Madison Buford was born and raised just a stone鈥檚 throw away from 蜜糖直播鈥檚 Statesboro campus. As she watched the University and the city grow, she knew exactly where she wanted to go to college.

鈥淵ou can feel 蜜糖直播 wherever you go in Statesboro,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge part of the community, and the community loves and appreciates all the things it鈥檚 done in our town. Growing up here, you can really see the impact it鈥檚 brought. Anywhere you go in town, the community is just like, 鈥榊es! We love 蜜糖直播.鈥� Seeing that showed me this was where I wanted to be.鈥�

When Buford arrived at 蜜糖直播, she fell in love with her community in a new way and thrived in her marketing program.

鈥淚 changed my major multiple times, but once I started in the Parker College of Business, things just made sense and everything started to flow,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淲hat we were learning was practical, and I felt like I could really apply it. I loved the marketing program completely.鈥�

Stepping into a full-time marketing role after completing her undergraduate degree didn鈥檛 fit her expectations. She realized that what she loved most about marketing, the openness and creativity, was also what made it challenging for her as a professional.

鈥淚 missed the structure that higher education has,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚n marketing, you鈥檙e always trying to figure out what the new trend is, and it is just very gray. Every part of the job was stressful because it鈥檚 a field that changes so rapidly and constantly. I always felt like I didn鈥檛 know what I was doing because what worked yesterday often isn鈥檛 the same as what will work tomorrow. I wanted more structure.鈥�

Thinking back on her time at 蜜糖直播, Buford realized it wasn鈥檛 just the degree program that she loved, it was the community.

鈥淲hile working on my marketing degree, I got to work under Gene Sherry and America Minc at the RAC,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淲hen you think about wanting to develop the student completely, they are the two people who immediately come to mind for embodying that. They made even small tasks much more than they were so that we would understand work ethic, responsibility, character and our impact on each other. It wasn鈥檛 just a job 鈥� it was a community.鈥�

The whole-person growth mindset is what Buford wanted again. She became determined to get back to the community that built her and give back in her own way.

鈥淚 realized that there are full-time positions available at 蜜糖直播 and that I could build a career in the community I loved, so I applied for everything,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚 landed in the registrar鈥檚 office, and I am so thankful I did because I enjoy it so much.鈥�

She immediately clicked with her new role, enjoying the fact that there was a process for everything.

鈥淲e deal with policy and procedure, so everything is very black and white,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淭hat consistency and organization was perfect for me.鈥�

Buford knew that she wanted to continue to build a future at 蜜糖直播, so in 2024, supported by the University System of Georgia鈥檚 Tuition Assistance Program, she decided to become a 蜜糖直播 student once again by pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in higher education administration.

鈥淢y day-to-day work keeps me involved with many areas of the University, but you don鈥檛 always understand why or what the bigger context of that work is,鈥� Burford said. 鈥淕oing through this program helped me understand all the little pieces and how they play a role in the overall institutional function.鈥�

The structural understanding and practical experience Buford gained through her master鈥檚 program prepared her to better support 蜜糖直播 students and the community as a whole.

鈥淭his program helped me see my role and my power to impact the student experience,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淚t pulled everything together into one cohesive University story.鈥�

This December, Buford will once again walk the stage at commencement, this time as a Double Eagle.

鈥淚t felt overwhelming at times,鈥� Buford said. 鈥淏ut I am excited to be a Double Eagle. Now I get to reflect and take it all in.鈥�

Georgia native, University Police Department Investigator and, now, Double Eagle 鈥� Heiko Ellis will cross the commencement stage this December with a Master of Science in criminal justice and criminology, embodying his personal commitment to continuous learning.

鈥淓ducation stands among the most enduring commitments we can make to ourselves, to one another and to the future we share,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚t is not a task we complete, but a promise we uphold to keep learning, to keep questioning and to keep striving for a deeper understanding of the world around us.鈥�

Ellis鈥� educational journey began as an undergraduate student studying criminal justice and criminology and psychology at 蜜糖直播. He was drawn to the University because of the academics, but it was the people who made him want to stay.

鈥溍厶侵辈� is a place where curiosity is encouraged, where potential is recognized and where growth is not only possible but expected,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚 was initially drawn to 蜜糖直播 because of its strong academic reputation and its commitment to developing leaders who serve their communities. What kept me coming back is the sense of belonging and purpose that this university fosters. The support from faculty, staff and colleagues, combined with the opportunities for advancement and professional development, makes 蜜糖直播 a place where people can truly build their future.鈥�

He completed his bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2021 before beginning work with the University Police Department (UPD), where he continues to serve as an investigator.

鈥淚 have worked for 蜜糖直播 for approximately four years,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淒uring that time, I鈥檝e handled a broad range of cases that have significantly shaped my professional perspective.鈥�

His coursework in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has been directly applicable to his work with UPD.

鈥淢y academic work and my professional responsibilities truly grow together, each informs and strengthens the other,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淭he analytical skills and theoretical frameworks I gain through my coursework enhance the way I approach complex situations on the job, while the hands-on experience I鈥檝e gained at 蜜糖直播 provides context and depth to my studies. This side-by-side development has helped me become more well-rounded, more thoughtful and more effective in both arenas.鈥�

Ellis recognizes the Eagle Nation community, specifically his professors and leadership, for providing him with the support necessary to balance his growth and responsibilities.

鈥淢y time here has been shaped by individuals who reflect the very best of this institution,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淧rofessors who challenge us to think critically, colleagues who work with integrity and purpose, and leaders who set the example for what service truly means. Their guidance and support have strengthened my resolve and reminded me that progress is never achieved alone, it is built through community, cooperation and shared values.鈥�

Ellis鈥� education will not stop with this master鈥檚 degree. He is currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime program, which focuses on applied digital forensics. He is on track to complete the certificate in 2026.

鈥淢y goal is to strengthen my technical capabilities and enhance my abilities to investigate digital related incidents with precision and professionalism,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淭his program provides training on how to identify, collect and preserve digital artifacts using best practice methods that align with contemporary standards in the field. I see it as an important step forward in supporting the evolving needs of the community.鈥�

With two degrees and soon a professional certification under his belt, Ellis has no intentions of slowing down.

鈥淎s I look to the road ahead, I remain committed to the mission of bettering myself, uplifting others and honoring the principles that have defined 蜜糖直播 for generations,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to be part of this university鈥檚 story. I am proud to contribute to its continued growth, excellence and enduring legacy.鈥�

蜜糖直播 recently earned a series of national awards for its work with Eagle fraternities and sororities.

The University collected honors in seven categories from the (NPC), including the Academic Innovation Award, Innovation in Access, Belonging and Community Impact Award, Innovation in Leadership Award, Innovation in Recruitment Award, Innovation in Marketing Award, Innovation in Operations Award and the Excellence Award. Each category recognized between 11 and 29 institutions nationwide.

蜜糖直播鈥檚 Panhellenic Association qualified for and earned the Excellence Award, one of only 11 Panhellenic councils across the country to do social, because it received honors in all seven categories

Francisco M. Lugo, Ed.D., director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said these awards are a point of pride for the Greek life community at 蜜糖直播, highlighting the commitment to leadership, scholarship, inclusivity and innovation on campus.

鈥淲hat really sets 蜜糖直播鈥檚 fraternity and sorority community apart is our genuine commitment to growth and connection,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e always striving to be better, whether that鈥檚 through service, leadership or supporting one another. Our strong alumni network and supportive administration play a big role in that too, by continuing to mentor, guide and invest in our chapters and members long after graduation.鈥�

蜜糖直播鈥檚 Panhellenic president Jaylee Kilgo received the Alpha Phi/Betty Mullins Jones Scholarship, awarded to a Panhellenic leader who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the sorority experience.

Additionally, these 蜜糖直播 fraternities and sororities were recognized for the following awards:

Alpha Delta Pi

• Diamond Four Point Award聽聽

Alpha Tau Omega

• Recruitment Excellence

Kappa Delta

• Recruitment Excellence Award

Phi Mu

• Top Contributing Collegiate Chapter of the Year (2024-2025)
• Philomathean Society Award Society Recipient (2022-2024)
• Phi Mu Foundation Scholarship Recipients (2025-2026): Lucy Park and Shelby Sorrells
• Phi Mu Chapter Consultant Program Recipient (2025-2026): Skylar Patterson聽

Sigma Nu

• Rock Chapter Award

Zeta Tau Alpha

• Crown Chapter Award 2025
• Quota/Total Award
• Highly Commendable Academic Achievement Award聽

The NPC is the umbrella organization for 26 national and international women鈥檚 sororities representing over four million members worldwide. The NPC provides support, resources and recognition for Panhellenic communities across the country, making these awards a distinguished honor.

Kamran Kardel, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing, is leading a multidisciplinary research team to help regional logistics companies increase efficiency.

Funded through the college鈥檚 Remotely Operated Warehouse Services (ROWS) Laboratory, with seed money from , the team is composed of Kardel, Ryan Florin, Ph.D, assistant professor of computer science and students. 

Kardel and his team are using the software to build simulations, known as 鈥渄igital twins,鈥� that replicate warehouse operations like picking, packing and shipping. The ROWS Laboratory will serve as a development site, allowing the simulations to be thoroughly tested and validated before being presented to third parties.  

To ensure optimal accuracy and responsiveness, the simulations will include IoT data. The IoT refers to a network of physical devices located within and around the warehouse, such as mobile robots, sensors and cameras, that collect and share real-time data over the internet.

The ultimate goal is to provide industry partners with simulation capabilities using AnyLogic Software and Internet of Things (IoT) integration.

This industry collaboration also provides important professional development for the students working on the project. 

鈥淚 have a few students, both undergraduate and graduate, who are going to be involved in this project from beginning to end,鈥� said Kardel. 鈥淪everal of them have mentioned to me that this is their first time with direct access to the industry and potential employers.鈥�

Continuing the theme of collaboration, the project could result in shared postdoctoral positions with Ireland鈥檚 South East Technological University in its . While still in its early stages, Kardel hopes this partnership will give this research an even larger scope.

鈥淭he Lean Industry 4.0 Lab has a lot of experience in IoT,鈥� Kardel explained. 鈥淏y joining Ph.D. programs, hopefully we can work together and improve logistics here in our region and in Ireland.鈥�

Ultimately, Kardel hopes this research can give companies a leg up in an increasingly digitized world.

鈥淎s far as automation, for companies in southeast Georgia and South Carolina, I would say it鈥檚 becoming more common,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 still a mixed bag, though some warehouses are fully automated, some are not. The work we are doing can help companies remain competitive.鈥�

Twelve outstanding active faculty members from 蜜糖直播 were featured on . This annual list features scientists whose work has had the highest citation count and citation impact in their fields within a given year.

This year鈥檚 蜜糖直播 honorees represent a diverse range of disciplines, from physics and chemistry to epidemiology and business. Ten of the 12 faculty members were also featured on last year鈥檚 list. 

Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D, P.G., is among them and takes pride in seeing so many familiar names, and a couple of new ones, included. 

鈥淪eeing names from so many different disciplines, both old and new, speaks volumes about our growth and consistency,鈥� said Weindorf. 鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for these faculty who relentlessly pursue excellence and truly embody growing ourselves to grow others in research.鈥�

The complete list of 蜜糖直播 faculty featured includes the following:

Xiao-jun Wang, Ph.D., professor of physics, College of Science and Mathematics

鈥淢y work centers on creating advanced luminescent materials for energy-efficient lighting and sensing technologies,鈥� Wang explained. 鈥淲hat drives me is the excitement of uncovering how materials behave 鈥� and finding logical, scientific explanations for what we observe.鈥� He added that he has always loved Albert Einstein鈥檚 quote, 鈥淭he most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible.鈥� . 

Arda Yenipazarli, Ph.D., professor of operations management, Parker College of Business

鈥淚鈥檝e always been drawn to complex, high-stakes corporate scenarios where decisions leave lasting societal and environmental footprints,鈥� said Yenipazarli. 鈥淢y research helps firms make more strategic, profitable and responsible choices about their supply chains and operations鈥搃n environments defined by volatility, competition, regulation and shifting market forces. I believe that thoughtful, analytically grounded research can empower better decisions and drive meaningful, lasting impact鈥揻or business, for society, and for the planet.鈥� .

Allen Amason, Ph.D., professor of management, Parker College of Business

鈥淚 study the connections between strategy, strategic decision-making and organizational performance,鈥� Amason explained. 鈥淚 wanted to understand why some firms succeed where others do not. My motivation remains the same today as it was then 鈥� to help organizations and managers perform better.鈥� .

Isaac Chun-Hai Fung, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

鈥淚t is my great privilege to work with a network of excellent students, colleagues and collaborators,鈥� Fung said. 鈥淲e study how to mitigate the impact of epidemics on human societies and harness the advances of digital technologies to promote health.鈥� .

Lance Durden, Ph.D, professor emeritus of biology, College of Science and Mathematics

鈥淚 study ectoparasites (lice, fleas, ticks and parasitic mites) of humans and animals, including species of medical and veterinary importance and the pathogens they can transmit,鈥� said Durden. 鈥淚 have authored about 400 peer-reviewed publications, including eight books or monographs and 29 invited book chapters. I am currently working on the 4th edition of a widely used textbook in North America and Europe entitled Medical and Veterinary Entomology and am driven by a fascination with the natural world and a desire to improve human and animal health.” .

David C. Weindorf, Ph.D, P.G., vice president for research and economic development, College of Science and Mathematics

鈥淚 study and classify soils to better understand how we can use and protect them,鈥� Weindorf said. 鈥� My research is mostly centered on applications for proximal and remote sensors for soil characterization; I鈥檝e been involved in everything from taxonomic soil classification to environmental soil science and disaster response work, ensuring that soil is safe and healthy. What drives me is helping people help the land 鈥� because a healthy world starts with healthy soil.鈥� .

Jos茅 A. Jim茅nez, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical and materials chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics

鈥淢y research interests are mainly in glass science, nanomaterials, optical materials, thin films, and energy-relevant materials such as solar cells and Li-ion batteries鈥�, Jim茅nez noted. 鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about learning through experimentation and gaining insights into the physical principles that explain material properties.鈥� .

Masoud Davari, Ph.D., interim associate dean for research and professor of electrical and computer engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about innovating power and energy systems,鈥� Davari shared. 鈥淢y research focuses on designing control methods based on artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning to enhance performance under challenging conditions and on developing resilient-by-design systems to strengthen cybersecurity. The National Science Foundation has continuously supported this research through multiple projects totaling nearly $1.2 million.鈥� .

Haijun Gong, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

鈥淢y research focuses on 3D printing metals and high-performance polymers for lightweight design and optimization,鈥� Gong said. 鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about advancing cost-effective additive manufacturing technologies and materials that drive the next generation of advanced manufacturing.鈥� .

Dmitry Apanaskevich, Ph.D., professor of biology and entomology, College of Science and Mathematics

鈥淢y major research interest is the systematics of hard ticks (family Ixodidae),鈥� Apanaskevich said. 鈥淭his includes their taxonomy, phylogenetics, host-parasite relationships and geographic distribution. I love discovering new species and solving complex, often confusing questions along the way. That鈥檚 what drives my passion.鈥� .

Bryan Riemann, Ph.D., professor of sports medicine, Waters College of Health Professions

鈥淢y research examines how biomechanical and neuromuscular factors shape human movement, with the goal of improving performance and developing more effective approaches for injury prevention and rehabilitation,鈥� Riemann explained. 鈥淭his work spans diverse populations, including both trained and untrained, across the lifespan.鈥�

The late James E. Keirans, Ph.D, former curator of the U.S. National Tick Collection at the Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology at 蜜糖直播

Keirans earned his doctorate in medical entomology in 1966 and devoted his career to the study of ectoparasites. He became one of the world鈥檚 foremost experts on tick biology and taxonomy. In 1990, he became curator of the U.S. National Tick Collection at the then newly formed Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology at 蜜糖直播 in Statesboro. He retired in 2005. .

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.

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�