September 16, 2025 – President’s September Letter to Campus

September 16, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

September is already halfway over and we are well into the fall semester, marked by our first home football game of the season. It was awesome to see all the families here for Family Weekend, our fans, students, the Southern Pride Marching Band, and Eagles Football team celebrate our first home victory of the season against Jacksonville State. I also encourage you to keep up with our Volleyball team, which has started the season on fire at 8-1 and will take on Florida State this Saturday, September 20, at 2 p.m., in Hanner Fieldhouse!

This past weekend was especially meaningful as we honored our beloved Eagle, Freedom, with the dedication of his statue outside of Paulson Stadium. Freedom wasn’t just a mascot…he was a symbol of strength, unity, and that True Blue pride that defines Georgia Southern. From 2004 on, he amazed thousands as he flew over Paulson Stadium, inspired us at commencements and parades, and represented us across the state and the country. Through the Center for Wildlife Education and the Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, he became an ambassador for wildlife, teaching and inspiring generations with his story of resilience.    

A big “Thank You” to so many of you who attended the State of University addresses last week, where we lauded our successes and accomplishments, officially launched the new Strategic Plan—”Soaring Beyond 2030”—and highlighted the major initiatives and goals to be accomplished over the next five years! Over the coming weeks, we will continue to build on our momentum, with enrollment projected to surpass 29,500 students by the October census. Growth from last academic year, combined with this year’s record-setting class, is informing and guiding our budget prioritization process for FY 2027. We will finalize the budget narrative for our annual submission to the University System of Georgia by November 3 and share information through Faculty Senate, Staff Council, campus email, and the Georgia Southern website. You should also receive information directly from your supervisor and/or divisional vice president.

The consolidation with East Georgia State College (EGSC) remains on track, with the SACSCOC prospectus submitted on September 1 and total fall enrollment at EGSC exceeding 8% growth. Kudos and gratitude to all who have worked to ensure continued success during this time of transition. At the Board of Regents meeting today, the initial application for East Georgia Athletics to transition from NJCAA to the NAIA for fall 2026 was approved.

Soaring Beyond, Because of You

Finally, I want to highlight our newest 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. This is an extraordinary group of alumni whose success, excellence, character, and values reflect the very best of what we strive to be. I am so humbled by their remarkable achievements and the impact they have on their communities. They truly embody our vision statement of “Growing Ourselves to Grow Others” and I couldn’t be prouder of how they represent Georgia Southern.   

Because of you, Georgia Southern is Soaring Beyond expectations!

Sincerely,

Kyle

People. Purpose. Action: Growing Ourselves to Grow Others!