Students from 蜜糖直播 and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) gathered Nov. 17 on the Armstrong Campus for the second annual Community Engaged Research Conference.

This event is a chance for student researchers from both institutions to showcase their individual work and the partnership between 蜜糖直播 and MCG, which has expanded since MCG established its Savannah campus in July 2024.

While students鈥� perspectives take center stage, the conference also emphasizes collaboration between academia and community. A group of clinicians from , and joined MCG students to host a panel discussion titled 鈥淯ninsured and Underinsured Populations – Access to Specialty Care.鈥�

 Student-led oral and poster presentations were featured, along with an awards ceremony recognizing select students for outstanding work in both categories.

Oral presentations were divided into separate sessions titled 鈥淏ench to Bedside鈥� and 鈥淐onnecting Clinic and Community.鈥�

Rachelan Boss, a senior majoring in health science and minoring in public health, and Taryn Black, a senior biochemistry major, won the award for best student oral presentation in the second session. Black and Boss weren鈥檛 the only 蜜糖直播 students to receive recognition. Md Didarul Alam, a master鈥檚 student in electrical and computer engineering, won the student鈥檚 choice award for the best poster under the mentorship of Mohammad Ahad, Ph.D.

The conference鈥檚 second year saw increased participation. The number of presentations was doubled, with 蜜糖直播 students leading 59 of the total 118.

The importance of this data point was not lost on 蜜糖直播 Faculty member and Conference Chair, Shainaz Landge, Ph.D.

鈥淭his event is a major springboard for research at our University,鈥� Landge said. 鈥淪eeing more of our students participate shows our growth and underscores MCG鈥檚 value as both a collaborator and a leader in medical research. Collaboration drives progress, and we鈥檙e seeing that in real time. MCG is a world-class institution, and we鈥檙e privileged to have a campus in our region.鈥�

Dr. Elizabeth Gray, dean of MCG鈥檚 Savannah campus, also sees benefits in the relationship between the two schools.

鈥�This conference highlights not only the power of joint engagement but also the promise it holds for future collaborations between our institutions,鈥� she explained. 鈥淩esearch can open the door to innovation and expand community involvement.  With participation from across all four years of medical students, we were able to showcase research focused on the real needs of our community.鈥� 

Both Landge and Gray believe the partnership between 蜜糖直播 and MCG will continue to grow in scope and impact. They say the same is true of the Community Engaged Research Conference.

蜜糖直播 spotlighted its collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology鈥檚 with on-field recognition during a break in the Nov. 22 Eagles football game.

Representatives from both institutions were recognized, including David C. Weindorf, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development, and Chad Nash, PIN鈥檚 strategic relations manager.

PIN is a statewide public-private partnership dedicated to advancing technology, opportunity and shared economic success across Georgia. 

Guided by the principles of innovation for growth and a hybrid model that prioritizes community input and involvement, PIN鈥檚 work centers on developing emerging innovators and talent to strengthen their professional growth and support economic expansion across both the public and private sectors. It also brings advanced, multidisciplinary research and technology directly into communities to help solve real-world challenges.

Since its founding in 2020, PIN has been actively engaged with 蜜糖直播, launching 10 collaborative projects involving nine faculty members. The University has also received five PIN community research grants.

These projects and grants have led to meaningful work across southern Georgia in areas like environmental health, clean water access and AI-driven agricultural solutions.

Some collaborations have extended beyond state lines.

鈥溾�� brought together the city of Marion and research teams from 蜜糖直播 and the University of Alabama to address aging water infrastructure.

鈥�,鈥� led by Asli Aslan, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Water and Health, was a joint effort with Glynn County to address local challenges related to water access and contamination. The project recently garnered national attention by winning the .

Students also play an important role in these collective efforts, making invaluable contributions to projects. Moreover, 24 蜜糖直播 students have participated in PIN summer internships, and alumnus Md Arifur Rahman (2024), who holds a master鈥檚 in manufacturing engineering, serves as a PIN fellow.

Even with their strong track record, both 蜜糖直播 and PIN are poised to do more.

鈥淥ur partnership with PIN is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when academia, industry and the community unite,鈥� Weindorf said. 鈥淭he work we do isn鈥檛 just about gathering data; it鈥檚 about empowering people and improving lives. I鈥檓 immensely proud of the work we鈥檝e done to drive innovation across the state, and I can鈥檛 wait to see what comes next.鈥�

Debra Lam, PIN鈥檚 founding executive director, echoed those sentiments. 

鈥淚nnovation is more than technology; it鈥檚 about advancing people and communities,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur collaboration with 蜜糖直播 exemplifies this approach. Together, we identify real challenges, co-create solutions, advance research and empower students and faculty to drive meaningful change across Georgia. This partnership is building the next generation of leaders who can bridge sectors, accelerate economic growth, and deliver impact where it matters most.鈥�

蜜糖直播 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鈥檚 strategic mission, enrollment growth and commitment to student success.

Shuey joins 蜜糖直播 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 鈥� such as artificial intelligence 鈥� to improve institutional processes and reporting.

鈥淭im brings an exceptional combination of financial acumen, strategic vision and collaborative leadership,鈥� said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淗is record of success in optimizing resources and driving financial sustainability and growth across complex academic organizations makes him the ideal partner to help advance 蜜糖直播鈥檚 mission of academic excellence and student success.鈥�

A certified public accountant in Maryland, Shuey holds a Master of Business Administration and dual bachelor鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 am honored to join 蜜糖直播 and contribute to an institution that is both forward-thinking and student-centered,鈥� said Shuey. 鈥淚 look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and campus leaders to build on 蜜糖直播鈥檚 strong foundation of academic integrity, operational excellence and service to its communities.鈥�

Shuey鈥檚 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 蜜糖直播鈥檚 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, has been named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the nation鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 in religious studies from Spelman College, a master鈥檚 in public health from East Stroudsburg University and a Doctor of Public Health from 蜜糖直播.

鈥淒r. Marshall鈥檚 appointment to lead APHA is a tremendous national recognition of her contribution to public health 鈥� and a reflection of 蜜糖直播鈥檚 growing impact on the global public health landscape,鈥� said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 鈥淗er 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.鈥�

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

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to serve as APHA president,鈥� Marshall said. 鈥淧ublic 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 鈥� it鈥檚 a commitment. And I鈥檓 grateful to continue this work with purpose, courage and love alongside partners across the country.鈥�

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.

蜜糖直播 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鈥檚, 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. 鈥� 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 蜜糖直播 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鈥檚 degree in management from 蜜糖直播, 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.  鈥� Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro

Carla Metts (鈥�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鈥檚 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 蜜糖直播 alumna, Metts earned a bachelor鈥檚 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. 鈥� Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro

Jaime Weeks (鈥�21, 鈥�24), vice president of Restaurant Services, Innovation and Training at The Wendy鈥檚 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鈥檚, 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 鈥� the franchisor of Auntie Anne鈥檚, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Carvel.

Weeks is a proud Double Eagle, holding both a bachelor鈥檚 degree and an MBA from 蜜糖直播.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Weeks is dedicated to philanthropy and community impact. She serves as a director on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 鈥� Canada鈥檚 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 鈥� Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

蜜糖直播, 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 蜜糖直播. “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 蜜糖直播 area for a long time. I realized the University was more of the close-knit, community environment that I’d been dreaming of.” 

蜜糖直播 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 鈥� a sense of belonging. She found all that and more at 蜜糖直播. 

“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 蜜糖直播. 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 蜜糖直播.”  

The number of students who chose 蜜糖直播 for the Fall 2025 Semester continues to soar, according to .

The University鈥檚 official Fall 2025 total enrollment is a record-breaking 29,633, a 7.73% increase over Fall 2024, and the University鈥檚 highest enrollment in its history. Of the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 history.

鈥淭his record-breaking enrollment is a testament to our outstanding faculty and staff, our commitment to student success, and the value of a 蜜糖直播 degree in preparing students for meaningful lives and careers,鈥� said 蜜糖直播 President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淭hese numbers tell a powerful story 鈥� students choose 蜜糖直播 because of the exceptional experiences, support and sense of community they find here.鈥�

Additional enrollment records set in Fall 2025 include:

• The total number of new graduate and undergraduate students who enrolled at 蜜糖直播 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.

鈥淭his record enrollment underscores the confidence students and families have in 蜜糖直播 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,鈥� said Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D. 鈥淲e remain committed to expanding access and developing the talent that drives the economic vitality and future of our region.鈥�  

Enrollment within the University鈥檚 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.

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

蜜糖直播 also contributed to the University System of Georgia鈥檚 (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.

蜜糖直播鈥檚 Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion (SWHP) has been awarded $31,770.73 from the Georgia Governor鈥檚 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 蜜糖直播 campuses,鈥� said Urkovia Andrews, DrPH, interim director of SWHP. 鈥淭his will help create a safer environment for our campuses and beyond.鈥�

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.

鈥淚nnovative 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,鈥� said Allen Poole, director of the GOHS. 鈥淓ach 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.鈥�

A leader in 蜜糖直播鈥檚 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 蜜糖直播 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.

鈥淔or me, this award is less about recognition and more about validation,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t 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 蜜糖直播.鈥�

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 蜜糖直播, Lugo has led the Theta Kappa Chapter to three Rock Chapter Awards, which are awarded to the top chapters from the national organization. 

鈥淚鈥檝e walked alongside them through their revitalization and celebrated their growth,鈥� Lugo said. 鈥淭he men of Theta Kappa have trusted me to walk with them on their journey, and I鈥檝e loved investing in their leadership development and seeing them grow.鈥�

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 蜜糖直播 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 蜜糖直播 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.

鈥淥ur connections with partners across the region mean a lot,鈥� said Museum Director Brent Tharp, Ph.D. 鈥淓veryone 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.鈥�

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.

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

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 蜜糖直播鈥檚 faculty that she cannot imagine operating without it.

鈥淭he evaluation team said it was unusual that I spent a lot of time doing outreach,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淭hey 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.鈥�

Presenting a wide spectrum of topics to a broad audience is a core part of the museum鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 feel like I鈥檝e 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.鈥�

The Museum features permanent exhibits that chronicle the history of Georgia鈥檚 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 蜜糖直播 students, alumni, faculty, staff, members and children under 3 years old.