A Season of Gratitude, Celebration, and Eagle Pride

November 13, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As the fall semester moves quickly, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for the Georgia Southern community. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the communities we serve are at the heart of everything we do. It is because of our people and their continued dedication, support, and commitment that Georgia Southern continues to move forward and achieve our goals.

I hope everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the recent Homecoming and Celebrate Together events across our campuses. These celebrations are wonderful reminders of the pride, traditions, and connections that make Georgia Southern such a special place.

November is always an exciting and busy time in the academic calendar as we prepare for the final weeks of the semester. There is no shortage of opportunities to engage with our university community. I encourage you to explore our University Calendar of Events for upcoming speakers, athletic competitions, campus gatherings, and other activities taking place across our campuses.

We have also had much to celebrate in Georgia Southern Athletics. Leading into Homecoming week, our Eagle football team earned a victory over longtime rival Appalachian State at home before welcoming Marshall for our Homecoming matchup. It was especially meaningful to see so many members of Eagle Nation come together as we celebrated the 100th birthday of the legendary Erk Russell during the Erk 100 game. Our Homecoming matchup also provided an opportunity to recognize and honor our military community, celebrate our Homecoming royalty, and enjoy the many traditions that bring our Eagle family together.

Our volleyball program has given us another reason to celebrate. For the first time in program history, volleyball secured the Sun Belt Conference East Division Championship following a sweep of Georgia State at Hanner Fieldhouse. This historic accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and determination of our student-athletes and coaching staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding achievement!

The excitement extends to our East Georgia Campus, where the newly branded Golden Eagles basketball teams hosted their home openers. Both the women’s and men’s teams celebrated victories in their first home games, marking an exciting beginning for this new chapter in athletics on the East Georgia Campus. I encourage everyone to come out, show their support, and cheer on our Golden Eagles throughout the season.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, I also want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional work happening across our university every day. Nominations are once again open for the University’s Awards of Excellence, which honor individuals whose outstanding contributions help advance our mission and reflect our shared values. These awards give us an opportunity to recognize colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in their service to our students, university, and community. I encourage you to consider nominating a deserving colleague whose efforts make a meaningful difference. Our success is built on the contributions of our people, and recognizing those contributions is an important part of who we are.

As the holiday season approaches, we celebrate the spirit of giving and community. This year, we are proud to partner with TMT in Town as they continue a cherished holiday tradition that brings our community together in support of the Statesboro Food Bank. I encourage you to visit TMT in Town’s website to learn more about their meaningful mission and the story behind this tradition. I also invite you and your families to join us for the Armstrong Campus Lighting on Monday, November 16, at 6 p.m., and the Lighting of Sweetheart Circle on Tuesday, November 17, at 6 p.m. I hope you will join fellow Eagles in celebrating the season!

Soaring Beyond, Because of You!

Fiscal year 2026 was a record-setting year for Georgia Southern, with the largest enrollment in our history, a record $57.8 million in research expenditures, and our first appearance on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture. I invite you to read our strategic plan and annual report to see the data and stories of our people, purpose, and action.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to express my sincere appreciation for each of you. The work you do every day, whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or in service to our students and communities, makes a lasting impact. Your commitment is what makes Georgia Southern a place where people and possibilities continue to thrive.

Sincerely,

Kyle