精东鈥檚 Liberty Campus welcomed nearly 60 students, alumni, faculty, staff and guests for Friends and Family Day in early October. 

The event was designed to bring the campus community together for an afternoon of free food, fun and games, music, and Eagle spirit.

New Student and Family Programs organized and sponsored the event in collaboration with Liberty Campus staff. Representatives from the Follett bookstore were also on hand with Georgia Southern merchandise and raffled off swag to attendees.

鈥淚 had a great time,鈥� said first-year student Justin Jones. 鈥淚 met a lot of people, made new friends and played cornhole with my mom.鈥�

Fellow first-year student James Keel also enjoyed the experience. 

鈥淚 had a good time,鈥� Keel said. 鈥淚 enjoyed the food, but I just wish [the event] would have been bigger.鈥�

With plans already underway to bring Friends and Family Day back each fall, Liberty Campus leaders hope to build on this year鈥檚 gathering and continue growing the event as a campus tradition.

鈥淪eeing our students, staff and families laughing, connecting and enjoying the day together was truly the best part,鈥� said Liberty Campus Associate Director Dawn Merrell. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to see this Liberty Campus tradition continue to grow.鈥�

Nine Liberty County students entering eighth and ninth grade spent four days discovering that exciting career opportunities exist right in their own community. Through the Youth Workplace Readiness Institute, a partnership between 精东’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), Liberty College & Career Academy and local business partners, students explored workplace skills, career pathways and the employers shaping Liberty County’s future.

The institute focused on four essential workplace readiness themes: self-awareness, professional presence, communication and critical thinking. Through interactive activities, guest speakers, mock interviews and workplace visits, students developed the skills employers consistently identify as essential to success.

“Our partnership with 精东 through the Youth Workforce Readiness Institute has created a meaningful bridge between education, workforce development and community engagement,鈥� said Roland Van Horn, chief executive officer and principal of Liberty College & Career Academy. 鈥淏y integrating the program into Liberty County’s Summer Innovation Camp, our associates gained more than workplace readiness skills 鈥� they experienced firsthand what is possible through exposure to industry leaders, higher education and real career pathways.鈥�

Community partners brought these lessons to life. WorkSource Coastal, which provides employment and training resources for youth, reinforced the importance of communication and critical thinking while Fort Stewart Child and Youth Services prepared students for the hiring process through professional presence workshops and individualized mock interviews. Georgia Power demonstrated how teamwork, professionalism and communication apply across careers while introducing students to the many opportunities available within the company.

Students also experienced three very different workplaces. At Huey Magoo’s, they learned how teamwork and leadership drive a successful restaurant. Publix introduced them to career opportunities across every department while showcasing employees who built long-term careers within the company. At Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, students witnessed electric vehicles being assembled on a state-of-the-art production line, gaining firsthand exposure to advanced manufacturing and the wide range of careers that support it.

鈥淭he enthusiasm of our students and the support of our community led us to extend the program into the school year through our new Youth Workforce Readiness Institute Club,鈥� Van Horn said. 鈥淭his partnership demonstrates what can happen when schools, universities, businesses and communities work together with a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders and professionals.”

As the week progressed, students began asking thoughtful questions about part-time jobs, career pathways and the steps they could take now to prepare for their futures. They also discovered that whether working in hospitality, retail, utilities or advanced manufacturing, success begins with the same foundation: communication, professionalism, teamwork, critical thinking and a willingness to learn.

鈥淥ne of the greatest lessons students learned this week was that success isn鈥檛 defined by a single career choice,鈥� said CPE Program Manager Maria Rogers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 shaped by how they communicate, treat others and respond to challenges every day. By investing their time and sharing their experiences, our community partners reminded these students that they are valued and that they have an important role to play in the future of our community.鈥�

The Youth Workplace Readiness Institute demonstrates the power of community collaboration. By connecting education, workforce professionals and local employers, the program equips students with practical workplace skills while inspiring them to envision themselves as the future workforce of Liberty County.

The program was made possible through the support of Liberty College & Career Academy, WorkSource Coastal, Fort Stewart Child and Youth Services, Georgia Power, Huey Magoo’s, Publix, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Malone Workforce Solutions.

As Georgia Southern continues to strengthen workforce development across Southeast Georgia, CPE has plans to expand the Youth Workplace Readiness Institute into additional communities.

To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact the Division of Continuing and Professional Education at 912-478-5555 or visit .

Second-year electrical engineering major James Eldridge doesn鈥檛 boast about the extensive work he does in his hometown of Hinesville, Georgia, but the community notices. From volunteering at his church to helping with the local food drive, Eldridge thrives on giving back to the community that raised him.

鈥淚 like to see the community be blessed, and I like to bless the community,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淓verybody needs a little helping hand now and again, no matter the situation. You could be on your best day or on your worst day, I feel like there’s a way for you to be helped. Just seeing the smiles on faces and knowing that I helped somebody is enough of an impact for me.鈥�

This supportive spirit earned Eldridge recognition by the Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Association. During their commemorative service, he was awarded the 2026 MLK Youth Award, a recognition that came as a surprise to Eldridge.

鈥淚t feels different to be recognized publicly,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚’m honored to be recognized, but it’s not something that I personally put out there, and it doesn鈥檛 change who I am or what I do. I’m still going to be regular James, and I’m going to continue to do the things that I always do.鈥�

Starting his degree at Georgia Southern鈥檚 Liberty Campus in Hinesville allowed Eldridge to continue serving his home community while bridging the gap in demands between high school and higher education.

鈥淪tarting locally was very good for me,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚t allowed me to get my feet wet and learn what needs to be done and what doesn’t. Starting college, it’s easy to get off track, and I didn’t want to be off track. The people at the Liberty Campus are like a family, and Georgia Southern has truly been a part of my growth as a young adult because they guided me and pushed me to be more, or as we’d say, to soar.鈥�

His desire to study engineering began at a young age and was tied to his hope to impact change in communities like his own.

鈥淚鈥檝e been on track for engineering since the fifth grade,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚’ve always had a passion for doing stuff with my hands, being creative, but I wanted to know that I could fix things for myself. Working as an engineer means I have the chance to improve outdated infrastructure for the country and make an impact in rural communities.鈥�

Eldridge has been surrounded by support throughout his time at Georgia Southern, but his biggest supporter, his grandfather, inspired more than just his commitment to academic excellence; he inspired his long-term goals.

鈥淢y grandpa served more than 21 years in the Army after being drafted,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淗e is my biggest role model and has always encouraged me. He’s what you would look for in a grandfather and much more. After I graduate with my degree in electrical engineering, I plan to commission as an officer into the Air Force and serve my country like he did.鈥�

Eldridge sees serving in the military as a continuation of his desire to serve those around him and the fulfillment of his dreams. The one constant in his motivation is his drive to always care for those in need.

鈥淚 grew up watching celebrities going back to help their hometowns after they had gone off and made their millions,鈥� Eldridge said. 鈥淚 thought, why not start now? It would be great if I had more to give, but what I have now is enough and could inspire others to start giving back, too. I just want to be established in life enough to be able to support myself. And if somebody else needs help, to be able to support them. That’s the grand goal.鈥�