September message from President Marrero

Sept. 14, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Fall is in the air as we make our way into mid-September with football season underway! As we begin the fifth full week of classes, I wanted to provide you with some updates.   

Thankfully, we are seeing significant declines in COVID-19 cases on campus and in our communities but we must continue to remain vigilant – strongly encouraging mask wearing indoors and getting vaccinated!  To that end, we are seeing increased numbers of students, faculty, and staff getting vaccinated and engaging in our vaccine incentive program – nearing 9,000 shots in arms since we began providing vaccines last spring.  Remember, we are now offering a $50 Eagle Card credit for anyone who receives their first shot this month, and we have weekly drawings and a grand prize drawing if you have already been vaccinated. Learn more about the vaccine incentive program.

This weekend, we reflected on and honored the lives of those lost 20 years ago on September 11, 2001.  We are grateful to the first responders, military, healthcare workers and civilian volunteers who jumped into action that day, many of whom lost their own lives to save others. Today, let us continue to acknowledge those in our own community who keep us safe, and in this current state of the pandemic, who work tirelessly in our healthcare facilities and hospitals to care for us.

This fall, and throughout the academic year, we will continue our progress on facility improvements.  Work is well underway on the future Student Success Complex on the Armstrong campus in Savannah. Memorial College Center (Armstrong) and Williams Center (Statesboro) will begin major renovations to enhance student support services and offices.  The Armstrong Recreation Center will begin phase II of renovations, including the installation of the Armstrong Athletic Hall of Fame.  The Junior Achievement Discovery Center is well underway and should be completed by early spring.  And, final design of the new Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center is being completed as we prepare for the groundbreaking in spring of 2022!

Finally, I want to share with you another way that Georgia Southern is impacting our local, regional, and global community through Public Impact Research. In past letters, I’ve highlighted our Tactical Athletic Program (TAP) and the Logistics Technology Innovation Corridor (LTIC). Today, I want to update you on our current and future opportunities in water quality and health. As part of our focus in coastal resilience and sustainability, the newly established Institute for Water and Health (IWH) at Georgia Southern is uniquely positioned to tackle many globally relevant water environment challenges that have ecological, sociological and public health consequences. Through collaborative cutting-edge research and education—and through partnerships with government entities, industry, and nonprofit organizations—we are impacting our communities by addressing challenges such as water quality testing, saltwater intrusion, and sustainable water usage!

Clearly, Georgia Southern’s future is bright!  We will continue to navigate our current challenges – leading from our values to our goals! 

Sincerely,

Kyle

Last updated: 4/2/2022