Sharing a birthday party with your older brother isn鈥檛 something many people view as a privilege. 

鈥淢y birthday was August 11, and his was August 14, so we always shared birthday parties,鈥� explains Reggie Simpkins, Ed.D., associate vice president for Student Success at 精东. 鈥淧eople always thought we were twins. That鈥檚 because we did everything together.鈥�

Simpkins was determined to honor his brother鈥檚 memory and keep his name alive after he died in 1998 to a senseless act of violence. That’s what led him to start the . The nonprofit organization provides financial assistance to underprivileged and at-risk youth to participate in summer camp opportunities, focusing on education and exposure to positive experiences. 

鈥淲e wanted the foundation to focus on sending kids to summer camps because my mother would send us to 4-H camps when we were growing up,鈥� explained Simpkins. 鈥淚t was an idea to try and bring some of those same memories to youth today.鈥� 

Because of this work, Simpkins was recently honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award at the Old Macedonia Baptist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina. 

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by a community I call home,” said Simpkins, who is from the nearby community of Edgefield.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award is given to those performing daily acts of service to make their community a better place. The name comes from King鈥檚 speech, 鈥淭he Drum Major Instinct,鈥� which he referred to as the human desire for notoriety and attention. He warned that this innate desire can be harmful if not properly channeled, and that true greatness comes from serving others rather than pursuing personal glory. 

Simpkins and the foundation team also host their own leadership camp for kids primarily in the Central Savannah River area. As they prepare for their 9th summer camp this year, he reflected on the foundation鈥檚 impact over the years, saying he wishes his brother could see what they鈥檝e done. 

鈥淥ur work with the foundation has brought us some sense of closure,鈥� said Simpkins. 鈥淚 think that Jonathan would be so proud of the work we鈥檝e done, that we鈥檝e helped keep his name alive through service to the youth in the South Carolina and Georgia area.鈥� 

The 精东 Alumni Association 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Class of 2023 was recognized at a ceremony on Sept. 29 at the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau. The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors. 

鈥淭onight, we gather to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our outstanding young alumni,” said Ava Edwards (鈥�19), executive director of the Alumni Association.  鈥淲e are so thankful to be gathered here together to celebrate 精东, and to recognize the exemplary alumni it has produced. In their success, excellence, character and unwavering values, we find a reflection of the very best within us. 

“Thank you to these remarkable professionals, innovative entrepreneurs, generous philanthropists and agents of change,鈥� Edwards continued. 鈥淭heir dedication to both their communities and this institution is a testament of their commitment to making the world a better place.”

The 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual鈥檚 professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives and their commitment to Georgia Southern.

Alumna Dennette Thornton (鈥�01), who serves as the director of ticket hospitality and travel programs for the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium and as the president of the Georgia Southern Alumni Association Board of Directors, also addressed the crowd.

“Each year, we recognize the best and brightest among us, and we are continually impressed with the excellence of each class,” Thornton said. “Our honorees tonight represent an incredible spectrum of excellence. We’re talking about major league sports professionals who’ve graced the biggest arenas, dedicated educators shaping the minds of tomorrow, wise judges administering justice, brilliant doctors and visionary CEOs leading industries into the future. Thank you for representing our alma mater with distinction.”

Curtis Williams (鈥�09), chairman of HHE Holdings and president-elect of the Alumni Association, shared the stage with Thornton. 

“Georgia Southern alumni are not just successful; they’re trailblazers, occupying the highest positions in state government, steering the helm of influential industries and businesses, driving innovation in education and healthcare and so much more,” Williams told the crowd. “Tonight, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the spirit of Georgia Southern that thrives in every one of them.”     

For the full list of 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Class of 2023 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit. The group will also be featured in the fall 2023 edition of Georgia Southern Magazine.

Six new members recently joined 精东’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Georgia Southern Alumni Board,” said Ava Edwards, director of Georgia Southern’s Alumni Relations. “Their diverse backgrounds and experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our alumni network and University.鈥�

The new board members include:

James Hammond (鈥�06)

Hammond is a managing partner for Ikon Filmworks, a premier videography company based in Metro Atlanta. In addition to more than 20 years of industry experience, Hammond is passionate about serving and developing communities across the state. He is a member of the Outstanding Atlanta Board of Trustees, and was a member of 2020 Leadership Buckhead, 2018 LEAD Atlanta, 2016 Georgia Forward Young Game Changers, 2016 精东 40 Under 40, 2015-18 Georgia Southern Young Alumni board, and the inaugural 2016 class of Emerging Leaders of DeKalb. Hammond, who graduated from Georgia Southern with a bachelor鈥檚 in broadcasting, is also a 2015 Project Understanding Fellow, a 2012 New Leaders Council Atlanta Chapter alumnus, and a 2012 recipient of the Most Valuable Progressive Award from the New Leaders Council.

Kim Hartsock (鈥�00)

Hartsock is the managing partner in the Atlanta office of accounting firm Warren Averett, LLC, and is a co-host of the firm鈥檚 podcast, 鈥淭he Wrap.鈥� With a bachelor鈥檚 in business administration in accounting, Hartsock is also a valued community leader who was named a 2023 Georgia Titan 100 and a 2022 honoree of Atlanta Business Chronicle鈥檚 Most Admired CEOs. She is an executive board member of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, and past president of the Susan G. Komen Atlanta affiliate.

Jessica Hood (鈥�07, 鈥�15)

Hood is vice president of the Effingham County Industrial Authority (ECIDA), specializing in business attraction and retention for the entity. A cum laude graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 of business administration in economics and a master鈥檚 in business administration, Hood is actively involved on the board of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and Leadership Southeast Georgia. She is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Leadership Liberty, Leadership Burke, Leadership Effingham and Leadership Southeast Georgia. She is also an economic development finance professional as designated by the National Development Council, and a certified economic developer as designated by the International Economic Development Council. Hood was honored as one of Effingham Living’s 20 under 40 in 2021 and 2022, and was named to Georgia Southern鈥檚 40 under 40 list in 2022.

Crandall Jones (鈥�81, 鈥�83)

Jones is the municipal administrator of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and founder and CEO of ENOSHA Management Services, LLC, a management development consulting firm that facilitates organizational and individual excellence. Jones, who holds a bachelor鈥檚 in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia Southern, has served in both city and county manager roles in Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia. He also served as a state agency head in Florida and as a national association executive director in Washington, D.C. Jones is a co-author of 鈥淚n Our Own Words: A Story Untold: From Segregation to Integration to Assimilation 1965-1985: 21 Essays by 精东鈥檚 Black Alumni,鈥� founder of the Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Endowment, and a co-founder of the First 500 Scholarship Endowment at Georgia Southern.

Tonya Kincaid (鈥�92)

Kincaid, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 in business administration in accounting, has served as a fiscal steward to the state of Georgia for the last 14 years, and currently serves as the accounting director of finance and shared services for the State Accounting Office. Previously, she worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Latoya Stackhouse, Ed.D. (鈥�02, 鈥�16, 鈥�22)

Stackhouse, who has worked in education for 20 years, is the dean of students at Gordon State College. She holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum studies, a Master of Education in higher education administration and bachelor鈥檚 in sport management from Georgia Southern. 

Stackhouse has vast experience in intercollegiate athletics and several areas of student affairs, including admissions, Federal TRIO programs, academic advising, residence life, student activities, Greek life, recreation and wellness, and student leadership. Stackhouse is also an editorial board member at the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.

Founded in 1933, Georgia Southern鈥檚 Alumni Association鈥檚 Board of Directors is made up of alumni volunteers who are leaders in their communities and who have given tirelessly of their time in order to promote Georgia Southern.

To view the full Alumni Association Board of Directors list, visit . 
For photos of the new board members, click . 

精东, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving nearly 26,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit.

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 17, 2023 鈥� 精东鈥檚 Alumni Association recognized the highest levels of achievement and service among the University鈥檚 alumni during the 2023 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau on April 14. 

鈥淎s we gather here tonight, I am honored to recognize our outstanding alumni for their remarkable service, exceptional business acumen and overall excellence,鈥� stated Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero at the event. 鈥淲ith a growing network of more than 146,000 Georgia Southern and Armstrong alumni, each success story further strengthens our University鈥檚 reputation as a center for excellence.鈥� 

This year鈥檚 full list of winners include:

Georj Lewis, Ed.D. (鈥�07)  鈥� Talon Award

Ronny Just (鈥�84)  鈥� Marvin Pittman Award   

Cecilia Arango (鈥�02) 鈥� George & Lucy Armstrong Award 

Commissioner Russell McMurry (鈥�92) and Michelle McMurry (鈥�91) 鈥� The Sweetheart Award

Lisa N. Herring, Ed.D. (鈥�07) 鈥� Professional Achievement Award

Matt Wise (鈥�08) 鈥� Alumni Service Award

Retired Maj. Gen. Randall V. Simmons, Jr. (鈥�95) 鈥� Community Hero Award

John Havenar (鈥�22) 鈥� Outstanding Senior Award

In addition, the Alumni Owned Business Awards were given to the following top alumni-owned businesses: 

Coastal Oral & Maxillofacial 鈥� Mark Clayton, DDS (鈥�17)

Latin Chicks Restaurant and Mint to Be Mojito Bar 鈥� Mary Githens (鈥�08) 

Statesboro Real Estate 鈥� Paul Newman (鈥�05)

鈥淭hese exemplary alumni, who lead with distinction and honor in their respective industries, remind us of the transformational power of education and its importance for our students,鈥� said Georgia Southern鈥檚 Director of Alumni Relations Ava Edwards. 鈥淲e are grateful for their impact around the world and at 精东.鈥� 

To view the award criteria, visit .

The 精东 Alumni Association 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Class of 2022 was recognized at a ceremony on Sept. 23 at the Eugene M. Bishop Alumni Center in Statesboro. The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors. 

鈥淲e are so thankful to be gathered here together to celebrate 精东, and to recognize the exemplary alumni it has produced,鈥� said Georgia Southern Alumni Association President Chris Nowicki (鈥�08, 鈥�12) in the opening address. 鈥淭heir success, their excellence, their character and their values represent the best of us, and they remind us of our University mission 鈥� to think, to lead, to teach and to serve 鈥� giving our students the tools and opportunities that will change the trajectory of their lives.

鈥淭hank you for these professionals, these entrepreneurs, these philanthropists and agents of change. Thank you for their investment in their communities and in this University,鈥� he said.

The 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual鈥檚 professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives, and their commitment to Georgia Southern.

鈥淲e are so grateful for you, and your investment in your communities and in Georgia Southern,鈥� Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero told the group. 鈥淵our actions and dedication to improving the communities in which we live serve as a reminder to us all of the powerful and broad impact of our University鈥檚 mission. You鈥檙e all movers and shakers 鈥� young professionals who are making a difference in your career fields. And, as a result, enhancing the reputation of 精东, and growing yourself to impact others. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations. Together we soar!鈥�

For the full list of 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Class of 2022 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit . The group will also be featured in the spring 2023 edition of Georgia Southern Magazine.

精东, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving nearly 26,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

精东 Alumni Association recognized the highest levels of achievement and service among the University’s alumni during the recent annual Alumni Awards ceremony. 

鈥淭his is an exciting time of year as we celebrate the accomplishments of our most distinguished alumni,鈥� said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淲e honor alumni who represent the very best of Georgia Southern. They are leaders and business men and women who continue to give back and support our Eagle Nation.鈥� 

This year鈥檚 full list of winners include:

Georgia Rep. Jon Burns (’75)聽 鈥� Talon Award
Rev. James “Major” Woodall (’16)聽 鈥� Community Hero Award
(The late) William “Bill” Rogers Cary (’80)聽 鈥擬arvin Pittman Award聽聽聽
Rachel Rhodes-Dyar (’76) and Ken Dyar (’76) 鈥� The Sweetheart Award
(The late) Craig Harney (’82) 鈥� George & Lucy Armstrong Award聽
Roger H. Smith (’90) 鈥� Alumni Service Award
Andrea Lanier Papageorge (’80) 鈥� Professional Achievement Award
Margaret Kilpatrick (’19)聽 鈥� Outstanding Senior Award

In addition, Excellence in Business Awards were given to the following top alumni-owned businesses: 

Mike Cummings and Bill Hoyt 鈥� Sir Shop in Dublin, Georgia
Margot Dawkins 鈥� Atlanta Advertising Novelty in Atlanta, Georgia
Aleks Davis 鈥� B2S Life Sciences in Bargersville, Indiana
Christopher Jann 鈥� Medicus in Cumming, Georgia
Marshall Smith 鈥� Pride Pools in Claxton, Georgia
Alex Smith 鈥� Pride Pools in Brooklet, Georgia
Robin Rich 鈥� Automation Systems in Statesboro, Georgia

鈥淕eorgia Southern has always believed in giving students hands-on, practical learning,鈥� stated Trip Addison, vice president for University Advancement and president of the 精东 Foundation. 鈥淲e鈥檝e built a reputation for producing graduates who are ready to hit the ground running and ready to be leaders. The honorees are just a small sample of the entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude of Georgia Southern graduates, and we鈥檙e thrilled to recognize these outstanding alumni-owned businesses.鈥�

To view the full list of award winners, visit .