March 2026 – Updates from President Marrero

March 5, 2026
 
Dear Colleagues,
 
We have officially stepped into March and just another week until spring break for our students! This week, we submitted our spring enrollment census, reflecting an impressive 8.3% increase over last year. As temperatures climb into the low 80s, our campus is energized and looking ahead to the vibrant celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, meaningful meetings with our Irish delegation colleagues from Wexford, and participation in the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
 
It also signals time for our spring sports – baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and track and field. Next week is particularly exciting as we host the annual Schenkel Invitational golf tournament! Congratulations to our women’s basketball team on capturing its first-ever regular-season Sun Belt Conference Championship and earning the No. 1 seed in this weekend’s conference tournament. We also celebrate our women’s rifle team for once again claiming the Southern Conference title and qualifying for the NCAA Championship in Ohio. These accomplishments reflect the extraordinary talent, discipline, and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches.
 
This is an exciting season of growth and opportunity for East Georgia Campus athletics. Our teams are currently in the process of transitioning to the NAIA and recently completed a successful on-site visit, with a final membership vote scheduled for April. Last month, we proudly announced the Golden Eagles as the new athletics identity and unveiled the official logo. A full community brand reveal celebration is planned for April, with additional event details to be shared soon. 
 
Legislative session continues under the Gold Dome, and on March 3, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget into law. Highlights of the Amended FY2026 Budget – Conference Committee (HB 973) include:
$104.6 million to support a one-time $2,000 salary supplement for full-time, regular state employees
$29.8 million for an optometry school on the GS Statesboro Campus
$33.5 million in additional Major Repair and Rehabilitation (MRR) funding (in addition to the $65.9 million already included in the base budget)
$325 million for the DREAMS Scholarship endowment, to be administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission
Attention now turns to the FY27 budget. Our priorities include securing funding for a small capital project to address HVAC needs at the East Georgia Swainsboro Campus and supporting the Georgia Research Alliance’s request to potentially add Georgia Southern and KSU as partner institutions.
 
We remain grateful to Governor Kemp and our legislative delegation for their continued support of higher education in Georgia.
 
Earlier this week, you received the link inviting you to complete our Employee Engagement Survey. This survey is an important opportunity for every employee to share feedback about your work environment—what is working well and where we have opportunities to improve. The survey will remain open until close of business on March 15. Your participation is critical in helping us create and improve our work environment. Institutional results will be shared on March 31 during our Employee Engagement Town Hall. Please watch your email for additional details, including the time and Zoom link.
 
Soaring Beyond, Because of You!
In 2019, we launched a strategic plan with bold goals and outcomes entitled Vision 2026.  Having concluded that plan a year early and now launching our new strategic plan, we wanted to reflect and highlight the accomplishments and outcomes you made possible.  As you watch this video, please remember, we “Soared Beyond” these goals because of you!
 
Today, the third annual Only For Southern Day of Giving, is an important day at Georgia Southern. Only for Southern highlights the extraordinary impact of Eagle Nation when we unite behind a common purpose. In just 24 hours, we can open doors of opportunity, transform lives and strengthen the future of our University. Our students are at the heart of this day of giving, and every gift – no matter the size – fuels academic excellence, expands access and elevates the student experience across all of Georgia Southern’s campuses. To learn more or make a gift, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/OnlyForSouthern.
 
As we move through the remainder of the semester, I encourage you to take time to enjoy the beauty of spring across our campuses—from Swainsboro to Savannah, from Statesboro to Hinesville. Take a walk, connect with colleagues and neighbors, and engage with the communities that make our university so special. The momentum around us is strong, and the future at Georgia Southern is bright.
 
Sincerely,
Kyle
 
People. Purpose. Action: Growing Ourselves to Grow Others!