southern from Appalachian State University, where he served as associate vice provost for resource management. In that role, he oversaw more than $150 million in operating budgets, led cross-functional teams in financial process improvement, and advanced institutional initiatives focused on efficiency, transparency and long-range fiscal sustainability.

Shuey brings more than 25 years of higher education and financial leadership experience to the position, previously serving as vice president for fiscal affairs and chief financial officer at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, vice president for finance and administration at Gardner-Webb University, and in multiple senior financial roles at The Pennsylvania State University, where he managed complex operational and research budgets totaling more than $250 million. His expertise spans financial and operational leadership, budget model design, organizational change management, and the application of emerging technologies — such as artificial intelligence — to improve institutional processes and reporting.

“Tim brings an exceptional combination of financial acumen, strategic vision and collaborative leadership,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His record of success in optimizing resources and driving financial sustainability and growth across complex academic organizations makes him the ideal partner to help advance Georgia Southern’s mission of academic excellence and student success.”

A certified public accountant in Maryland, Shuey holds a Master of Business Administration and dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and hotel, restaurant and institutional management from The Pennsylvania State University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in business administration (accounting) at Marshall University.

“I am honored to join �����Ƶ and contribute to an institution that is both forward-thinking and student-centered,” said Shuey. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and campus leaders to build on Georgia Southern’s strong foundation of academic integrity, operational excellence and service to its communities.”

Shuey’s professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and the Penn State Alumni Association. He also serves on the board of directors for Haven of Hope Global Ministries.

Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH, professor and associate dean for �����Ƶ’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, has been named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of public health professionals.

Marshall began her presidential term on Nov. 5, following a year as president-elect. She will serve a three-year term on APHA’s executive board, including her current presidential year and a subsequent year as immediate past president.

With more than two decades of experience in community-engaged public health, Marshall is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing maternal and child health equity, and for her dedication to preparing the next generation of the public health workforce. She holds a bachelor’s in religious studies from Spelman College, a master’s in public health from East Stroudsburg University and a Doctor of Public Health from Georgia Southern.

“Dr. Marshall’s appointment to lead APHA is a tremendous national recognition of her contribution to public health — and a reflection of Georgia Southern’s growing impact on the global public health landscape,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her commitment to community partnership, workforce development and health equity exemplifies the values we strive to instill in every graduate of our distinctive public health college.”

Marshall’s work has centered on bridging lived experience and scientific research to drive equitable health outcomes. 

“I’m deeply honored to serve as APHA president,” Marshall said. “Public health calls us to listen to communities, honor their wisdom and work together to build the equitable systems that recognize health as a human right. Equity is not an outcome — it’s a commitment. And I’m grateful to continue this work with purpose, courage and love alongside partners across the country.”

Founded in 1872, APHA represents more than 25,000 members nationwide, serving as a convener, catalyst and advocate for equitable health and well-being for all. The association connects practitioners, researchers, educators and policymakers to advance evidence-based public health initiatives.

�����Ƶ has announced three speakers for the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13, 16 and 17.

Approximately 2,200 students will graduate with associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist or doctoral degrees this semester during ceremonies in Savannah and Statesboro.

The dates, locations and speakers for each ceremony are:

Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. — Enmarket Arena in Savannah

Tim Wilkerson (’91), senior vice president of the home services organization for The Home Depot, oversees the largest home installation operations in the U.S. His responsibilities include in-home sales, customer contact centers, contractor sourcing, onboarding and compliance.

Previously, Wilkerson served as vice president of the merchandising execution team, leading more than 27,000 associates to deliver in-store merchandising solutions that drive sales, enhance speed and create value for stores, suppliers and customers.

Wilkerson joined The Home Depot in 1996 as an import distribution center assistant manager and has held roles of increasing responsibility across supply chain, logistics and store operations, including district manager, regional vice president of the gulf region and vice president of store operations.

An active member of the community, Wilkerson sits on the boards of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Zoo Atlanta and Kennesaw State University. He previously served on the boards of the �����Ƶ Athletic Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, INROADS and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through the Tim and Camille Wilkerson Foundation, he and his wife award partial scholarships to minority students at his alma mater, LaGrange High School.

Wilkerson earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia Southern, where he was also a member of the 1989 National Championship football team. He has completed executive courses at Emory University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

Tuesday, December 16, at 2 p.m.  — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro

Carla Metts (’14) is an Emmy Award-winning sports anchor and host of NASCAR Countdown Live for the NASCAR Xfinity Series on The CW network. Metts has built a versatile career in sports broadcasting, working across NASCAR, the NFL, the NBA, college athletics and multiple national sports media platforms.

Before joining The CW, Metts served as sports director at FOX Charlotte, where she helped launch Charlotte Sports Live, a nightly sports show covering major professional and collegiate sports. She has also held broadcast roles with the Carolina Panthers, The CW’s College Football and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media.

Metts began her career at Midco Sports Network in South Dakota as an in-studio host and sideline reporter covering college football and basketball.

A proud Georgia Southern alumna, Metts earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in journalism. She was a four-year captain of the co-ed cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2014.

Wednesday, December 17, at 6 p.m. — Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro

Jaime Weeks (’21, ’24), vice president and managing director at The Wendy’s Company, is a distinguished leader in the restaurant industry. Weeks brings more than 20 years of experience leading high-performing teams across the U.S., Canada and abroad.

At Wendy’s, Weeks oversees operations services for nearly 6,000 locations and has played a significant role in shaping operations strategy since joining the company in 2019. Earlier in her career, she gained international experience working in Japan with Marine Corps Community Services and later held leadership roles with GoTo Foods — the franchisor of Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Carvel.

Weeks is a proud Double Eagle, holding both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Georgia Southern.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Weeks is dedicated to philanthropy and community impact. She serves as a director on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption — Canada’s board, and is a longtime supporter of the Semper Fi & America’s Fund. A passionate advocate for wellness, she has completed all six major world marathons — Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

�����Ƶ, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving more than 29,633 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .

Jya Ewing was looking for a sense of belonging when she applied for college.

“I was excited to visit what I thought my top school was at the time,” said Ewing, who double majors in political science and international studies at �����Ƶ. “But I really value my community and my family, and I just didn’t feel that when I visited.” 

That’s how the pre-law hopeful’s number two school became her top choice.  

“My family lives down the road in Richmond Hill,” said Ewing. “I’ve been around the Georgia Southern area for a long time. I realized the University was more of the close-knit, community environment that I’d been dreaming of.” 

�����Ƶ was recently named as one of 75 ‘dream school’ colleges in Jeffrey Selingo’s latest book, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.”   

Selingo explained in a recent with NPR how working in and around higher education for nearly three decades led him to discover that prestige was often valued over purpose.

His book urges students and families to look beyond the usual A-list schools and instead focus on what matters at college: strong job prospects after graduation, hands-on learning experiences and what Ewing was looking for — a sense of belonging. She found all that and more at Georgia Southern. 

“My programs tend to have smaller class sizes, which makes it really easy to connect and engage with professors,” she said. “And then there are incredible resources, like the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) at Georgia Southern. They helped me write my personal statement for my law school application.” 

OCPD offers more than just support to students like Ewing. The office uses tools like career assessments, networking tips and job search strategies to prepare students to succeed in their dream career. Services like these really make a difference: OCPD reports that more than 72% of all graduates from the class of 2024 have secured jobs and careers relevant to their field of study. 

Ewing wants to make sure others have the same opportunity as she did to chase their dreams. She’s gone on to help others find their own community during her time as president of the Student Government Association. 

“Students come to the Student Government for help with things like financial issues or classroom access,” she explained. “To be able to advocate for people who need help like that, that’s something I’ve always wanted, and it’s something I’ve gotten to do at Georgia Southern.”  

The number of students who chose �����Ƶ for the Fall 2025 Semester continues to soar, according to .

The University’s official Fall 2025 total enrollment is a record-breaking 29,633, a 7.73% increase over Fall 2024, and the University’s highest enrollment in its history. Of the University’s 29,633 students, 85% are from the state of Georgia. The new beginning freshman class is also a record at 5,946 students, a jump of 17.67% from the previous year, making it the largest freshman class in the University’s history.

“This record-breaking enrollment is a testament to our outstanding faculty and staff, our commitment to student success, and the value of a Georgia Southern degree in preparing students for meaningful lives and careers,” said �����Ƶ President Kyle Marrero. “These numbers tell a powerful story — students choose Georgia Southern because of the exceptional experiences, support and sense of community they find here.”

Additional enrollment records set in Fall 2025 include:

• The total number of new graduate and undergraduate students who enrolled at Georgia Southern is 9,628, an increase of 12.98% from last fall.
• The total number of dual-enrolled students, who are both new and returning to the University, is 1,808, a 16.65% climb from Fall 2024. Of that number, 1,097 are dual enrollment students new to the University.
• Graduate student enrollment grew to 4,038 students, a gain of 3.86% year over year.
  • Master’s program enrollment is 2,916 students.
  • Specialist program enrollment rose 21.67% over Fall 2024 to 365 students.
  • Doctoral program enrollment grew to 757, an increase of 7.38% over last year.

“This record enrollment underscores the confidence students and families have in Georgia Southern and reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting students from enrollment to graduation. It affirms the strength of our brand, the excellence of our academic programs, and our student-centered approach,” said Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D. “We remain committed to expanding access and developing the talent that drives the economic vitality and future of our region.”  

Enrollment within the University’s Honors College continues to rise as 923 students joined the supportive community of high achievers, where they will perform advanced research, access a broad range of experiential opportunities and receive personalized guidance. This growth represents an expansion of 18.33% over the previous year.

Georgia Southern’s student retention rate climbed to 82%, an upswing of 4% over Fall 2024. The University was awarded the Chancellor’s Cup Trophy for the highest percentage retention increase of all comprehensive institutions within the USG during the Board of Regents meeting on Nov. 11.

Georgia Southern also contributed to the University System of Georgia’s (USG) record-setting degrees awarded, . The University set a record for graduate degrees conferred as 1,622 students received a doctorate, master’s or specialist degree FY25, an uptick of 16.02% over FY24.

�����Ƶ’s Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion (SWHP) has been awarded $31,770.73 from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to support initiatives aimed at reducing harm and risks associated with substance and alcohol use.

“The Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion welcomes the opportunity to continue expanding alcohol and other drug harm reduction programming throughout �����Ƶ campuses,” said Urkovia Andrews, DrPH, interim director of SWHP. “This will help create a safer environment for our campuses and beyond.”

The grant from GOHS, using federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be allocated during the FY26 grant year, which runs Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026. It will fund substance use harm-reduction strategies at the University, including programming and personnel costs.

“Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century,” said Allen Poole, director of the GOHS. “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.”

A leader in �����Ƶ’s Greek Life community has received national recognition for his work with a fraternity chapter on campus.

Francisco M. Lugo, Ed.D., director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, won from the national Sigma Nu fraternity for his work with the Georgia Southern Theta Kappa Chapter. For the past 12 years, Lugo has advised the fraternity with encouragement and accountability so its members can thrive as leaders on campus and beyond.

Lugo called the national award a humbling experience and emphasized how passionate he is about serving his students.

“For me, this award is less about recognition and more about validation,” he said. “It shows that building relationships, investing in student leaders and advocating for the positive impact of fraternity and sorority life truly makes a difference. While my name may be on the award, it represents the work of so many people who care deeply about advancing the fraternity and sorority experience at Georgia Southern.”

The award is given to higher education administrators who have gone above and beyond in serving and contributing to the success of Sigma Nu Fraternity chapters regarding advising, event programming, leadership development, research and other areas.

During his tenure at Georgia Southern, Lugo has led the Theta Kappa Chapter to three Rock Chapter Awards, which are awarded to the top chapters from the national organization. 

“I’ve walked alongside them through their revitalization and celebrated their growth,” Lugo said. “The men of Theta Kappa have trusted me to walk with them on their journey, and I’ve loved investing in their leadership development and seeing them grow.”

Additionally, he has served as president and vice president of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations and on the board of directors for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. Also, he has been involved with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and continues to volunteer for his own fraternity, Phi Iota Alpha.

The �����Ƶ Museum’s commitment to education about Georgia’s Coastal Plain region and its communities helped it earn renewed accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for another 10 years. The Museum first received the accreditation in 1997.

AAM accreditation is awarded based on several criteria including how a museum identifies and serves its community, the diversity of its programming, and its commitment to placing education at the center of public service. The accreditation committee noted the Georgia Southern Museum not only meets, but exceeds requirements in several key areas. Community partnerships like received high praise from the evaluators, something that does not surprise Museum leadership.

“Our connections with partners across the region mean a lot,” said Museum Director Brent Tharp, Ph.D. “Everyone from the Kiwanis Club to Bulloch County Schools to faculty and staff across the University who are not Museum staff, they are all a critical part of our operations.”

The depth of education offered at various locations also caught the eye of the evaluators. They noted that the Museum on Main, housed at the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, provided rich local history in a way that appealed to visitors. They also cited how the Gretsch Collection exhibited at the Plant Riverside District in Savannah takes engagement beyond the usual museum audience.

Museum leaders credit much of the success of their programs to the student staff. Students do everything from leading tour groups through exhibits to running the gift shop. Assistant Director Lashanda Hicks-Griffin credits the enthusiasm from the students for creating an environment where learning feels like an adventure.

“The only way that we can accomplish so much of what we’re doing is because we have a strong student support system,” said Hicks-Griffin. “They make it fulfilling and fun to come to work every day.”

The Museum staff takes pride in their dedication to building diverse exhibits through interdisciplinary work. Curator of Paleontology and Associate Professor Kathlyn Smith, Ph.D., is so accustomed to the involvement of Georgia Southern’s faculty that she cannot imagine operating without it.

“The evaluation team said it was unusual that I spent a lot of time doing outreach,” said Smith. “They said some institutions struggle to get their faculty to join outreach efforts, but I love taking our collection to places like comic conventions and sharing it with people who might not expect to find it there.”

Presenting a wide spectrum of topics to a broad audience is a core part of the museum’s mission. Thousands of visitors, from University students to school groups to tourists, pass through the Museum each year. Curator of Education Marjean Cone takes an individual approach to connecting all of them with the discoveries they make inside the exhibits.

“I feel like I’ve done my job at the end of the day if somebody from any background can come in here, be inspired by something we present and want to keep learning more when they go back outside to their daily life.”

The Museum features permanent exhibits that chronicle the history of Georgia’s Coastal Plain region. It also hosts rotating exhibits on diverse topics in science, history and culture. General admission is $4 per person. Admission is free for Museum members as well as Georgia Southern students, alumni, faculty, staff, members and children under 3 years old.

�����Ƶ has announced the selection of Nivine Richie, Ph.D., CFA, as the new dean of the Parker College of Business, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Richie joins Georgia Southern from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she served as Associate Dean of Graduate, International, and Executive Programs in the Cameron School of Business. A proven academic leader, she brings more than 15 years of higher education experience, strategic innovation and community engagement to Georgia Southern.

“Dr. Richie’s record of academic innovation, program development, fiscal management, global education and dedication to student and faculty success make her the ideal leader for the Parker College of Business,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her background in finance, leadership in AACSB-accredited programs, and commitment to public-impact scholarship align perfectly with Georgia Southern’s mission to prepare students to think, lead, teach and serve.”

At UNC Wilmington, Richie oversaw a portfolio of eight graduate business programs and one interdisciplinary joint program serving nearly 1,000 students. Under her leadership, the college launched multiple dual-degree and 4+1 combined bachelor’s-to-master’s programs—including in Finance & Investment Management, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, and Accountancy—enabling students to complete both degrees in just five years. She also secured STEM designation for all business graduate programs, including the MBA, and played a central role in developing the Swain Center for Executive Education & Economic Development and advancing corporate and global partnerships.

Her prior leadership as chair of the Department of Economics and Finance at UNC Wilmington was equally impactful, marked by the creation of an industry advisory board, expansion of academic advising initiatives, and launch of the M.S. in Finance and Investment Management, a program recognized by the CFA Institute for its curriculum excellence.

“I am honored to join �����Ƶ and the Parker College of Business,” said Richie. “The College has an outstanding reputation for excellence and innovation. I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to advance its mission and build meaningful connections between business education and the communities we serve.”

Richie’s research explores corporate finance, financial markets and ethics in business, with work published in well-known journals such as the Quarterly Journal of Finance and Accounting,  Financial Review, and Research in International Business and Finance. Her recent scholarship examines the effects of corruption on financial institutions and customer satisfaction in vertically integrated firms.

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Richie began her career in the private sector as a vice president and trader in mortgage-backed securities before transitioning to academia. She earned her Ph.D. in Finance from Florida Atlantic University and a B.S. in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University. She holds leadership certifications from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education and the University of North Carolina’s BRIDGES Academic Leadership program.

Beyond campus, Richie has been an active contributor to her community and profession, serving on the Board of Trustees for North Capital Mutual Fund, the Parks Conservancy of New Hanover County, and the CFA Institute’s Board of Governors Nominating Committee.

Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) and �����Ƶ are pleased to announce a newly signed USG/TCSG RN-BSN Articulation Agreement, effective July 1, 2025, to expand educational opportunities for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. Through this collaboration, graduates of associate degree nursing programs at Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions will have a seamless pathway to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Georgia Southern School of Nursing within the Waters College of Health Professions.

The statewide agreement between the TCSG and the University System of Georgia (USG) provides that Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) coursework completed at OTC (or any TCSG institution) will transfer fully toward RN-BSN programs at any participating USG school, minimizing lost credit hours and eliminating course duplication.

“This agreement reflects our shared mission to expand access to high-quality education and strengthen Georgia’s nursing workforce,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at �����Ƶ. “By aligning our efforts with the Technical College System of Georgia, we are creating seamless pathways for students to achieve their goals while ensuring our state’s health care system continues to thrive with well-prepared, compassionate professionals serving every community.”

Georgia Southern’s School of Nursing offers a comprehensive range of programs, including traditional pre-licensure BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-BSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Nursing Education, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs. This partnership specifically supports professional registered nurses in continuing their education to the baccalaureate level — an essential step toward leadership in clinical practice and community impact.

“This partnership reflects Georgia Southern’s commitment to student success and excellence in teaching,” said Katrina Embrey, DNS, RN, chair of the Georgia Southern School of Nursing. “By collaborating with the Technical College System of Georgia, we are helping nurses advance their education, expand their professional opportunities and strengthen the health care workforce that serves our communities.” 

For OTC, this marks a major advancement in its goal to help local students progress in nursing careers without stepping out of the region or losing progress.

“We have been working for years to secure a seamless bridge for our students to advance their nursing careers by pursuing a BSN,” said Anthony Berrios, Ph.D., vice president for Academic Affairs at OTC. “Current students and alumni alike now have an opportunity to transfer to any USG institution to pursue their bachelor’s degree without major hurdles.”

Marie Burdett, MSN, RN, and Chief Nursing Officer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, works closely with both OTC and Georgia Southern graduates.

“This collaboration represents an exciting step forward for the future of nursing education in our state,” said Burdett. “Anything that strengthens credentialing helps young nurses advance their education and continue to learn and grow. Nursing is a profession built on lifelong learning, and partnerships like this make that possible.”

Aligned with Georgia Southern’s vision to transform lives and communities, this initiative will increase the number of BSN-prepared nurses in Georgia contributing to a thriving society through improved health and well-being.

“The School of Nursing is proud to support this partnership,” said Embrey. “Together, we are preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will make a lasting difference in the lives, individuals, families and communities across the state.”

Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. OTC provides student‐centered academic and occupational programs and support services at the associate degree, diploma,and certificate levels. OTC utilizes traditional and distance education methodologies in state-of-the-art facilities while supporting adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry workforce training.

�����Ƶ, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,506 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .