Georgia Southern University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, has a rich history of producing influential figures in various fields. From its humble beginnings as a school focused on agricultural and homemaking skills, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering over 125 degree programs across eight colleges. With campuses in Statesboro, Savannah (Armstrong Campus), Swainsboro (East Georgia Campus), and Hinesville (Liberty Campus), Georgia Southern serves over 20,000 students and boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network. This article explores some of the university's most notable alumni, highlighting their contributions to society and their impact on their respective industries.
The Foundation of Georgia Southern University
Founded as a school for teaching modern agricultural production techniques and homemaking skills to rural school children, First District A&M within two decades shifted its emphasis to meet the growing need for teachers within the state. Its name and mission were changed in 1924 to Georgia Normal School, as a training ground for teachers. The university finally integrated its student body in 1965, eleven years after the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
Georgia Southern has continued its program and physical expansion. Since then, the university has embarked on a massive upgrade of facilities, adding more than $300 million in new construction. Georgia Southern was named a Doctoral/Research University by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2006.
Since 1999, two new colleges have been established: the College of Information Technology in 2001, and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health in 2004. Additional undergraduate and graduate programs were formed, including doctorate degrees in psychology, public health and nursing. In 2011, the university established the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing, formerly known as College of Engineering and Information Technology, which combines the previous College of IT with its engineering programs. In addition, at the same time it created the College of Science and Mathematics, previously known as the Allen E.
Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
Georgia Southern University has fostered the talents of many individuals who have achieved prominence in the arts and entertainment industry.
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Walton Goggins is an American actor who has starred in various television series, including The Shield (2002-2008), Justified (2010-2015), Vice Principals (2016-2017), The Righteous Gemstones (2019-present), Invincible (2021-present), and Fallout (2024-present). He was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Justified, and for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Fallout.
Cole Swindell, a former Georgia Southern student, has risen to become a prominent figure in country music. Colden Rainey Swindell is an American country music singer and songwriter. He has written singles for Craig Campbell, Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, and Luke Bryan, and has released four albums for Warner Bros. Records Nashville. He has released thirteen singles, eight of which have reached number one on the Hot Country Songs and/or Country Airplay charts. Four more singles have reached the Top 10. In Spring 2023, Swindell was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts during the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony.
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, is an American comedian, actor, and influencer. He is known for his sketch comedy, Coulda Been Records, and collaborating with various musicians in their music videos, including Jack Harlow, Drake, Lil Yachty, and others.
Patrika Darbo is an American actress with a career spanning film and television. She made her big screen debut appearing in the 1988 romantic comedy film It Takes Two and later appeared in The 'Burbs (1989), Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got the Will? (1990), Spaced Invaders (1990), Leaving Normal (1992), In the Line of Fire (1993) and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997). Darbo played Roseanne Barr in the 1994 biographical television film Roseanne & Tom: Behind the Scenes.
Mychael Knight (1978-2017) was an American fashion designer. Since his successful run on the Bravo hit show “Project Runway,” Mychael Knight has been excelling in the fashion industry. His designs have been displayed in a variety of print publications including The Atlantan, Elle, Essence, Marie Claire, Ebony, Black Enterprise YRB and The New York Times.
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Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Georgia Southern University has also produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of politics and public service.
Casey Cagle served as the 11th lieutenant governor of Georgia from 2007 to 2019. Lowell Stacy "Casey" Cagle is an American politician who served as the 11th lieutenant governor of Georgia from 2007 to 2019.
Van R. Johnson is the current mayor of Savannah, Georgia, since 2020. Van R. Johnson is an American politician who has served as the mayor of Savannah, Georgia since 2020. He is the fourth African-American mayor in the city's history. Before becoming mayor, he served four terms as alderman for the Savannah City Council's 1st District.
Jen Jordan is an American lawyer and politician who represented District 6 in the Georgia State Senate from 2017 to 2023. Jennifer Lyn Auer Jordan is an American lawyer and politician who represented District 6 in the Georgia State Senate from 2017 to 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Charlie Norwood (1941 - 2007) was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until his death in 2007. Charles Whitlow Norwood Jr. was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until his death in 2007. At the time of his death, Norwood was the representative of the 10th District of Georgia. He graduated with Bachelor of Arts in 1964.
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Keisha Waites is an American politician from the state of Georgia. Keisha Sean Waites is an American politician from the state of Georgia. A Democrat, she served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017, representing southeast Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Forest Park, Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Porsche Headquarters and parts of Clayton and DeKalb counties.
Michael P. Boggs is an American lawyer who has served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia since 2022. Michael P. Boggs is an American lawyer who has served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia since 2022. He concurrently serves as an associate justice of the court since 2017. He is a former judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals and a former nominee to be a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. He was appointed to the state Supreme Court by Governor Nathan Deal.
Marilyn Avila is a former Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Marilyn Avila is a former Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. She first won office in the 2006 election, and she represented the state's 40th house district from 2007 until 2017. She was defeated by Democrat Joe John in the 2016 election.
Ronald 'Bo' Ginn was an American politician who represented Georgia's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983. Ronald Bryan "Bo" Ginn, was an American politician who represented Georgia's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983. state of Georgia. He served in Congress as a Democrat.
Shawn Arévalo McCollough is president and CEO of the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence in Washington, DC. Shawn Arévalo McCollough is president and CEO of the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence in Washington, DC. A former superintendent of schools, principal, and teacher, McCollough's reform efforts have been recognized by George W. Secretary of Education Rod Paige.
Luis A. Aguilar served as a commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from July 31, 2008, until December 2015. Luis A. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from July 31, 2008, until December 2015 and is the eighth longest serving Commissioner in SEC history. He was appointed by President George W. Presidents from two different political parties. Luis A. Aguilar was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service by Georgia Southern University in 2013.
Teresa MacCartney has served as chief financial officer for the State of Georgia and director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) since her appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2012. Teresa MacCartney has served as chief financial officer for the State of Georgia and director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) since her appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2012.
Notable Alumni in Athletics
Georgia Southern University has a strong athletic tradition, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve success in professional sports.
Adrian Peterson is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) and United Football League (UFL). Adrian Nicholas Peterson is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) and United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Georgia Southern Eagles, where he set numerous school, Southern Conference, and NCAA Division I-AA records, as well as winning two I-AA National Championships and receiving the Walter Payton Award for most outstanding player in I-AA football. He is currently serving as the director of student-athlete development for Georgia Southern.
Victor Roache is an American former professional baseball outfielder. Almon Victor Roache is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He was selected in the 1st round, 28th overall, by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, but never played in the majors after 6 seasons in Minor League Baseball.
Fred Stokes is an American former professional football defensive end who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Louis Fred Stokes is an American former professional football defensive end who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played professionally for the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints
Jason Burnell is an American professional basketball player for Pallacanestro Brescia of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. Jason Scott Burnell is an American professional basketball player for Pallacanestro Brescia of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. He played college basketball for Jacksonville State.
Charlton Young is an American college basketball assistant coach at the University of Missouri and the former head coach of the Georgia Southern University Eagles men's basketball team. Charlton Young is an American college basketball assistant coach at the University of Missouri and the former head coach of the Georgia Southern University Eagles men's basketball team, located in Statesboro, Georgia. He was the head coach of the Eagles from 2009-2013 and was the twelfth coach in the history of the program, replacing Jeff Price.
Everett Teaford is an American baseball coach and former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays, and in the KBO League for the LG Twins. Everett James Teaford is an American baseball coach and former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays, and in the KBO League for the LG Twins.
Tookie Brown is an American professional basketball player for Juventus Utena of the Lithuanian Basketball League. Quindarious Deavundre "Tookie" Brown is an American professional basketball player for Juventus Utena of the Lithuanian Basketball League. He played college basketball for the Georgia Southern University and was named the 2019 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year.
Tre Bussey is an American professional basketball player who last played for Goga Basket of the Albanian Basketball League. Tre Bussey is an American professional basketball player who last played for Goga Basket of the Albanian Basketball League. He played college basketball for Georgia Southern University where he was named a third-team All-Southern Conference honoree.
Isaiah Crawley is an American professional basketball player who last played for Dziki Warszawa of the Polska Liga Koszykówki, the top division in Poland. Isaiah Deion Crawley is an American professional basketball player who last played for Dziki Warszawa of the Polska Liga Koszykówki, the top division in Poland. He played college basketball for Columbia State Community College and Georgia Southern.
John Mohring Jr. is a former professional football linebacker. John Mohring Jr. is a former professional football linebacker. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007. He played college football for the Georgia Southern Eagles. He was an assistant coach at Arkansas State University. He is currently the Head Coach at Wayne County High School in Jesup, Georgia.
Other Notable Alumni
Besides those mentioned above, other notable alumni from Georgia Southern University include:
Lee Rogers Berger is an American-born South African paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. Lee Rogers Berger is an American-born South African paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. He is best known for his discovery of the Australopithecus sediba type site, Malapa; his leadership of Rising Star Expedition in the excavation of Homo naledi at Rising Star Cave; and the Taung Bird of Prey Hypothesis.
Leslie C. Smith is a retired United States Army lieutenant general who last served as the 66th Inspector General of the United States Army. Leslie C. Smith is a retired United States Army lieutenant general who last served as the 66th Inspector General of the United States Army. Since 2002, he has served as the vice president for leadership and education at the Association of the United States Army
James Kicklighter is an American film director, producer, and writer from Bellville, Georgia. James Kicklighter is an American film director, producer, and writer from Bellville, Georgia.
Marty Pevey is an American professional baseball manager and former Major League catcher and coach. Marty Ashley Pevey is an American professional baseball manager and former Major League catcher and coach. He has been the manager of the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs of the International League, since 2013.
Mike Davis is the CEO of the United States Golfing Association (USGA). Mike R. Golfing Association (USGA) - the seventh in the organization’s 121-year history. Davis is the senior staff member of the USGA, responsible for managing all aspect of the Association’s day-to-day operations, including core functions, essential programs and human and financial resources.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Georgia Southern University confers honorary degrees to persons of notable achievement in academia, arts and letters, the professions, or public service. The Georgia Southern Honorary Degrees collection preserves biographies of honorary degree recipients. Some of the recent honorary degree recipients include:
- Hemant and Barbara Goel: Awarded Honorary Doctorates of Science in Fall 2024 for their contributions to technology, healthcare, and society.
- Dinah and Fred Gretsch: Awarded Honorary Doctorates of Fine Arts in Spring 2023. Dinah Gretsch is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gretsch, a musical instrument manufacturing company. Fred Gretsch is the Owner and fourth-generation President of Gretsch. In 2021, the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music opened at Georgia Southern University.
- Hala Moddelmog: Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in Spring 2018. Moddelmog has had many successes in her president and CEO roles, including becoming the first female president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
- Alva Burley Lines: Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters at Armstrong Atlantic State University in the Fall of 2010.
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