May 20, 2025 – Conferring Degrees and Celebrating

May 20, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Last week, we celebrated our students’ accomplishments with five commencement ceremonies held over four days, during which we conferred more than 4,400 degrees. Including our Fall 2024 Commencement, that brings the total to over 5,490 degrees awarded this academic year!

I truly enjoy the opportunity to shake hands and take photos with our graduating students, understanding that each student’s journey to that stage required hard work, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. Just as important, I recognize the vital role our faculty and staff have played along the way—supporting, encouraging, and guiding our students not only to this milestone, but in preparation for the rest of their lives. That’s what we do at Georgia Southern: we transform lives!  

As we concluded the semester, we also began our initial process, guided by the University System of Georgia, to consolidate with East Georgia State College. Since the Board of Regents voted on April 15 to approve the consolidation, we have put together 18 consolidation action teams (CATs) with representatives from East Georgia, Georgia Southern, and the University System of Georgia. Our teams will assess the initial assigned tasks and responsibilities, provide recommendations, and prepare information for the SACSCOC formal request submission due September 1. Pending SACSCOC approval in December of 2025, consolidation will be effective January 1, 2026. Our goal is to honor and maintain the East Georgia open access mission, providing a seamless pathway for students from entry, to associates degree, to bachelor’s, and beyond. Here is the dedicated webpage that will be continually updated.

This time of year also marks the finalization of the FY2026 budget. Thanks to the support of the Governor, the Georgia General Assembly, and the FY2026 allocation from the University System of Georgia, we are pleased to strategically direct recurring funding to support: 35 new faculty positions, 18 new staff positions, over $1.2M in salary and promotion and tenure increases, and continued investments in our strategic enrollment plan. All of these investments align with our “Big Rock” goals of supporting market aligned/relevant programs, operational efficiency and effectiveness, and community impact and vibrancy. Details of our priority investments have been presented at the Faculty Senate and Staff Council meetings over the last few weeks. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, all documentation will be posted in the coming weeks. 

Soaring Beyond, Because of You 

I want to highlight one of our impressive students who has served our country and is now ready to teach children in the Statesboro community. As a Navy veteran and now proud graduate of our College of Education, Rico Forney has followed a diverse and purposeful path—one that has equipped him with the skills and resilience to make a meaningful impact on third-graders at Julia P. Bryant Elementary School.  

For more stories about our recent graduates, visit the University’s newsroom here!

Colleagues, these are undeniably complex and ever-evolving times for higher education. I know many of you are feeling stretched thin—overworked, tired, and carrying the weight of uncertainty about the future. In moments like these, it’s essential to focus on what we can control and to ground ourselves in what truly matters.

For me, staying rooted in gratitude and acknowledging the incredible progress we’re making helps maintain perspective. I’m grateful for dedicated colleagues like you, for being part of a growing region, and for contributing to an institution that is making a real impact.

Together, we’re setting records—in student success, enrollment, retention, degrees conferred, fundraising, and research. Amid the challenges, never lose sight of your “why”—your purpose in choosing a career in higher education and the powerful role you play in transforming lives.

Sincerely,

Kyle