精东 received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia today to establish a Doctor of Optometry degree program. The decision authorizes the creation of Georgia鈥檚 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.

The 精东 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.

This year鈥檚 theme is Flavors of the LowCountry, featuring a catered dinner, music, museum artifacts and a silent auction.

Building on more than 15 years of student support, 精东鈥檚 Office of First and Second Year Experience has relaunched and expanded its peer mentorship initiative to help first-time students navigate college life and achieve long-term success.

Ava Edwards has been named the 2026 recipient of the Georgia Education Advancement Council鈥檚 (GEAC) Excellence in Alumni Relations Award.

Georgia Southern made a significant 15 spot jump, ranking #328 in national universities.

The Savannah metro area economy experienced minimal growth in the second quarter, according to 精东鈥檚 Q2 2026 Economic Monitor, published last week.

John Petronis and Jianzhou He, Ph.D., are studying the effects microplastics have on regional waterways and wetlands.

Just in time for the 250th celebration of America鈥檚 independence, Bulloch County Revolutionary War hero Nicolas Anciaux is being honored.

April Schueths, Ph.D., has been named the recipient of the 2026 CASA Board Member Leadership Award by the Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).