What We Do
- Manage special events and/or initiatives for the President and President’s Cabinet as well as high level university events
- Consult on protocol and special events for high-level state, national, and international visitors and delegations
- Serve as a campus resource regarding event and protocol policies and procedures, special events, and event space usage
Staff
Kendria Lee, Associate Vice President for External Affairs
Kendria Lee serves as the Associate Vice President for External Affairs at Georgia Southern University, a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Vice President for External Affairs, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, Lee advances the university’s community engagement initiatives, oversees the Office of Special Events and Protocol, and represents the institution in external and community-facing matters. Her work involves collaborating with institutional leaders, community partners, economic development agencies, and other key stakeholders to foster meaningful connections, align the university’s strategic goals with regional and global initiatives, and enhance the institution’s reputation. Lee also serves in an acting capacity for the Vice President when needed, ensuring seamless leadership and representation.
A proud “Double Eagle” graduate of Georgia Southern University, Lee holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems from the Parker College of Business. She is a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2020/2021 and the regional Leadership Southeast Georgia program, where she now serves on the Board of Directors. Actively engaged in community service, Lee is a board member for Synovus (Statesboro), Goodwill Southeast Georgia, and Junior Achievement of Savannah. Additionally, she is a certified Protocol Officer and a member of the Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association. Lee’s dedication to strengthening partnerships and executing impactful initiatives underscores her commitment to advancing the mission and vision of Georgia Southern University.
Dr. Lanita Reesie Holsey, Director of Special Events and Protocol
Dr. Lanita Reesie Holsey is an accomplished educator and higher ed practitioner with over 19 years experience in the field. Holsey joined the Office of External Affairs as the Director of Special Events and Protocol, where she assists in the management of signature initiatives for the President and President’s Cabinet as well as high-level university events.
Dr. Holsey has been an educator and administrator, starting her career as a secondary education teacher and administrator in Durham Public Schools, Durham, North Carolina. Holsey has held leadership and faculty appointments at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Bethune Cookman University. She has also had the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Engagement at both Edward Waters University in Florida and at Texas Southern University. Prior to her appointment at Georgia Southern University, Dr. Holsey served as a student affairs administrator within the Dean of Student Office at the University of Houston.
Holsey is a two-time, North Carolina Central University alumna holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in History. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ph.D.) from Florida A & M University. She was named to North Carolina Central University’s “40 Under 40” outstanding alumni class of 2020. Dr. Holsey’s career has taught her the value of solid leadership fueled by best practices and a desire to professionally serve others with excellence and integrity.
Kensley Brooks, Events Producer
Kensley Brooks serves as an Events Producer in the Special Events and Protocol department for Georgia Southern University. She assists in the management of signature initiatives for the President and President’s Cabinet as well as high-level university events. Prior to joining the External Affairs team, Kensley worked as the Event Manager at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, FL for four years, where she organized large-scale festivals and events to raise record breaking donations for local charities. Kensley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreation with an Emphasis in Tourism & Community Leisure Services, and a Minor in Marketing. During her previous time in Statesboro, GA, she interned with South Georgia Tormenta FC and Visit Statesboro becoming well involved within the community. She has always enjoyed being a part of Eagle Nation and strives to be a great asset and provide excellent service for the university.