Georgia Southwestern State University: Notable Alumni
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) boasts a rich history and a global network of accomplished alumni. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, ranging from politics and law to humanitarian work and athletics. The university takes pride in its graduates, who embody the "Canes spirit of servant leadership" and carry the values of GSW into their communities, careers, and the world.
Distinguished Alumni
GSW has produced thousands of alumni around the world consisting of a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Pulitzer Prize nominees, international athletes, countless entrepreneurs, government officials, and even a United States President. We are proud to call the following distinguished individuals Georgia Southwestern Alumni.
Jimmy Carter: From GSW to the White House
Jimmy Carter's connection to Georgia Southwestern is deeply rooted. On February 13, 1942, as a GSC freshman, he etched his name into the wet cement of the newly constructed driveway entering the campus from the end of Glessner Street. Since etching his name into the newly poured cement in front of the Wheatley Administration building, Jimmy Carter has continued to leave his mark on GSW's campus.
The young man from Plains became the 39th President of the United States and remains a loyal Georgia Southwestern supporter. As State Senator and later Governor of Georgia, the Honorable Jimmy Carter assisted Georgia Southwestern, and he continues that support today. President Carter holds an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Georgia Southwestern, and the campus library is named in honor of his father, James Earl Carter.
In 2002, Carter's global efforts were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize. On October 11, 2002, the announcement came that President Carter had been awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. Back in 2017, Carter returned to campus to etch his signature in a piece of concrete at the Presidential Plaza dedication ceremony. This etching mirrors the one Carter made in the wet cement of the new Wheatley Administration Building circle driveway as a GSW student in 1942. In 2019, Georgia Southwestern launched the Jimmy Carter Leadership Program to honor the legacy of alumnus and former President Jimmy Carter.
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Rosalynn Carter: A Dedicated Alumna
The Vice President of the 1946 GSC Sophomore Class, Rosalynn Carter remains a loyal and active alumna. At GSC, She was a founding member of the Young Democrats Club and participated in the C.G. Club (group supporting day students) and Tumbling Club. She served as a campus marshal during her sophomore year. In 1975, Rosalynn Smith Carter was the recipient of the first Aeolian Award.
Griffin Bell: Attorney General and Legal Luminary
The Americus native and GSW alumnus became the 72nd Attorney General of the United States, serving from 1977-1979. Court of Appeals for the fifth circuit. Griffin Bell received The Aeolian Award in 1977 and the Leewynn J. Finklea Outstanding Alumni Award in 1993.
Jaha Dukureh: Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and Advocate
Jaha Dukureh, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and GSW alumna, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management online at Georgia Southwestern in 2015. That same year, she founded the non-profit organization Safe Hands for Girls, which provides support for survivors of FGM and advocates for an end to FGM practices.
Lieutenant General Thomas Carden, Jr.: Military Leadership
Lieutenant General Thomas Carden, Jr., a 2023 Regents' Hall of Fame Award recipient and GSW alumnus, earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Georgia Southwestern in 1992. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In these roles, he assists the Combatant Commander in anticipating, preparing for, and responding to threats against North America and within Northern Command’s assigned area of responsibility. He also provides oversight and leadership, significantly contributing to the security and defense of our nation.
Alumni Awards
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced its most outstanding alumni for their professional and personal achievements as well as their contributions to the University. These individuals will be recognized Saturday, Feb. "The true measure of Georgia Southwestern’s legacy is found not just in the walls of our campus, but in the remarkable achievements of our alumni,” said Alumni Engagement Specialist Angela Smith. “Each of them embodies the Canes spirit of servant leadership-carrying the pride of GSW into their communities, their careers, and the world.
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These awards hold special significance and have different criteria. These Alumni Award winners will be recognized at the Gold Force Gala on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Individual tickets ($125), tables of eight ($1,000) and sponsorships are now available online at gsw.edu/GoldForceGala. Deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) will honor eight of its most “outstanding” alumni Saturday, Feb. 22 during its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner in the Thomas O. Marshall, Jr. In addition to the Aeolian Award and GSW Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, there are three new awards this year: the Visionary Award, Young Alumni of the Year Award, and the Legacy Award. Dr. Dr. “I look forward to the Outstanding Awards Dinner each year,” said GSW President Neal Weaver. “It is a special time for the Georgia Southwestern family to honor graduates who have accomplished a lot in life and contributed to the successes at GSW.
The Aeolian Award
The Aeolian Award is given to an alumnus who has distinguished themselves in their profession as well as in their community. The Aeolian Award is given to an alumnus/alumna who has distinguished his/herself in their profession as well as in their community.
Past Recipients:
- 1977 - Griffin B. Bell
- 1987 - Earl Gammage, Jr.
- 1989 - Martha H.
- 1991 - Ronald D.
- 1993 - Griffin B. Bell
- 1994 - Jerry B.
- 1997 - G.
- 1998 - William L.
- 1999 - Jerry T.
- 2000 - Emory Parker, Jr.
- 2005 - Sam Hunter, Jr.
- 2006 - Rudolph N.
Leewynn J. Finklea Outstanding Alumni Award
Named in honor of our first alumni director, this award recognizes outstanding alumni service to GSW.
Past Recipients:
- 1988 - J. Frank Myers, Jr.
- 1993 - Don E.
- 1995 - Emory Parker, Jr.
- 2020 - Robert Martin Sr.
Canes Community Champions
Well-known and highly-respected leaders in the Americus community, Ann and Bill Harris will be honored as the 2025 Canes Community Champions. Both Ann and Bill are graduates of Americus High School. From there, Ann attended Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, and Bill graduated from Georgia Tech and served two years in the Navy after graduation.
Family Legacy Award
The Family Legacy Award recognizes one family with a tradition of attending GSW through multiple generations with continued interest in and support of the University.
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Recipients:
The Smith-Murray Family: GSW alumna Sara (Smith) Murray ’35 was the oldest of seven children and only girl born to Teressa and Evan Smith of Plains, Ga. Born in 1915, she would go on to attend Georgia Southwestern College as would her youngest brother Julian Smith ’47. Not only would all four of Sara’s children also graduate from GSW, but two of their spouses as well: Sherrill (Murray) House ‘62 and husband Robert F. House, Jr. ’63; Evanne (Murray) DiGenti ’62; Drue Parker Murray III ’68; and Wayne Charles Murray ’71 and wife Elaine (Bush Murray) ’77, ’88. Additionally, both of Julian’s two children, one of their spouses, and both granddaughters hold degrees from GSW: son Anthony “Tony” Earl Smith ’77 and his daughters Stacie Lynn (Smith Byrd) ‘12 and Laura Katherine (Smith) Peaster ’16; and daughter Julie (Smith) Purvis ’85 and husband S. In addition to these 13 family members, there are several more of their siblings’ children and grandchildren that also make up this family legacy. Sara and Julian’s brother Jack had two sons that are GSW alumni: Randy Rials ’79, ’80 and Jacky Smith ’72. These family members were also GSW Marshals, played baseball for GSW, involved in Greek Life, and went on to become educators, insurance agents, accountants, bankers, managers, businessmen (and women), work for the PGA Tour, serve in the military, coach sports, become volunteers in their communities and valuable members of their families, their employers, their churches and more. Their successes reflect the impact of what a GSW education can do and set an example for further generations. These are but a few of a larger family group which includes others that would fill up several pages. Many still reside in the region and often participate in alumni and athletic events.
The Watford Family: Dr. Lettie Watford served as Dean of GSW’s School of Education from 2007 to 2013, where she established a professional network of over 50 partner schools and a number of new graduate programs. She has served the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in several leadership capacities over the years and is an active member of the Tift College Alumni Association. After earning two degrees at GSW in Mathematics and Management, Lettie’s brother Dr. John Watford went on to earn a graduate degree from Columbus State University and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. John met his wife, Barbara Watford, while they were both students at GSW. After graduating with a Reading Specialist degree, Barbara spent 30 years at Sumter County Schools in Americus, Ga., retiring as Principal in June 2015. Mark Watford, one of John and Barbara’s three children, graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in 2013, one in Music and one in Mathematics. After graduation, Mark served as a mathematics instructor at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
Young Alumnus of the Year
This award is given to an emerging leader making waves in his/her field, positive role model and reflection on the university. Young Alumnus of the Year is given to an emerging leader making waves in his/her field as a positive role model and positive reflection on the University. The recipient must have attended GSW within the past 15 years.
Recipients:
Luke Ellis ’08: Luke Ellis ’08 has been very active in the world of admissions for the state of Georgia through his tenure with the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and now as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions for his alma mater. In this role, Ellis has led numerous campus tours that promote enrollment at GSW. He is also the strategist assisting the "road warrior" admissions counselors in their goals of record-breaking enrollment for the past 3 years. A native of Ellaville, Ga., Ellis serves on the Executive Board of the Ellaville-Schley County Chamber of Commerce, holding roles of vice president and president and spearheading an annual festival. He has been a member of the Georgia Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers (GACRAO) since 2011 and on the Executive Committee of the Board since 2021, during which he received the Outstanding Young Professional Award. In addition to his current role, he also serves as the advisor for the Zephyr Recruitment Team, meets with prospective students for campus tours, shows his true Hurricane spirit in blue and gold for all campus events. Ellis serves as a supportive presence for students, providing guidance during challenging moments and celebrating enjoyable experiences with them. As a result, he has received two silver coins, which are given by graduating seniors to someone who has made a significant impact on their time at GSW.
Jessica Simpson: A 2007 Early Childhood Education graduate, Simpson went on to earn master’s and specialist degrees in education and teacher leadership from the University of Alabama. In 2018, Simpson was one of 104 teachers nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Simpson now teaches kindergarten at Deer Valley Elementary in Hoover, Ala. Outside of the classroom, she is actively involved within her education community. Simpson resides in Pelham, Ala.
Visionary Award
This award is given to entrepreneur and/or innovator for significant contribution to the advancement of a business or enterprise.
Recipients:
Tiwa Aganga Williams ’02: British-born Nigerian Tiwa Aganga Williams ’02, known as Tiwa Works to many of his peers and social media followers, is a distinguished entrepreneur, a dynamic leader and a source of inspiration for those around him. He drew inspiration from a number of events that he observed and participated in as a neophyte during his undergraduate years at GSW.
Robert Martin Sr.: From a young age, Martin was driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. He started his own lawn cutting service at age 11 and owned and operated an automotive detailing service in college. From 2004 - 2015, he put his customer service experience to use as Director of Hospitality and Head Chef at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. Martin now works for the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center in Albany, Ga. as Area Director where he directs outreach and assistance to small businesses in the 27-county region in Southwest Georgia.
GSW Athletics Hall of Fame
Tommy Knight ’87, ’92: As a four-year starter for the GSW baseball team, Tommy Knight ’87, ’92 pitched and served as shortstop under his father, Coach Godfrey Knight. Knight’s devotion to sports led to an impressive career in coaching which began as an assistant baseball and football coach at GSW from 1987-1989. He went on to serve as head coach at LaGrange College and Southern Polytechnic University before landing at Jefferson High School where he spent 22 years, retiring just two years ago. He racked up a number of achievements at Jefferson, including taking the 2018 AAAA State Baseball Championship. Throughout his tenure there, his teams captured 10 region titles and made 20 state playoff appearances, reaching quarterfinals seven times and the finals three times. In 2024, Knight was named to the Georgia Dugout Club Baseball Hall of Fame. His induction into the GSW Athletics Hall of Fame is significant, as it marks the only father/son combination to be recognized with this honor.
Ronald R. Nix: After earning a degree in recreation education from GSW, Nix began a successful career in parks and recreation. He has worked for departments in Macon, Statesboro and Dalton, Ga. In 2012, the Dalton Athletic Complex Park, where Nix served as Director of Parks and Recreation for 25 years, was renamed in honor of him and is now known as the Ronald R. Nix Athletic Complex Park.
Alumni Service
Marty McDonald ’86: A long-time resident of Americus, Marty McDonald ’86 is a second-generation State Farm agent and has owned his own agency since 1990, earning the Bronze Tablet and Legion of Honor Qualifier for performance. Reaching beyond the world of insurance, McDonald has dedicated his life to service, much of it behind the scenes. Long after receiving his degree from GSW, Marty has continually given back to his alma mater, serving as a volunteer coach for 25 years, as a lifetime member of the GSW Board of Trustees, President of the GSW Hurricane Club, volunteer alumnus for the Kappa Kappa chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and a lifelong supporter of GSW Athletics. McDonald’s leadership is felt throughout the community as well, having dedicated over 40 years to mentoring, coaching and leading young people by volunteering countless hours to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, serving as deacon of First Baptist Church and more.
Cheryl Fletcher ’82, ’91: An educator for over 33 years, Cheryl Fletcher ’82, ’91 is a Hurricane through and through. A lifelong resident of Americus, Fletcher can often be found on campus attending sporting events, assisting with Greek recruitment as a Zeta Tau Alpha alumna, or volunteering at an alumni event. She has been instrumental on the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Committee which has awarded thousands in scholarships to GSW students, has led the committee to revise the bylaws and currently serves as the treasurer. The Leewynn J.
Fenn: A 1978 history graduate and an Americus native, Fenn is now known as the “Photographer of the Hurricanes.” When he’s not keeping track of all the keys on campus as a locksmith with GSW’s Physical Plant, Fenn can be found volunteering his time and talent as the official photographer for the GSW Department of Athletics.
Georgia Southwestern State University: A Brief Overview
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a state public university in Americus, Georgia, United States. Founded as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1906, the university was established and is administrated by the Georgia Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
In 1906, the Georgia General Assembly passed a resolution establishing one agricultural and mechanical school in each of the state's eleven congressional districts. Signed by Governor Joseph M. Terrell, the bill left the location of the schools up to the local communities that offered the most financial support. Oversight of the schools came from the Georgia State College of Agriculture and a local board consisting of one member from each county in the school's congressional district.
From 1907 to 1926, the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School prepared students for farm work. The minimum age for admission was thirteen years old for girls and fourteen years old for boys. The curriculum for boys included plants, soils, animals, fertilizers, construction, concrete, and other physical skills. In 1924, the school's trustees authorized a one-year curriculum for teachers and eliminated one year from the A&M curriculum. Two years later, the Georgia General Assembly converted the school into a teacher's college and changed its name to the Third District Agricultural and Normal College. The college joined the University System of Georgia (USG) in 1932 along with other state-supported institutions of higher learning in Georgia. The newly formed USG was also placed under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.
The Board of Regents approved Georgia Southwestern College to transition to a four-year institution in 1964. The first bachelor's degrees were conferred in June 1968. Since becoming a four-year institution, Georgia Southwestern has developed several master's programs over the years. A Master of Education degree was approved by the Board of Regents in 1973, followed by a Specialist in Education degree in 1982. The Master of Science in Administration was made part of the curriculum in 1983. The Master of Science in Computer Science was added in the Spring of 1986, and the Master of Business Administration was added to the curriculum in 2003.
The College of Arts and Sciences at GSW offers undergraduate degrees and a Master of Arts degree. The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All initial teacher preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). Georgia Southwestern and the Georgia Institute of Technology offer a dual-degree program in engineering leading to a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics from Georgia Southwestern and a bachelor's degree in engineering from Georgia Tech.
Campus Life
All freshmen are housed in Southwestern Oaks 1 and 2. The Oaks facilities offer both shared and private bedroom suites and semi-private bathrooms. Freshmen are allowed to park cars on campus in the parking lot located next to Oaks 1 and 2. Southwestern Pines offers apartment-style housing for upperclassmen.
Georgia Southwestern is home to the James Earl Carter Library, named in honor of the father of former President Jimmy Carter. In addition to the library's own collection, books and other materials may be borrowed from other University System of Georgia libraries through interlibrary loan. Other services and materials available to students through the library are audio-visual materials, microfiche documents and current newspapers through the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and select government documents. The Student Success Center (SSC) houses several recreational facilities for the campus. The GSW Fitness Center is located on the first floor of the Student Success Center.
GSW has many major-related clubs and organizations including the American Institute of Professional Geologists Student Chapter, the GSW Association of Nursing Students (GSWANS), Chemistry Club, History Club, Geology Club, Psychology/Sociology Club, Exercise Science and Wellness Club, and more. Campus ministries include the Presbyterian Student Center, the Wesley Foundation, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), and the non-denominational Christian Student Center (CSC). Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is the Board Chair of the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) at Georgia Southwestern State University. The RCI was established in 1987.
Athletics
The Georgia Southwestern State (GSW) athletic teams are called the Hurricanes. GSW competes in ten intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and tennis.
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