The 精东 Foundation, Inc. has purchased property for the development of a mixed-use project that will include a full-service hotel, conference facilities and other amenities designed to serve both the University and the surrounding community.

The project reflects the Foundation鈥檚 ongoing commitment to support 精东 through strategic investments that benefit students, faculty, alumni and the broader region.

鈥淭his is an exciting opportunity for Georgia Southern and our community,鈥� said Trip Addison, president of the 精东 Foundation. 鈥淥ur goal is to create a destination that complements the University, supports continued growth in Statesboro, and respects the history and natural beauty of the property. We appreciate the support of the University System of Georgia and Board of Regents for this important initiative. We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Statesboro.鈥�

Located on the parcel north of Beautiful Eagle Creek, which was previously owned by the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia, the development (at South Main, Tillman Road and Fair Road) is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and expand visitor accommodations near campus. The existing Herty Pines Nature Preserve walking trail extension will be enhanced to serve as a key connection between the campus and the Blue Mile. 

An important part of the development effort will focus on preserving the history and character of Beautiful Eagle Creek. The Foundation also plans to address long-needed infrastructure and environmental improvements along the creek banks to help stabilize erosion and support the long-term health of the area.  

Additional details, including timelines and project partners, will be announced as planning moves forward.

About 精东 Foundation, Inc.
The 精东 Foundation supports the mission of 精东 by securing and managing private resources that advance academic excellence, student success and community engagement.

The 精东 Foundation, Inc. has received a commitment of $125,000, the largest gift yet, toward the 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� scholarship initiative to help students facing financial hardships during these unprecedented times. The campaign will help up to 250 students on a need-based priority and up to 14 returning spring sport seniors who saw their 2019-20 collegiate seasons cut short.

Alumni  RT (鈥�12) and Brianna (鈥�12) Evans together with Richard T. (Tim) and EJ Evans are supporting Georgia Southern students in need. Tim and RT are executive team members of Evans General Contractors, a leading design/build, general contracting and construction management firm that specializes in facilities across the United States. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with a local office in Savannah.

鈥淗elping students achieve their goals is our top priority. Helping to provide for their needs is essential to ensure they are able to rise above the uncertainty they are facing at this time,鈥� said Tim Evans, president and CEO of Evans General Contractors. 鈥淎t Evans General Contractors it is our philosophy and mission to give back to the communities that helped build the company we are today.鈥�

Scholarships through this initiative help to ensure Georgia Southern students are able to stay enrolled and complete their degrees. The 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� campaign goal is $250,000 in addition to $140,000 to assist the student-athletes. 

鈥淭he Evans family鈥檚 commitment is an incredible push toward this initiative鈥檚 fundraising efforts to support students when they need it most,鈥� said Michael R. Sanders, Foundation president. 鈥淎s we work to involve 500 donors in this campaign, this gift challenges others to join the Evans family to help ensure these students are successful in completing their degrees.鈥� 

鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� was launched on May 18 and will run through July 2. For more information on 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� or to give online, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/FinishStrong.

精东, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine 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 GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

The 精东 Foundation, Inc. has received a commitment of $125,000, the largest gift yet, toward the 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� scholarship initiative to help students facing financial hardships during these unprecedented times. The campaign will help up to 250 students on a need-based priority and up to 14 returning spring sport seniors who saw their 2019-20 collegiate seasons cut short.

Alumni  RT (鈥�12) and Brianna (鈥�12) Evans together with Richard T. (Tim) and EJ Evans are supporting Georgia Southern students in need. Tim and RT are executive team members of Evans General Contractors, a leading design/build, general contracting and construction management firm that specializes in facilities across the United States. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with a local office in Savannah.

鈥淗elping students achieve their goals is our top priority. Helping to provide for their needs is essential to ensure they are able to rise above the uncertainty they are facing at this time,鈥� said Tim Evans, president and CEO of Evans General Contractors. 鈥淎t Evans General Contractors it is our philosophy and mission to give back to the communities that helped build the company we are today.鈥�

Scholarships through this initiative help to ensure Georgia Southern students are able to stay enrolled and complete their degrees. The 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� campaign goal is $250,000 in addition to $140,000 to assist the student-athletes. 

鈥淭he Evans family鈥檚 commitment is an incredible push toward this initiative鈥檚 fundraising efforts to support students when they need it most,鈥� said Michael R. Sanders, Foundation president. 鈥淎s we work to involve 500 donors in this campaign, this gift challenges others to join the Evans family to help ensure these students are successful in completing their degrees.鈥� 

鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� was launched on May 18 and will run through July 2. For more information on 鈥淓nsure Our 精东 Finish Strong鈥� or to give online, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/FinishStrong.

精东, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine 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 GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

The 精东 Foundation, Inc. received a $5 million gift, the single largest gift in University history, for the College of Business from Greg Parker, president, founder and CEO of The Parker Companies in Savannah. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the name of the Gregory M. Parker College of Business at 精东. Parker is known for his commitment to technology, innovation and charitable giving. The new name ties the College to a successful entrepreneur and to a powerful brand that is associated with high-quality service and products. 鈥淎t Georgia Southern, we鈥檙e focused on student success and meeting the workforce needs of our region and the state,鈥� says 精东 President Shelley C. Nickel. 鈥淭his bold investment in our students will increase that effort and provide even greater opportunity for the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.鈥� 鈥淭his $5 million gift signifies a new partnership between The Parker Companies and the College. It will enhance the quality of teaching and learning and scholarly activities while raising the profile of the Parker College of Business and 精东 across the region, state and nation,鈥� adds Allen C. Amason, Ph.D., dean of the College. 鈥淭his partnership is a significant step forward in preparing more highly qualified students for the workforce.鈥� With a diverse student population that is representative of Georgia鈥檚 population, the new funding will establish the Parker Business Scholars Program, Parker Business Scholarship Fund and Parker Faculty Support Fund, allowing Georgia Southern students to excel in the areas of professional development and scholarship. In addition, faculty research remains at the forefront of the College鈥檚 dedication to current trends in business and teaching. 鈥淏y making this gift to the College of Business at 精东, I hope to make a lasting impact on the business community in coastal Georgia,鈥� states Parker. 鈥淚 truly believe in education鈥檚 power to transform lives and have a strong commitment to giving back to the community.鈥� The Parker Business Scholarship Program (PBSP) will provide personalized professional development and educational enrichment opportunities to a select group of students in the Parker College of Business. Implementation of the PBSP will begin in fall 2019 and include specialized coursework, unique professional development opportunities and other experiential learning activities. The Parker Companies, along with the dean of the College, will have direct involvement with the PBSP students. The Parker Business Scholarship Fund will enable recruitment and retention of greater numbers of the best and brightest students and will attract students with the potential for competitive offers from other universities, making the Parker College of Business a destination of first choice for students across the state and region. The Parker Faculty Support Fund will support faculty members and their research. Research is essential to the academic reputation of the College, to the scholarly currency and prestige of the faculty, and to the overall value proposition of the College as a leading academic institution. About 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 is strategically redefining America鈥檚 convenience store industry, offering customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at 54 retail stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Headquartered in Savannah, Ga., 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 leading convenience store companies. Food service is a specialty, featuring 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 Kitchen favorites like hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, tender bone-in chicken, made-from-scratch mac 鈥榥鈥� cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. The company鈥檚 popular PumpPal loyalty program, which includes more than 150,000 members, has saved 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 customers more than $10 million to date. 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 also gives back to every community where stores are located through the Fueling the Community Program, which donates a portion of the profit of every gallon of gas sold on the first Wednesday of the month to area schools. In addition, the company endows the 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚 Emergency and Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, and spearheads an Anti-Litter Campaign in Savannah. For more information about 笔补谤办别谤鈥檚, visit . About 精东 , a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine 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 .