June 2014
Mother Nature rests for no one and neither do we here at Georgia Southern University. Though summer semester on campus is a bit more relaxed, it is not a time when we typically slow down. In fact, like the sturdy Magnolia trees deeply rooted around Sweetheart Circle, nearly 10,000 students are taking summer courses as they continue to build their own firm educational foundation. Even through the most humid of summer days, dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni add their own accomplishments to our Points of Pride each and every day. That is one reason I have decided to take my love of Georgia Southern to Twitter!
Social media is part of our lives and has become how many people, especially our students, receive their news and information. I created a Twitter account so that I can stay connected with all-things-Southern and that stories about the#GreatestUniversityinAmerica are instantly shared with the world. Follow me at @PresKeel and let’s “Tweet” as Eagles, together.
Archie Manning
Georgia Southern is honored to have yet another renowned speaker visiting campus for the ongoing Leadership Lecture Series. On Wednesday, September 17, at 7 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse, we will host former National Football League quarterback and National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame member Archie Manning. Manning joins a distinguished list of leaders to appear at Georgia Southern, which includes former first lady Laura Bush, President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin. The Lecture Series was developed to introduce our students to the world’s strongest innovators, as well as gain valuable insight from world-class leaders. Archie Manning, who also happens to be the father of both Peyton and Eli Manning, represents all of the qualities we strive to teach our students – integrity, professionalism and the importance of giving back to the community. September 17 will be another proud day for Georgia Southern. We look forward to Mr. Manning’s visit, and hearing his advice and wisdom.
Parent and Student Survey
As Eagles, we all know how special it is to be part of Georgia Southern University but it’s even greater to know that our own students feel the same way. Over the last several months, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, with the assistance of the Office of Strategic Research and Analysis, conducted a survey of current undergraduate students and parents. A total of 528 parents and 735 students responded to the survey, providing the University with valuable feedback.
Overall, 94 percent of parents feel proud to be a parent of a Georgia Southern student, while 91 percent of students are satisfied with the overall experience and 94 percent feel that their Georgia Southern education was a worthy investment. These are results we can all be proud of.
Phrases that respondents indicated described Georgia Southern:
| Students % | Parents % | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcoming | 91% | 92% |
| Diverse section of majors | 90% | 94% |
| Student-centered | 88% | 91% |
| Opportunities of a large university | 86% | 92% |
| Academically competitive | 82% | 86% |
SOAR
As our incoming freshman class enjoys one final summer “at home,” the SOAR sessions on campus are preparing them for what to expect in their first year at Georgia Southern. With more than 3,800 students already registered for SOAR, the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs hopes to have more than 4,000 students participate in the 13 SOAR sessions throughout the summer. SOAR sessions have become a tradition at Georgia Southern. SOAR leaders show incoming students how to manage life on campus and introduce them to resources such as University Housing, Financial Aid, and Student Activities. Most importantly, students are encouraged to balance social activities and commitments with academic success. Family members are also invited to attend, giving them a chance to see firsthand what student life will be like for their brand new college attendees. In addition, SOAR enables us to calm Mom and Dad’s own fears and anxiety and personally welcome them to the Eagle family.
I want to thank the SOAR student leaders for their hard work and enthusiasm, as they prepare incoming freshman on what it means to be an Eagle.
Check out a list of the presentations happening at SOAR.
Are you TrueBlue?
We have all seen the True Blue logo on campus – at sporting events and on the University website. But do you really know what it means to be True Blue? Whether you are a student, faculty, staff, friend or family, if you are a die-hard, enthusiastic, lifetime supporter of Georgia Southern, you definitely are True Blue!
Sara Teate sent this photo all the way from Monte Carlo, Monaco, during the Monaco Grand Prix 2014.
This summer, all over the country and the world, Eagles are traveling and representing Eagle Nation. As you enjoy the summer months, remember you too can take your pride on the road. Wear your Georgia Southern gear or download the poster and send us a photo. To submit your photo or view the photo gallery, visit True Blue.
Faculty and staff can show their pride on True Blue Fridays! Wear blue every Friday.
In addition to being a way to show your Georgia Southern pride, True Blue is also helping to raise money for scholarships through the sale of exclusively branded merchandise at The University Store. Remember, a portion of the sale from all True Blue gear goes to the University’s scholarship fund! Go Eagles!
Day at Paulson
Along with additional seating, the Paulson Stadium upgrades include an enhanced game experience for students too. The entire lower level on the North side of the stadium is for student seating ensuring that every student gets a seat. In the event of overflow, students can sit in the upper level of the North side.
A Student Tailgate Zone (STZ) is another added feature at the stadium this season. Located directly behind the North side, this exclusive tailgate area will include interactive games, local vendors with free student giveaways, inflatables, and even live music!
Athletic Training Professor Speaks During
Traumatic Brain Injury Symposium
Earlier this month, Dr. Thomas Buckley, associate professor of athletic training in the Department of Health and Kinesiology along with Dr. Charles Patterson, vice president for research and economic development, were invited to attend the U.S. Army’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symposium at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri to present on TBI concussion research and applications to the military. Major General Leslie C. Smith is the Commanding General of the United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood. MG Smith received his commission from Georgia Southern University in 1983 as a Field Artillery Officer. In 1985, he was selected as a distinguished military graduate and was branched as a Chemical Officer.
During the annual gathering, Army and leading neurological experts seek to share information and provide a better definition and understanding of the causes, symptoms and impacts of TBI. Dr. Buckley presented information about helmet impact and return-to-play research in college athletes to more than 750 service members, civilian employees and family members in attendance. Since the implementation of the Helmet Impact Telemetry System (HITS), Georgia Southern University’s Concussion Research Program has received national attention, including coverage on CBS and NBC Nightly News. Georgia Southern is the only collegiate football team in the state using HITS.
“It was a great opportunity to educate our leaders, remove the stigma of ‘sitting out’ for 24 hours (or more if necessary) after a concussion, and develop further research ideas and interest,” said Patterson. “We are now looking at ideas to maintain the momentum of education and outreach with future events.”
Georgia Southern’s Concussion Research Program is dedicated to the scientific understanding of sports-related concussions and resulting consequences. The program has received funding from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Life Science Division and several other organizations.
Georgia Southern University continues to be a vibrant institution with a rich history. I am inspired each day by our richness of diversity and the breadth of talent I find in faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. Each of you plays a role in making Georgia Southern what it is today and I thank you for all that you do. Go Eagles!
ON THE CALENDAR
Join us for the Zach S. Henderson Library Annual Farm to Table Dinner, featuring environmentalist and author of The Seed Underground, Janisse Ray. A delicious menu using locally grown foods will be prepared by Georgia Southern Executive Chef Kevin Case. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by calling the library at 912-478-5115.
An Evening with the President
The next Evening with the President will be held on June 24, at the Brickyard Golf Club, 6000 Wesleyan Drive North, in Macon, GA.
The Recreation Activity Center (RAC) is open all summer.
Check the summer hour schedule for more information.
June 18: Last Day of Classes for Summer School Term A
June 23: Classes Begin for Summer B
July 4: University Closed
The President’s Newsletter
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Georgia Southern University
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Last updated: 4/2/2022