At a recent Statesboro Rotary meeting, fellow Rotarian and Georgia Southern University President, Dr. Kyle Marrero, delivered an insightful update on the university's latest developments, achievements, and exciting plans for the future. Since taking the reins as the 14th president in April 2019, Dr. Marrero has worked tirelessly to position Georgia Southern as a leading institution in the state and beyond.
Here’s a closer look at the key points Dr. Marrero shared with our community, showcasing the incredible strides Georgia Southern is making under his leadership.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Georgia Southern is on a remarkable upward trajectory, achieving record-breaking milestones in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. With a 6% increase in enrollment across all campuses, the university now serves nearly 27,000 students. Dr. Marrero emphasized that this growth is driven by the university’s commitment to preparing students for success in the marketplace.
“Everything we do at Georgia Southern is centered on ensuring our students are career-ready from day one,” Dr. Kyle Marrero explained. “We focus on building critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, while also partnering with industry to meet workforce needs.”
A Strong Focus on the Future
Dr. Marrero also provided updates on the university’s strategic initiatives aimed at expanding academic offerings and enhancing research capabilities. Georgia Southern is well on its way to becoming an R-1 Research University, a designation that would place it on par with UGA and Georgia Tech. This elevation is expected to occur within the next two to four years, marking a significant achievement for the university and the region.
“Our goal is to continually push forward, ensuring that we not only maintain our standing as a top-tier institution but also keep growing in areas that directly impact Georgia’s workforce and economy,” Dr. Marrero noted.
New Programs to Meet Georgia's Needs
One of the most exciting announcements was the launch of Georgia Southern’s new five-year strategic plan. This plan includes expanding academic programs, particularly in the health professions. The university’s Health Profession programs already produce 20% of Georgia’s graduates, and plans are underway to establish a Dental School within the next four years and launch a Physician Assistant (PA) program in 2026.
In addition, Ph.D. programs in software engineering, logistics, and environmental science are being developed, along with new graduate programs at Hunter Army Airfield, further cementing Georgia Southern’s role as a key educational and economic driver in the state.
Innovation Through Technology and Partnerships
Dr. Marrero highlighted Georgia Southern’s innovative use of technology, including the processing of over 27,000 financial aid packages with the help of robotics. This efficiency allows the university to focus on providing students with the support they need to thrive academically and financially.
Furthermore, Georgia Southern is expanding its partnerships with industries across the state to meet engineering and management needs, providing students with hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge research. This includes efforts in sustainability research, with projects focused on monitoring and analyzing the region’s water aquifers.
SOAR Beyond: A New Era of Excellence
The university is also launching a new branding initiative: SOAR Beyond. This campaign captures the university’s spirit of striving for more, pushing beyond current achievements to set new standards in education, research, and community impact.
“Our students, faculty, and staff are soaring beyond expectations, and this brand reflects our commitment to always aim higher,” Dr. Marrero said.
Georgia Southern’s Legacy and Vision
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern has a rich history, and with the 2019 consolidation with Armstrong State founded in 1936, the university now operates three physical campuses. Dr. Marrero’s leadership has ensured that while the university respects its traditions.
In closing, Dr. Marrero left us with a simple but powerful message: “We’re not just educating students for today, but for the future. We’re shaping tomorrow’s leaders, problem solvers, and innovators.”
For our readers here at Grice Connect, Georgia Southern's continued growth is not just a victory for the university, but for our entire community. As Statesboro and Bulloch County’s hometown university continues to thrive, so too will our local economy, culture, and the opportunities available to our residents.
Stay tuned to Grice Connect for more updates as Georgia Southern continues to soar!
