鈥淚 am never going to Georgia Southern,鈥� graduating senior Whitley Gatch recalls saying as a high school student. 

Before the coronavirus pandemic set Gatch on a track to earning her undergraduate degrees in history and at 秋葵视频, her mind was firmly set on attending any other school. She鈥檇 spent enough time on campus already, she insisted, drawing on memories from her childhood when she toddled around the office of her mom, Delena Gatch, Ph.D., an associate professor and the associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and accreditation. But when the crowded hallways of Gatch鈥檚 high school raised the risk of bringing infection home to her aging grandparents and an immunocompromised family member, she knew she needed to reconsider the university she鈥檇 once ruled out.

This led Gatch to consider dual enrollment at Georgia Southern, where she could get a head start on college credits while fulfilling remaining requirements for her high school diploma without sacrificing the safety of her family. At Georgia Southern, Gatch was relieved by the virtual and hybrid course model during the pandemic, which helped maintain social distancing without slowing down educational opportunities. Before committing, though, she sat down to have a talk with her mom.

鈥淢y mom and I agreed that if I was going to start dual enrollment, I should take a subject I enjoy,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 found a course in anthropology that fulfilled a social science requirement for high school, and the rest is history 鈥� literally.鈥�

History and anthropology have always interested Gatch. Her family often traveled with her mother when she attended conferences across the country, and they made a point of visiting historical battlefields. From their visits, Gatch became fascinated by the Civil War era, and has made the era her academic focus since graduating from high school and enrolling as a full-time college student.

鈥淚 absolutely ate my words,鈥� she laughed, reflecting on her decision to stay at Georgia Southern. 鈥淚 realized there鈥檚 no better place to be.鈥�

The opportunity to center her studies on conflict archaeology sealed the deal for Gatch. Now, when she visits historical sites like , one of the largest prisoner-of-war camps in the Civil War, she has a trowel in hand to dig up bullets and other artifacts. With her findings, she can construct an archeological lens for understanding the social aspects of the time period and the implications of violence and warfare.

One of Gatch鈥檚 projects is currently on display in the Henderson Library on Georgia Southern鈥檚 Statesboro Campus. Having noticed the lack of representation for African American soldiers based in southeast Georgia, Gatch worked with Professor Brian K. Feltman, Ph.D., her classmates and staff in the Library鈥檚 Special Collections department to build 鈥�,鈥� an exhibit that displays letters written by local soldiers along with military gear and books related to the time period. Among the artifacts are a gas mask and helmet that Gatch was entrusted to collect from the University of Georgia.

鈥淚t was so fun because you鈥檝e got to think about applying the aspects that you learn in your history classes,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can write a paper, you can read the books, you can learn it, but what are you going to do with it? Creating that exhibit meant a lot because it鈥檚 a hundred years later and those soldiers are finally getting the commemoration that was given to the white soldiers who died in the same war.鈥�

Having grown up in Bulloch County, Gatch has worked on additional projects related to the area. This included , which experienced a major environmental crisis in 2011. Meanwhile, , examining the historical markers in Georgia鈥檚 Coastal Plain and low country that commemorate Sherman鈥檚 March to the Sea.

Other highlights of Gatch鈥檚 college experience include , receiving multiple academic scholarships through the Honors College, leading clubs on campus and studying abroad in Wexford, Ireland. After graduating and completing a summer internship at Ocmulgee National Park as an archaeological technician, she鈥檒l attend Yale University, where she will earn her master鈥檚 in archeology. With her graduate degree, she hopes to build more exhibits like 鈥淢ore than a Name鈥� and intends to become a professor so she can share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation.

鈥淥ne of the taglines I was always given in my classes was that, as archeologists and historians, we are supposed to give a voice to the voiceless,鈥� she said. 鈥淧eople like you and me will die one day, and nobody will remember us, so it鈥檚 really what鈥檚 left of people, those artifacts, that tells you about them. I like helping curate that memory.鈥�

Camille Phillips has an aptitude for math, especially calculus. She first discovered her passion for complex applications when she was in high school. Encouraged by her high school calculus teacher to study engineering in college, Phillips gave it a try. This week, she will walk across the commencement stage at 秋葵视频 for her bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering.

鈥淚 am fascinated with all that I can do with my major,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淢echanical engineering in particular can be applied to so many different types of jobs, from the aerospace industry to manufacturing, to vehicle design, to the nuclear sector. I love all of the applications of this discipline.鈥�

Phillips, a University Honors College student, credits her success in the engineering program to her mentor, Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy.

鈥淗e has propelled me to where I am today,鈥� said Phillips, who is from Savannah. 鈥淗e has given me so many opportunities to excel in my field, from helping me apply for summer research experiences and scholarships, to facilitating contacts with professors and outside companies. The skills and knowledge that he has shared with me over the past two years have been indispensable in my growth as a student.鈥�

As a junior, Phillips became a lead researcher in Soloiu鈥檚 Aerospace and Combustion Laboratory in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. She considers her involvement in Soloiu鈥檚 research lab to be her most rewarding experience at Georgia Southern, not only for the friendships she forged but also for the fun she had doing cool experiments.

鈥淚 knew I wanted to work in Dr. Valentin Soloiu鈥檚 research lab because he equips all of his researchers with the knowledge and skills for the workforce,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he research conducted there excited me but it was very intimidating at the start due to the high expectations of working there. When I was named a lead researcher, I was so thankful to be recognized for the work that I had done.鈥�

With a 3.9 GPA, Phillips distinguished herself as a standout student in her four-and-a-half years at Georgia Southern. Although she focused on academics, she didn鈥檛 overlook opportunities offered outside the classroom. She joined the Society of Women Engineers and Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers, and served a term as treasurer of both Women in Technology and Catholic Eagles. During an Alternative Break trip to El Salvador, she was a volunteer at local schools and a community center. However, the engineering major emphasized one experience stands out above the rest.

鈥淢y favorite experience at Georgia Southern was participating in an exchange program to Canada as a resident advisor,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 lived in Waterloo, Canada, and attended Wilfrid Laurier University. I had the best time there. Through my work in residence there, I met some amazing people and experienced a whole new educational environment that allowed me to expand my worldview in different ways.鈥�

Now that she is preparing to leave Georgia Southern, Phillips is grateful for the impact the University has had on her life.

鈥淕eorgia Southern has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and by doing so, I have been able to explore my interests and skills to learn more about what I want to do in my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淕eorgia Southern has taught me to never stop learning and to always be open to trying something new.鈥�

As for what鈥檚 next, the Georgia Southern scholar will soon report for military duty. After graduation, Phillips will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy to serve as a nuclear prototype instructor. As for now, she is focused on celebrating her graduation with parents and family.

鈥淚 think they will be proud of me,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y father was in the U.S. Air Force and I think that because I am also going into military service, there will be some bittersweet but immensely proud feelings as well.鈥�

Camille Phillips has an aptitude for math, especially calculus. She first discovered her passion for complex applications when she was in high school. Encouraged by her high school calculus teacher to study engineering in college, Phillips gave it a try. This week, she will walk across the commencement stage at 秋葵视频 for her bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering.

鈥淚 am fascinated with all that I can do with my major,鈥� Phillips said. 鈥淢echanical engineering in particular can be applied to so many different types of jobs, from the aerospace industry to manufacturing, to vehicle design, to the nuclear sector. I love all of the applications of this discipline.鈥�

Phillips, a University Honors College student, credits her success in the engineering program to her mentor, Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy.

鈥淗e has propelled me to where I am today,鈥� said Phillips, who is from Savannah. 鈥淗e has given me so many opportunities to excel in my field, from helping me apply for summer research experiences and scholarships, to facilitating contacts with professors and outside companies. The skills and knowledge that he has shared with me over the past two years have been indispensable in my growth as a student.鈥�

As a junior, Phillips became a lead researcher in Soloiu鈥檚 Aerospace and Combustion Laboratory in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. She considers her involvement in Soloiu鈥檚 research lab to be her most rewarding experience at Georgia Southern, not only for the friendships she forged but also for the fun she had doing cool experiments.

鈥淚 knew I wanted to work in Dr. Valentin Soloiu鈥檚 research lab because he equips all of his researchers with the knowledge and skills for the workforce,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he research conducted there excited me but it was very intimidating at the start due to the high expectations of working there. When I was named a lead researcher, I was so thankful to be recognized for the work that I had done.鈥�

With a 3.9 GPA, Phillips distinguished herself as a standout student in her four-and-a-half years at Georgia Southern. Although she focused on academics, she didn鈥檛 overlook opportunities offered outside the classroom. She joined the Society of Women Engineers and Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers, and served a term as treasurer of both Women in Technology and Catholic Eagles. During an Alternative Break trip to El Salvador, she was a volunteer at local schools and a community center. However, the engineering major emphasized one experience stands out above the rest.

鈥淢y favorite experience at Georgia Southern was participating in an exchange program to Canada as a resident advisor,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 lived in Waterloo, Canada, and attended Wilfrid Laurier University. I had the best time there. Through my work in residence there, I met some amazing people and experienced a whole new educational environment that allowed me to expand my worldview in different ways.鈥�

Now that she is preparing to leave Georgia Southern, Phillips is grateful for the impact the University has had on her life.

鈥淕eorgia Southern has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and by doing so, I have been able to explore my interests and skills to learn more about what I want to do in my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淕eorgia Southern has taught me to never stop learning and to always be open to trying something new.鈥�

As for what鈥檚 next, the Georgia Southern scholar will soon report for military duty. After graduation, Phillips will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy to serve as a nuclear prototype instructor. As for now, she is focused on celebrating her graduation with parents and family.

鈥淚 think they will be proud of me,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y father was in the U.S. Air Force and I think that because I am also going into military service, there will be some bittersweet but immensely proud feelings as well.鈥�

秋葵视频 now encompasses 10 academic colleges with the transition of the  University Honors Program to the Honors College. The move provides a growing community of honors students with enhanced experiential learning opportunities including undergraduate research, creative scholarship and the honors thesis, focusing on professional development, interdisciplinary education and global experiences. 

鈥淭he elevation of the Honors Program into the Honors College is a reflection of the quality of our student body and the rigor of opportunities we provide,鈥� said Steven Engel, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College. 鈥淭his new distinction will make Georgia Southern an even greater destination for high-performing students and raise the overall academic reputation of the institution.鈥�

鈥淚t is a natural progression of success when a university elevates their Honors Program to a College鈥攔ecognizing and expanding the opportunities for our highest-achieving students,鈥� said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淲ith three Goldwater Scholars in the last few years and a long list of other national and international accolades for our students, we already have an impressive track record of educating bright and motivated students. An Honors College will allow us to build on this success and focus even more on creating a distinctive and challenging undergraduate experience for some of the nation鈥檚 best students.鈥�

The University System of Georgia officially approved the program鈥檚 transition to the Honors College late last month.

Open to students in any major, the Honors College provides access to smaller classes and enriching seminars. The Honors College also prioritizes members of the military with a goal of becoming the most military-friendly honors college in the nation.

Inclusive excellence continues to be an important pillar of the honors experience at Georgia Southern. Students gain intercultural competence with curricular and extracurricular experiences that contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. With 33% of students from minority racial and ethnic groups, the honors student population reflects the many forms of diversity within the University鈥檚 broader student body.

鈥淚 believe the transition will add more prestige to our degrees, increase the level of rigor and academic competition among peers, and enhance our education as a whole,鈥� said Katie McIntosh, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering on the Statesboro campus. 

鈥淚鈥檓 super excited about the program鈥檚 transition to a college,鈥� said Zoe Lincoln, a junior majoring in health sciences on the Armstrong campus. 鈥淚 think that becoming an Honors College will give students more opportunities in terms of funding and networking with professionals in their respective fields.鈥�

Honors education began at Georgia Southern in 1982, when the Bell Honors Program was founded. The University Honors Program was established on the Armstrong campus in 1996 and on the Statesboro campus in 1998. Today, the Honors College enrolls more than 800 students across both campuses, representing all University colleges and academic disciplines. 

鈥淏uilding on decades of success, this change further demonstrates Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to excellence in undergraduate education,鈥� said Carl Reiber, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淭he new Honors College will provide a rigorous curriculum for students that fosters intellectual and professional development, preparing them for top-tier graduate schools and meaningful careers.鈥�

Since the inception of the Bell Honors Program, approximately 1,650 students have graduated from the University鈥檚 Honors programs. Thirty percent of graduates last year completed their degrees in less than four years.

The deadline for incoming freshmen to apply is Feb. 1, 2021. For more information, visit . Current Georgia Southern students are encouraged to apply.

秋葵视频, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving almost 27,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .

秋葵视频 now encompasses 10 academic colleges with the transition of the  University Honors Program to the Honors College. The move provides a growing community of honors students with enhanced experiential learning opportunities including undergraduate research, creative scholarship and the honors thesis, focusing on professional development, interdisciplinary education and global experiences. 

鈥淭he elevation of the Honors Program into the Honors College is a reflection of the quality of our student body and the rigor of opportunities we provide,鈥� said Steven Engel, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College. 鈥淭his new distinction will make Georgia Southern an even greater destination for high-performing students and raise the overall academic reputation of the institution.鈥�

鈥淚t is a natural progression of success when a university elevates their Honors Program to a College鈥攔ecognizing and expanding the opportunities for our highest-achieving students,鈥� said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淲ith three Goldwater Scholars in the last few years and a long list of other national and international accolades for our students, we already have an impressive track record of educating bright and motivated students. An Honors College will allow us to build on this success and focus even more on creating a distinctive and challenging undergraduate experience for some of the nation鈥檚 best students.鈥�

The University System of Georgia officially approved the program鈥檚 transition to the Honors College late last month.

Open to students in any major, the Honors College provides access to smaller classes and enriching seminars. The Honors College also prioritizes members of the military with a goal of becoming the most military-friendly honors college in the nation.

Inclusive excellence continues to be an important pillar of the honors experience at Georgia Southern. Students gain intercultural competence with curricular and extracurricular experiences that contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. With 33% of students from minority racial and ethnic groups, the honors student population reflects the many forms of diversity within the University鈥檚 broader student body.

鈥淚 believe the transition will add more prestige to our degrees, increase the level of rigor and academic competition among peers, and enhance our education as a whole,鈥� said Katie McIntosh, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering on the Statesboro campus. 

鈥淚鈥檓 super excited about the program鈥檚 transition to a college,鈥� said Zoe Lincoln, a junior majoring in health sciences on the Armstrong campus. 鈥淚 think that becoming an Honors College will give students more opportunities in terms of funding and networking with professionals in their respective fields.鈥�

Honors education began at Georgia Southern in 1982, when the Bell Honors Program was founded. The University Honors Program was established on the Armstrong campus in 1996 and on the Statesboro campus in 1998. Today, the Honors College enrolls more than 800 students across both campuses, representing all University colleges and academic disciplines. 

鈥淏uilding on decades of success, this change further demonstrates Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to excellence in undergraduate education,鈥� said Carl Reiber, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淭he new Honors College will provide a rigorous curriculum for students that fosters intellectual and professional development, preparing them for top-tier graduate schools and meaningful careers.鈥�

Since the inception of the Bell Honors Program, approximately 1,650 students have graduated from the University鈥檚 Honors programs. Thirty percent of graduates last year completed their degrees in less than four years.

The deadline for incoming freshmen to apply is Feb. 1, 2021. For more information, visit . Current Georgia Southern students are encouraged to apply.

秋葵视频, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving almost 27,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .