Instead of walking from table to table hoping to catch the attention of a potential employer, 91����’s Center for Sales Excellence (CSE) offered students the chance to pitch themselves as a potential employee to hiring companies during the inaugural Reverse Sales Talent Showcase. 

Partnering with the Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) chapter inspired the CSE to take a different approach to career readiness during the University’s annual .

“In years past, the Center for Sales Excellence would host a traditional career fair, and it was fine; everyone seemed to enjoy it,” said D. Travis Brickey, senior lecturer of marketing and executive director of the CSE. “The only issue, it would be the fourth career fair hosted on campus in a three-day period, which seemed redundant. This year we decided to shake things up by turning the tables, with the students presenting to the firms.” 

More than 20 firms, including , , , , and , visited the personal displays of 54 Parker College of Business students. Members of PSE designed posters to market themselves to the companies, showcasing their talents, ambitions, professionalism and desire to hone their craft in professional selling.  

“The opportunity to participate in the University’s first-ever Reverse Career Fair was such a unique and rewarding experience,” said Katie Smith, a senior majoring in marketing with an emphasis in sales and sales management. “We were able to showcase who we are beyond a résumé, connecting with so many incredible companies. As president of the Gamma Lambda chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, I was especially proud to see our members take advantage of such a great opportunity. Innovative events like these remind me how proud I am to say I’m an Eagle.”

Reversing the traditional career fair model provided students with a platform to highlight their background, enhance their networking ability, demonstrate their creative presentation skills, and refine their professionalism. The students were encouraged to develop an elevator pitch, learning to develop a concise talk track when provided with a brief opportunity to sell themselves to a company executive in 60 seconds or less.

“Many students find large career fairs overwhelming, making it difficult to hold meaningful conversations with the employers,” Brickey said. “In this approach, the company interacts with the student in a one-on-one format, which is less intimidating and more productive for all. Everyone seemed to enjoy the change in pace.”

The CSE uses a holistic approach to sales education where it is vital for students to learn from and engage with current sales practitioners. The relationships formed at events, such as the Reverse Sales Talent Showcase, are invaluable to student development.

“The Reverse Career Fair challenged me to put myself and my experiences at the forefront,” said Jonathan Foreman, a junior majoring in marketing with an emphasis in sales and sales management. “It was a fantastic opportunity to step outside the traditional career fair format and take ownership of my own personal brand. It was a great experience putting my communication skills into practice and connecting directly with employers.”

The Fall Reverse Sales Talent Showcase would not be possible without the support of the Sales Center’s corporate partners. Partners in attendance included , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and . 

About the Center for Sales Excellence

Located within 91����’s Parker College of Business, the CSE is recognized by the University Sales Alliance as one of the nation’s top sales programs. Established in 2007, the mission of the Center is to have a positive impact on the sales profession through education, research and service. The B.B.A. in Marketing offers students an emphasis in Sales and Sales Management.

Through the Center, students gain experience with sales role-play in our dedicated labs, with many going on to compete in some of the nation’s most prestigious sales competitions. The Center also works to bring students together with companies in the industry looking to hire the best and brightest minds. It is the goal of the Center to be the preeminent sales program in the nation.

91���� received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today to establish a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program. The decision authorizes the creation of Georgia’s first college of optometry at Georgia Southern and allows the institution to offer the new degree, filling a long-standing educational and health care gap in the state.

“This Doctor of Optometry program, the state’s first program of its kind, represents an important investment in health care education in Georgia by expanding regional health care access and removing geographic barriers for residents seeking optometric education and care,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Georgia Southern. “Building on a comprehensive health care education portfolio and interprofessional experiential pedagogies at Georgia Southern, this program will serve to expand access to ocular medicine while educating future Georgia optometrists.”

The new college of optometry in Georgia addresses a critical need for expanded access to eye care across the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and as an increased demand for modern, cost-effective eye care places new pressures on the health care system. By training future optometrists in Georgia, Georgia Southern will continue to help strengthen the health care workforce pipeline and improve health outcomes for generations to come.

The Board of Regents approval also allows Georgia Southern to recruit an inaugural dean, followed by an associate dean, assistant dean and eventually several clinical and research directors, 25 specialized faculty members and 12 support staff.

The degree approval by the Board of Regents follows the allocation of $29.8 million in direct state funding through the state’s Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (HB 973) to launch the new college at Georgia Southern. The state investment supports the comprehensive renovation of the Highway 301 facility in Statesboro, converting it into a modern academic and clinical training center specifically tailored for optometric education.

This valuable health care resource will also expand opportunities for students to pursue careers in vision care by exposing them to a new level and quality of academic preparation and clinical rotations that have not been available to them in the state of Georgia. The University anticipates enrolling an inaugural class in the O.D. program in Fall 2029.

The program is pending final approval by the Commission on Colleges and Universities and is in stage one of accreditation with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.

In August, Georgia Southern announced that a Optometric Education Task Force, led by Horace Deal, O.D., was established to advise on the development of the University’s College of Optometry. Together, the task force will provide strategic guidance as Georgia Southern advances planning for the college of optometry, including program proposal, curriculum development, accreditation planning, partnerships, clinical education opportunities and workforce alignment.

The 91���� Alumni Association recognized its 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 during a ceremony Sept. 26 at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro. The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors.

“You demonstrate the transformational power of education and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we grow ourselves in order to help others grow,” said 91���� President Kyle Marrero. “Your energy, vision and commitment are helping shape the future of Georgia Southern, your professions and the communities you serve. We could not be prouder to count you among the Georgia Southern family.”

The “40 Under 40” honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual’s professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives and commitment to Georgia Southern.

“You are shining examples of what it means to live with purpose, lead with courage and soar beyond expectations,” Marrero said.

For the full list of “40 Under 40” Class of 2026 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit .

Ava Edwards, director of Alumni Relations at 91����, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Georgia Education Advancement Council’s (GEAC) Excellence in Alumni Relations Award.

“This year’s honorees exemplify the very best of higher education advancement in our state,” said GEAC President Frances Beussee of Kennesaw State University. “We are proud to recognize their outstanding commitment, innovative leadership and lasting contributions to our profession.”

Under her leadership at Georgia Southern, Edwards has helped expand alumni engagement across a growing community of more than 162,000 alumni. The Alumni Office has seen a 15% annual increase in event attendance in fiscal 2026, while programs such as 40 Under 40, True Blue Tailgates and the International Alumni Travel Program continue to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with the University. 

“Ava exemplifies the very best of the alumni relations profession through her unwavering commitment to alumni engagement, innovative programming, strategic leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of higher education through meaningful relationships,” said Beusse, who nominated her for the award.

The Excellence in Alumni Relations Award honors higher education advancement professionals who have served at least five years in higher education and have distinguished themselves in the field of alumni relations.

STATESBORO — U.S. News & World Report has released the 2027 Best College rankings, recognizing 91���� in six out of 10 categories, including engineering, business and nursing.

Georgia Southern made a significant 15 spot jump, ranking #328 in national universities. The institution is tied with East Tennessee State University, Old Dominion University and The University of North Texas – Dallas in this category.

“This is a proud milestone for 91����,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “This achievement is a direct result of our outstanding faculty and staff, whose hard work and pursuit of excellence drive our academic mission forward. I want to express my sincere gratitude for their dedication, which continues to position Georgia Southern as a strong, dynamic institution on the rise.” 

The University’s top Best Colleges rankings include: 

• #175 in Top Public Schools (tie)

• #230 in Business Programs (tie)

• #106 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)

• #276 in Computer Science (tie)

• #243 in Nursing (tie)

More than 1,700 institutions of higher education were evaluated for academic quality and graduate success. To be included in the rankings, schools must have a majority focus on baccalaureate degrees, have regional accreditation and offer education primarily based on campus. Schools are grouped into 10 categories which are based on the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s research designations and institutional classifications.

Georgia Southern continues to strive for excellence during our record-breaking year of attendance, with more than 33,000 students choosing to soar with Eagle Nation for the 2026-2027 academic year. In the last several months, the institution has proudly announced the addition of the College of Optometry, a new Physician Assistant program and the 91���� Literacy Center. 

The Savannah metro area economy experienced minimal growth in the second quarter, according to 91����’s Q2 2026 Economic Monitor, published last week.

“Economic growth in the Savannah metro area sputtered during the second quarter of 2026,” said Michael Toma, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics. “The indicators of current economic activity were mixed, with gains in port activity and logistics, counterbalanced by challenges in the hospitality sector and generally weak overall employment growth.”  

Toma also noted that the regional business forecasting index declined modestly for the fifth consecutive quarter. Housing market indicators are mixed while the labor market remains strong, with new unemployment insurance claims declining and the unemployment rate falling to 2.7%.                            

Employment Sector 

Employment growth in the Savannah economy continued its slow pace, adding 500 workers, a 0.2% increase. Total regional employment is 216,600, 0.5% higher than one year ago.

The service sector added 500 jobs, led by leisure and hospitality, which gained 600 jobs and now employs 28,200 workers. State and local governments added 200 jobs, while retail employment fell by 400. Other service sectors experienced modest gains or losses of 100 jobs.     

In the tourism sector, seasonally adjusted hotel/motel taxes decreased 2.8% during the second quarter, but maintained over-the-year gains of 4.9%. Airport boardings declined for the second consecutive quarter (-0.4%) with over-the-year gains slowing to 0.6%. Retail sales rebounded 3.8% and are now up 3.4% as compared to one year ago. 

Regional Labor Market

In the regional logistics sector, port activity is developing a notable upward trend dating back to late 2025. The seasonally adjusted number of shipping containers handled increased 2.9% with year-over-year growth turning positive at 1% after losses earlier in the year. The regional logistics sector shed 100 workers, bringing employment to 24,100.

The goods-producing side of the economy held steady at 35,100 workers in the second quarter. Minor quarterly losses of 100 workers in construction were offset by equivalent gains in manufacturing. Total construction employment now stands at 9,400, while manufacturing increased to 25,700, which is 3.3% higher than a year ago.

Private sector wages, reported in inflation-adjusted 2026 dollars, eased 2.1% to $31.22 from $31.88 per hour. However, the purchasing power of wages increased 0.6% year over year, and the upward trend dates to early 2023. Since the cyclical low in September 2023, the purchasing power of wages in the regional economy has increased 12.4%, or a little over 4% per year.  

Although new job creation remains weak, the underlying health of the labor market remains very good. The monthly number of initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) plunged 17% to 548 from 657 in the previous quarter. This is the lowest number of new UI claims since mid-2019. New claims are down 10.5% year over year. The length of the workweek in the private sector increased 4.3% to 32.7 hours and is now 7.1% longer than a year ago. The upward trend in the length of the workweek dates to early 2025, with an 8% increase since that low.  

Housing Market 

The seasonally adjusted monthly issuance of construction permits for single-family homes fell 9.8% to 473 from 524 in the first quarter. Permit issuance for single-family homes is now 33% below year-ago levels. Through the first half of 2026, for the first time in records dating back to 1995, the number of permits issued for multifamily housing (1,535 units) exceeded the number of single-family homes permitted for construction (1,298 units).

At the current rate, the number of single-family homes permitted in 2026 would be about 15% below 2025, while the number of multifamily units permitted would be about 36% higher than 2025. Overall, total housing units projected to be permitted for construction would be up approximately 6% from 2025 levels to 5,670 units.

The average value of a single-family building permit issued increased 0.3%, rising to $276,200 from $275,400 (building permit value does not include the cost of land or builder profit). Building permit value is now 15% higher than a year ago, mostly reflecting increased materials costs, especially for smaller regional homebuilders.  

Forward momentum in the regional economy is currently minimal. The index of current economic activity was flat through the first six months of 2026. Concurrently, total employment increased modestly by 500 jobs in the second quarter, or a 0.2% increase, which is well below long-term trend growth of 2.3% per year.

“Expectations are for continued modest growth in the regional employment base and for generally weaker-than-average regional economic conditions through the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027,” said Toma. “Additional economic uncertainty is associated with potentially higher fuel prices as global supplies are likely further diminished to critical levels sometime in the fourth quarter and also by a Federal Reserve interest rate hike before the end of the year. The Savannah metro area economy is poised for weak growth, at best, through early 2027.”  

A Note from the Analyst

The Economic Monitor is available by email and at Georgia Southern’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research’s website. To receive the Monitor by email, send a ‘subscribe’ message to CBAER@georgiasouthern.edu.

About the Indicators

The Economic Monitor provides a continuously updated quarterly snapshot of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area economy, including Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties in Georgia. The coincident index measures the current economic heartbeat of the region. The leading index is designed to provide a short-term forecast of the region’s economic activity in the upcoming six to nine months.

When senior biology major John Petronis enters Jianzhou He, Ph.D.’s lab at 91����’s College of Science and Mathematics, he sets his bag down, puts on his headphones and gets to work analyzing water samples. 

“Most of what I research is focused on the communities we live in,” Petronis said. “So a lot of the samples I monitor come from Tybee Island and the Savannah River.”

Petronis uses a Shimadzu particle size analyzer to identify and analyze what He calls emerging contaminants, specifically microplastics.

“Globally, we produce hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastics every year, and only about 9% get recycled,” explained He. “Microplastics are less than five millimeters, but the impact they’re having on the world right now is immeasurable, and it’s growing by the day.”

As these materials break down, they enter local waterways, rivers, marshland and drinking water, said He. They can be toxic, harming marine wildlife, disrupting food chains and affecting the ecosystem they occupy, making them a major environmental concern.

“There are currently no regulations or standards that monitor the amount of microplastics in our environment,” He said. “So there’s no record of how they behave in a coastal area like ours.”

Studying these chemicals in a more diverse ecosystem helps Petronis and He develop a thorough assessment of the risks they pose and propose practical solutions to reduce their presence. They use advanced technology provided through the Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life (SPARQ) program to support their research. The SPARQ partnership gives students like Petronis a chance to work with the latest in industry-standard equipment.  

“This research wouldn’t be possible without the tools from Shimadzu,” said He. “My students could not complete their work otherwise.” 

Equipment like the particle size analyzer helps them identify these chemicals on a granular level. They also want to see how environmental (UV) exposure changes them over time, so Petronis uses the sunlight simulator machine to produce results in minutes instead of the 3,000 hours it would otherwise take. But Petronis, a full-time student with a full-time job, doesn’t mind putting in the time. 

“I want to have a deeper understanding of how we exist in our world,” he explained. “The environmental science aspect…I mean, that’s the equivalent to cleaning your room. I look at the Earth and think, ‘I want to clean this place up. I want to take care of what’s been given to us,’ and this research opportunity has done just that.”

The Academic Success Center (ASC) at 91���� has earned an international recertification by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) for the tutoring services it offers students. 

The ASC received the recertification as a Level 1 International Tutor Training Program (ITTPC). To earn the recertification, the tutoring services team successfully completed CRLA’s peer review process and demonstrated its tutor training program meets the established standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and program evaluation.  

“CRLA certification reflects our University’s commitment to excellence in student support by ensuring tutors receive consistent, rigorous and research-informed training,” said Lydia Reynolds, tutoring coordinator at the ASC. “It transforms tutoring into a meaningful professional development opportunity while ensuring students receive support from well-prepared tutors equipped to meet diverse learning needs. Ultimately, CRLA certification strengthens the quality, credibility and impact of our tutoring program and supports a broader culture of student success.”

CRLA’s International Tutor Training Program Certification is a nationally and internationally recognized certification that promotes high-quality tutor training and academic support programs. For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading and academic support, serving professionals and programs dedicated to student success.

For more information about CRLA and ITTPC, visit . 

This September, 91���� will recognize National Recovery Month with two events that celebrate Statesboro’s recovery history and community.

Organized by the Center for Addiction Recovery (CAR) in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH), these activities include a monthlong library exhibit highlighting the origins and evolution of recovery in Statesboro and a recovery tailgate before the Sept. 26 home football game.

The explores the community’s history of supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Through photographs, journals, audio testimonials and more, the exhibit traces Statesboro’s history of recovery back to the 1950s and highlights the people and organizations that have shaped it. 

The exhibition, curated by Georgia Southern Libraries and Center for Addiction Recovery staff, begins with the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous as a national organization and its arrival in Statesboro, and follows the expansion of local support services, including the founding of , which has become a nationally recognized addiction treatment center. 

“Recovery has long been part of the fabric of this community,” said David Gerber, CEO at Willingway Hospital, the title sponsor for the library exhibition. “For generations, people in Statesboro have supported one another in finding hope, connection and a path forward. Willingway is proud to have played a part in the rich history and tradition of recovery in Statesboro.” 

The activities will continue on Sept. 26, when Georgia Southern’s True Blue Recovery program hosts a recovery tailgate before Southern’s home football game against the University of Houston. True Blue Recovery at the Center for Addiction Recovery is Georgia Southern’s collegiate recovery program that supports students in recovery. 

The event will be a stop on the , a statewide initiative led by the that travels across Georgia throughout September to celebrate recovery and connect communities with resources and support.

“The Georgia Council for Recovery is proud to partner with our local recovery community hosts to bring a uniquely Georgia message of the hope and joy of recovery,” said Brian Kite, recovery community organization development program manager of the Georgia Council for Recovery.

The free tailgate is open to students and community members and will feature live music, food and drinks, entertainment and recovery resources.

“College football and tailgating are such a big part of the student experience, and we want people to know that you can still be part of that excitement without alcohol or other substances,” said Julia Curiel, coordinator of True Blue Recovery. 

Together, these events highlight both the deep roots of recovery in Statesboro and the growing network of resources available to those struggling with addiction. Most importantly, they offer a reminder that recovery is not only possible, but is worth celebrating.  

“Recovery is about more than overcoming substance use, it’s about building a life that is full, connected and worth celebrating,” Curiel said. “We want people to see that there is a community here for them, and that choosing recovery doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. It can mean finding an entirely new way to belong.”

91����’s College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) is teaming up with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to host the second annual Forensic Science Symposium Sept. 30. This year’s event offers an expanded list of speakers, poster presentations and a panel discussion covering a broad range of topics.

“We have something for everyone interested in this field,” said Ed Mondor, Ph.D., interim director of the Georgia Southern Center for Forensic Sciences and coordinator of the event. “Forensics isn’t limited to just one area, it spans multiple disciplines: anthropology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice. We have it all.”

The keynote speaker will be Animal Crimes Resource Prosecutor Jessica Rock from the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. Other invited speakers will discuss topics such as forensic pathology, forensic palynology, forensic nursing, forensic psychology and more. Panelists include Interim Statesboro Police Chief Jared Akins, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region Five Special Agent in Charge Lindsay Smith, Chatham County Police Department Crime Scene Investigator Matthew Diggins and Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Catherine Sumner.

Mondor sees the event as a forum connecting all corners of the forensic science community. He hopes the annual event continues to serve students, faculty and investigators.

“From students who want to know what these careers look like, professors who want to know  how their knowledge can serve a case, to law enforcement who need access to specialized knowledge and the public who just want to know how all this works, everyone can come away with something,” said Mondor. “Forensics impacts everyone, and it excludes no one. There’s a role for all of us.”

The symposium is part of a continuing partnership with Shimadzu, which has provided world-class equipment and learning opportunities to Georgia Southern students. Speakers from Shimadzu will highlight how cutting-edge technology is being applied to cases today and how agencies from metropolitan cities to rural communities can access it.

“Shimadzu has been a great partner by providing everything from advanced lab equipment to funding for student research internships,” said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., dean of COSM. “They have shown us firsthand how reliable industry partners can make an impact in science.”

The event will take place at the Military Science Building on the Statesboro Campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is closed as the event has reached capacity.