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A Bumpy Ride Ahead for HigherEd
A confluence of political, economic, and social challenges is threatening the very fabric of US universities. In both red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds facing institutions are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. Universities find themselves squeezed by funding cuts, scrutinized by lawmakers, and caught in cultural crossfire. This presents a unique challenge for communications professionals. In this era of declining trust and “alternative facts,” they need to be hyper-informed, adapt quickly, and boldly emphasize the critical value institutions have in society. Communications should function as a vital link, bridging this growing divide between town and gown. In red and blue states, the political and economic headwinds hitting higher education are fierce, public skepticism is high, and social media has become a polarizing battleground of filter bubbles filled with mis/disinformation. It's important to note that throughout history, universities often emerge stronger and more deeply connected to the public during times of turbulence. Universities played a key role in partnering with the government to implement Roosevelt's New Deal, helping with emergency relief and agricultural programs. They helped democratize education with the GI Bill after World War II. They responded to societal demands during the civil rights era. Most recently, they played a key role in public health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus communicators have a unique set of skills and a vital responsibility to steer their institutions through these tough times. But the road ahead will be hard. The New Reality for Campus Communicators Cuts to Research Funding The lifeblood of academic innovation—research dollars—is under threat. The new political regime in Washington is looking to cut billions in federal research funding. A sudden cap on NIH indirect costs (slashed to 15% from an average of 28%) will have a profound impact on programs. Many researchers report that major grants are frozen or are expected to shrink. This “budget axe” isn’t theoretical for research universities—it’s biting right now. Communicators must convey what’s at stake: essential contributions such as groundbreaking science, community health programs, and innovation pipelines that fuel the economy hang in the balance as money gets tighter. Increasing State Oversight & Regulation In state capitals, politicians are muscling into campus affairs like never before. Republican-controlled statehouses are overhauling higher education governance, introducing over 150 bills in 35 states aimed at tightening control over public institutions. Even tenure is threatened. In the past year, lawmakers in seven states moved to eliminate or curb tenure and impose stricter post-tenure reviews – an unprecedented encroachment on academic freedom. New laws and proposals are creating oversight committees, mandating changes to the curriculum, and even threatening funding for programs out of political favor. The message from some state capitols is clear: “We’re watching you.” This surge in oversight and regulatory meddling means university communicators must navigate an increasingly fine line, demonstrating transparency and accountability at every turn to appease regulators while fiercely defending their institution’s academic autonomy. Political Pressure and DEI Backlash Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under open attack. What began as partisan rhetoric has evolved into concrete threats – and actions – against campus diversity efforts. Dozens of states have passed or proposed laws to defund DEI offices, ban diversity training, or restrict teaching about race and gender. The result? An “inconsistent and confusing landscape” for colleges as they respond to swelling political pressure. The campaign against campus DEI has dramatically accelerated in 2025, turbocharged by signals from the Trump administration pushing to eliminate DEI efforts across government and higher ed. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education 270 campuses in 38 states have already scaled back or dismantled some DEI programs under this pressure. For communications teams, the DEI backlash creates a messaging minefield. They must affirm institutional values of inclusion and support for marginalized groups, even as those very programs face hostile scrutiny from powerful critics. Threats to the Federal Department of Education In Washington, the unthinkable is suddenly on the table: the U.S. Department of Education itself is in the crosshairs. President Trump has made good on campaign promises by signing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. While outright abolition requires Congress, the administration has already laid off nearly half of the department’s staff and moved to strip the agency to its bare bones. “We’re going to shut it down… it’s doing us no good,” Trump declared. This unprecedented move could upend federal support and guidelines for universities – from financial aid administration to civil rights enforcement – leaving states to fill the void. Communications professionals must reassure students, faculty, and the public that education won’t grind to a halt if federal oversight wanes. It’s a communications tightrope: acknowledging the potential for massive change while conveying stability in the university’s core mission. After all, even if Washington pulls back, universities still answer to accreditation bodies and the public trust. The Misinformation Deluge on Social Media The information ecosystem has never been more chaotic – or more dangerous. Universities are grappling with viral misinformation and disinformation that can ignite campus controversies overnight. In the age of TikTok rumors and politicized Twitter (or “X”) feeds, false narratives spread like wildfire before facts can catch up. Recent campus incidents have shown how quickly truth gets muddled: one university saw fake reports about a protest spread widely. At the same time, another dealt with a gross misinterpretation of a student gathering that went viral. Photos and videos are routinely ripped out of context or deliberately edited with misleading labels. The public, meanwhile, is “bombarded with misinformation” online and growing distrustful of experts. For higher ed communicators, countering misinformation means fighting a two-front war: rapidly correcting falsehoods about their institution and proactively pushing out accurate, compelling content to capture attention before the rumors do. Economic Uncertainty and Budget Turbulence. Even aside from targeted funding cuts, universities are feeling economic whiplash. Inflation, endowment fluctuations, and post-pandemic enrolment dips have collided to squeeze campus finances. Many institutions face structural deficits and tough choices about programs and staffing. In fact, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, two-thirds of colleges now show at least one sign of financial stress – a startling statistic that underscores how widespread the budget crunch has become. From flagship public universities to small private colleges, hiring freezes and spending cuts are the order of the day. Every dollar is scrutinized by trustees and legislators alike. Communications pros must now operate in a climate of fiscal anxiety, where messages about any new initiative or expense can trigger questions about priorities. The task at hand is to highlight the university’s economic stewardship and continued value to students and the community, even as belts tighten. It’s critical to communicate that the institution is navigating the storm responsibly—protecting its academic core and maximizing the impact of every precious dollar. Demands to Prove Real-world Impact “What is higher ed really doing for society?” In 2025, that question echoes from state capitols, donors’ boards, and kitchen tables across America. Universities are under intense pressure to demonstrate the real-world value of their research and teaching like never before. Lawmakers openly discuss ROI (return on investment) for degrees and research grants, seeking data on graduates’ earnings and innovations spawned per taxpayer dollar. Public confidence in higher education has been shaken – a recent Gallup survey found Americans’ confidence in colleges has plummeted to 36%, down from 57% in 2015. Many believe in personal value (a college degree for better jobs) but doubt that higher education delivers for the greater good. In short, the public is skeptical whether campus research and scholarship are worth the cost. University communicators must do more than publicize exciting discoveries – they must connect the dots for people. Every media release, story, or tweet should answer: Here’s how this university’s work benefits you, your community, and the world. Whether it’s a medical breakthrough, a tech startup from the lab, or a student project solving a local problem, the mandate is clear: show impact or risk losing support. In my next post, I'll provide a detailed blueprint to help communications professionals proactively plan and organize their teams for the road ahead. This actionable framework will help you better identify where you can add value for your institution where it needs it the most and confirm your critical role as a trusted resource. To your success! Upcoming Speaking Events April 23 PRSA Virtual Workshop "Cutting Through the Noise: What Thought Leadership Strategies are Working in Today’s Environment” Register Here June 8 IABC World Conference, Vancouver “The Thought Leadership Blueprint: Why & How to Build a High-Impact Program” Register Here Sept. 12-13 PRSA East Central Conference, Cleveland “The New Comms Leadership Skillset” Register Here About ExpertFile ExpertFile is revolutionizing how organizations connect their experts to journalists, podcasters, and conference organizers who need to find credible experts on tight deadlines…fast. Featuring experts on over 50,000 topics, our free Apple and Android mobile app is the go-to resource for journalists at media outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, NPR Radio, Fox News, BBC, The Guardian, ABC News, CBC, AXIOS and Time Magazine. For over a decade, our award-winning software platform has been helping marketing departments better manage and promote their online thought leadership to reach a wider audience. Clients include Carnegie Mellon University, ChristianaCare Health, Villanova University, Aston University and Emory University. Learn more at: expertfile.com/getstarted
March Madness: Experts comment on picking underdogs, prop bets and economic benefits
Why do people pick underdogs when filling out their brackets for the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments? How do people consume March Madness? How does the tournament benefit host cities and teams economically? University of Delaware experts have the answers. The following UD faculty members can provide their expertise for journalists working on stories about the tournaments. • Jackie Silverman, assistant professor of marketing: Why people might have chosen underdogs still hanging around in their brackets, • John Allgood, instructor of sport management: How people consume March Madness (streaming vs. cable TV) and how major collegiate sports events can help brand individual schools. Contact UD media relations to reach him. • Tim DeSchriver, associate professor of sport management: Sports gambling (including prop bets) and advertising targets. • Matthew Robinson, professor of sport management: Economic benefits of the host city. • Matt McGranaghan, assistant professor of marketing: Consumer attention span during commercial breaks. To reach these experts directly and set up interviews, visit the expert profiles below and click on the contact button.
Annual Healthy Georgia Report looks at public health in the Peach State
The fourth edition of the “Healthy Georgia: Our State of Public Health” report has been released by the Institute of Public and Preventive Health in Augusta University’s School of Public Health. Within the 64 pages of the report is a snapshot of how healthy Georgians are compared to citizens across the 12 states that make up the Southeastern Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) and the entire United States. The 2025 edition addresses 31 health topics and has been expanded this year to include multimorbidity; long COVID-19; HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infection rates; opioid and methamphetamine drug use; suicides; and vaping. Biplab Datta, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy in SPH, heads up the team of IPPH faculty and staff who create the report each year. Datta credits Jen Jaremski, research associate, and Kit Wooten, public health analyst, with handling much of the work of bringing the report to life. Together, Jaremski and Wooten collected and organized all of the needed assets and organized the 64-page document, preparing it for print and the web. “Every year we strive to present data in a way that policymakers may find helpful in making policy choices,” Datta said. “There are several new topics that were added to this year’s report and some of those are concerning for the state of Georgia, particularly the communicable diseases like HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. High prevalence rates of these conditions in Georgia, compared to the rest of the U.S. and the Southeastern Region, warrant attention of the public health community.” Georgia has the second-highest rate of HIV infections in the U.S., fourth-highest rates of gonorrhea, sixth-highest for chlamydia and 13th for syphilis. Something that is also new in this year’s report is a comparison of numbers from 2019, or before the COVID-19 pandemic began, compared to after the pandemic for certain conditions. Also coming out of the pandemic, the report looks at how long COVID has affected Georgians, with the state ranking 24th in the nation for rates of long COVID. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long COVID is defined as a chronic condition that occurs after COVID-19 infection and is present for at least three months. On top of looking at comparisons between Georgia and the Southeast and the nation, Datta noted a clearer picture is starting to emerge concerning the difference in urban and rural areas within the state. “For several chronic conditions, like hypertension, diabetes and multimorbidity, we clearly see a striking difference between rural and urban residents of Georgia,” Datta said. Hypertension affects 44.1% of adults in rural Georgia compared to 35% in urban areas, while diabetes affects 17.5% of adults in rural Georgia compared to 12.3% of those in urban areas. Hypertension and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which affects 12.2% of adults in rural areas compared to 8.3% of adults in urban areas of Georgia. “Hypertension and diabetes are the major risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide, so these are some concerning numbers to see,” Datta said. Multimorbidity, which is when a person has multiple chronic conditions, including obesity, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, cancer, skin cancer and arthritis, affects 57.4% of adults in rural Georgia compared to 49% of adults in urban areas of the state. These rates are significantly lower than the rest of the Southeast but on par with the rest of the country. When comparing Georgia to the U.S. national average, adults in Georgia have lower rates of cancer and methamphetamine use but higher rates of childhood asthma and adult obesity. At the same time, rates of adult asthma and adult obesity among Georgians were comparable to the averages seen in the Southeast. Interestingly, while adult health insurance coverage was significantly lower than the U.S. national and Southeast Regional averages, the child health insurance coverage in Georgia was comparable to both national and regional averages. The Healthy Georgia Report is the only report of its kind in the state Looking to know more or connect with Biplab Datta, PhD? Then let us help. Dr. Datta is available to speak with media regarding this important topic. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
A Beginner’s Guide to Expertise Marketing
Audiences today are consuming more digital content than ever, but they’ve also become far more discerning. Algorithms, AI search summaries, and social platforms have changed how information is discovered and trusted. The result is that organizations often get caught up in pushing out content quickly—only to be overlooked when it lacks depth or credibility. From misinformation to shallow click-driven posts, audiences are quick to disengage. What they’re seeking now are authoritative voices backed by proven expertise. That’s where Expertise Marketing comes in: a strategy focused on showcasing real knowledge, research, and experience in ways that build trust, attract attention, and strengthen reputation. According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer Study, experts play a vital role in establishing credibility amongst audiences and developing more meaningful interactions with businesses and organizations. As far back as their 2019 report results showed that 56% of people trust businesses as a source of news and information while only 47% trusted the government. On top of that, they also reported that 73% of participants were worried about false information or fake news being used as a weapon. This distrust has only gotten worse since COVID and the polarizing politics of recent years. With this in mind, there’s a real opportunity for knowledge-based organizations to step up and show their smarts through expertise marketing. What is Expertise Marketing? Expertise marketing is the practice of making the knowledge and skills of your human resources more visible to your partners and audiences. It draws attention to the value that your people can bring as brand ambassadors and strategically leverages the work your experts are doing to tell a more personal story. In many cases, expertise marketing can also be used to showcase your strengths in research and innovation. Creating a stronger digital presence, expertise marketing more effectively uses your channels to connect with audiences such as media, customers, partners and donors. It builds a sense of trust with your audiences and above all else, it helps establish your reputation as an industry leader. Expertise Marketing Defined: The practice of collectively promoting an organization's experts as brand ambassadors to demonstrate their skills or knowledge. Best practices to publish and connect organizational expertise in ways that foster internal discovery, collaboration, shared knowledge and diversity. Activities that leverage expertise to nurture conversations and connections with audiences such as media, customers, partners, government and funding agencies. How to Make Your Expertise More Visible Properly executed, expertise marketing is about harnessing your in-house expertise and making it more visible. By delivering comprehensive, relevant information in a visually engaging format, you can create a window into your organization that helps audiences better understand your offering and encourages more meaningful conversations. Here are three areas where expertise excels: On Your Website There’s a good chance that you already created touchpoints for expertise marketing but they’re just not optimized for audiences. For example, many organizations are unaware that the “About Page” is the second most visited page on a website and may overlook its potential for attracting audiences. Other webpages that strongly benefit from expert content include: Speaker’s Bureaus Media Rooms Employee Directories Faculty Directories Blogs Employee Intranets Awards Recognition Research & Technology Transfer Through Search Engines Content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) go hand-in-hand – and it’s key to making your expertise more visible. In Google’s search algorithm, factors like trust and authority are significantly impacted by items such as content and expertise. While SEO is no small task, tools like the ExpertFile Platform are designed to make aggregating and optimizing expert content as seamless as possible. In addition, organizations can also improve their rankings by: Identifying and showcasing a range of expertise Using rich media to display expert content Regularly updating your website with expert content Producing content related to current trends and emerging news Through Distribution Networks Showcasing your experts isn’t just about hosting profiles on your own website—it’s about ensuring they are discoverable where key audiences are already looking. By publishing expert content on dedicated search engines such as expertfile.com and the ExpertFile Mobile App, organizations dramatically expand their reach beyond their immediate networks. These channels are designed for the very audiences that matter most—media, event organizers, research partners, donors, and prospective clients—who are actively searching for credible voices to inform stories, shape agendas, and build partnerships. Leveraging these distribution networks amplifies visibility, positioning your experts as go-to authorities well beyond the boundaries of your institutional website. In The Media For many organizations, media opportunities are an afterthought but it’s the perfect way to highlight your expertise and attract a broad range of audiences. Media outlets are constantly on the hunt for topic-specific experts to speak at conferences, weigh-in on their editorials and enhance the overall quality of their reporting. By making your experts more visible to this audience, you’re not only building your brand reputation as an industry authority but you’re also creating opportunities for new revenue. Starting an Expertise Marketing Program Bringing an expertise marketing program to life starts by taking a deeper look at your human resources and pinpointing the people in your organization who can support your expertise marketing initiatives. This post on Identifying Expertise is a great starting point for understanding what makes someone an expert and how you can position them for various tasks in your expertise marketing program. From there, it’s about getting buy-in from key stakeholders, collaborating across departments to surface expert content and strategizing with your team about where your expertise is best served. Download The Complete Guide to Expertise Marketing For a comprehensive look at how expertise marketing benefits the entire organization and drives measurable return on investment, follow the link below to download a copy of ExpertFile’s Complete Guide to Expertise Marketing for Corporate & Professional Services, Higher Education Institutions, Healthcare Institutions or Association & Not-for-Profits.
Education specialist tips: How to support displaced families
The California wildfires have devastated the Los Angeles region as families have lost their homes, places of work and schools. With expertise in housing insecurity and social work, University of Delaware faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) explain how community members can support these families. Ann Aviles and Ohiro Oni-Eseleh, both CEHD faculty, share resources for displaced families and guidance for parents, educators and other community members who want to support them. Aviles, an associate professor, said an unexpected displacement can be unsettling for anyone, but they can have greater impacts on certain populations. "Populations that are especially vulnerable include those from low-income families, families of color (in particular, Black and Latiné communities), unaccompanied youth and undocumented families," she said. "These families often have less access to economic resources for temporary housing such as hotels or short-term rentals." She notes that the main way educators and community members can assist these populations is to first and foremost treat them with respect and dignity. "Priority should be given to short-term solutions that are informed directly by the people most impacted. Educators, community leaders and others wanting to provide families support should ask them what is most important and needed, and then respond accordingly," she said. Oni-Eseleh, an assistant professor and director of the master of social work program at UD, notes that there are multiple hotlines and community groups dedicated to assisting families that are displaced. "Many communities have emergency hotlines that provide immediate support and connect individuals to social workers or mental health professionals. These hotlines often operate 24/7 and can be a valuable resource during a crisis," he said. For more tips from both of these experts, please reach out to mediarelations@udel.edu.
Lingam, Mirsayar, van Woesik Recognized as ‘Top Scholars’ by ScholarGPS
Florida Tech faculty members Manasvi Lingam, Mirmilad Mirsayar and Robert van Woesik were named “Top Scholars” by ScholarGPS for their contributions to academia over the last five years. Lingam, who studies astrobiology in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, was ranked No. 9,562 in the world across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.06% of the platform’s scholars globally. He faired strongly in other areas, including: No. 1,919 (0.1%) among 1.9 million scholars in physical sciences and mathematics No. 491 (0.09%) among 545,000 scholars in physics No. 42 (0.31%) among 13,590 scholars in the specialty area planets ScholarGPS cited Lingam’s strong publication record, the impact of his work and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. He’s published 50 times since 2020, exploring the possible origins, evolution and future of life in the universe. Mirsayar, who studies aerospace engineering, was ranked No. 35,155 across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.24% of scholars globally. He’s published 11 times between 2020-2023, covering topics such as fracture mechanics and solid mechanics. Other highlights include: No. 6 (0.06%) among 8,601 scholars in fracture mechanics No. 49 (1.7%) among 2,879 scholars in solid mechanics No. 315 (1.8%) among 16,847 scholars in reinforced concrete Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Other highlights include: No. 5,282 (0.32%) among 1.7 million scholars in life sciences No. 336 (0.38%) among 88,930 scholars of ecology and evolutionary biology No. 191 (0.95%) among 19,998 scholars of global change. ScholarGPS uses artificial intelligence and data mining technologies to rank individuals, academic institutions and programs. Scholars are ranked by their number of publications, their citations, their h-index and their ScholarGPS® Ranks, which includes all three metrics. If you're interested in connecting with Manasvi Lingam, Robert van Woesik and Mirmilad Mirsayar- simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
The Rev. Randall Meissen, LC, Florida Tech’s chaplain and director of the Catholic Campus Ministry and an adjunct faculty member of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, has published a new book chapter, “Contemplating Bats and Bees,” in the academic compendium, “In The Dominicans in the Americas and the Philippines (c. 1500-c. 1820),” edited by David Thomas Orique, Rady Roldán-Figueroa and Cynthia Folquer. The book was published online in August by Routledge. Meissen’s chapter examines the man credited with preserving the only surviving Mayan language texts, Friar Francisco Ximenez, and examples of the influences of Dominican spirituality on natural history. He conducted research in the rare book archives of Guatemala and Spain, and the chapter developed from a presentation Meissen gave at the International Conference on the History of the Order of the Preachers in the Americas several years ago. Ximenez was an 18th century Dominican priest and missionary linguist known for his preservation of the Maya–K’iche’ creation myth the Popol Vuh. He also had a keen interest in the plants and animals of Guatemala during his ministry, Meissen highlights, and recorded observations in his manuscript, “La historia natural del reino de Guatemala.” Meissen’s chapter examines Ximenez’s observations of nature and explores the cultural factors inspiring Ximenez’s research of the region. Those include: “the Dominican tradition of collecting anecdotes about animals as exempla for use in preaching, the expansive highland Mayan vocabulary for naming native organisms, the Mayan religious myths about animals in the Popol Vuh, the practice of using mission churches as spatial reference points and the material need of the Order of Preachers in Guatemala for items such as beeswax,” the abstract reads. Meissen’s research also connects back to the classroom. He is teaching a World Religions course this spring. If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with Father Randall Meissen - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Los Angeles wildfires: Experts address health concerns and evacuation strategies
Major wildfires are once again raging in California, this time in Los Angeles County. According to news reports, they have so far been responsible for two deaths, 1,000 damaged structures and the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents. Experts from the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center can comment on health impacts, evacuation strategies and how to manage pets and animals during disasters. Below are three of the Disaster Research Center core faculty and the topics they can discuss related to the current wildfires: Jennifer Horney, founding director of UD’s epidemiology program: Health impacts of disasters (mental and physical) as well as evacuation. Additionally, exposure to wildfire smoke which increases risk of respiratory infections; the scale of these fires during a very high period for these infectious diseases (flu, RSV, COVID) may also put pressure on public health and health care systems. Tricia Wachtendorf, co-director of the Disaster Research Center and professor of sociology and criminal justice: Disaster donations, social vulnerability and evacuation. Sarah DeYoung, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice: Pets and animals during evacuations.
Georgia Southern cuts ribbon for Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center
Georgia Southern University officials cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, affectionately known as “The Hill,” in a celebration on Dec. 4. At 95,000 square feet, it is the largest event venue space between Savannah and Macon and serves as the signature building on the University’s south campus, fronting Veterans Memorial Parkway (US 301 Bypass). “It’s more than a building; it’s a place of opportunity,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “Inside ‘The Hill,’ our students will learn, our athletes will compete and our community will come together. From classrooms to research labs, from strength and conditioning spaces to media rooms, every inch of this facility is designed with our future in mind.” The exterior of the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, which evokes the image of a soaring eagle’s wings, illustrates the University’s commitment to supporting students as they soar beyond. Inside the center, there is approximately 8,000 square feet of new space for a Waters College of Health Professions sports psychology lab, a satellite research lab, faculty offices, a conference room and classrooms. The community will be afforded space for community activities and access to a new strength and conditioning area for research and other programs. The arena, which will serve as the new home court for Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA basketball games, provides more than 5,500 in seating capacity, a 50% increase over Hanner Fieldhouse. The arena has chairback seats along both sidelines and behind one baseline, and allows future opportunities to add additional programming to the building, such as more premium seating, suites and club areas. “It is an honor to officially welcome all of Eagle Nation to the gorgeous Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center with today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis told the crowd. “We look forward to christening the facility with women’s and men’s basketball games on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. I especially want to thank Gov. Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, Dr. Kyle Marrero, the University leadership and our generous donors for this unprecedented opportunity to elevate the stature of our basketball programs with this outstanding facility that will provide an exciting venue to watch the Eagles soar on the court. Hail Southern!” The center also houses the men’s and women’s basketball program and includes spaces for coaches’ offices, locker rooms, laundry/training room, equipment room, strength and conditioning space, fueling station, media room, visiting team locker room and a media green room. Senior Grace Drawdy, who is a multimedia journalism major, member of the swimming and diving team and president of the Georgia Southern Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is grateful for this contribution. “If I could describe my time here at Georgia Southern, both individually and as a student-athlete, the one word I would use is transformational,” said Drawdy. “Through the opportunities and resources provided to me by Georgia Southern, I have transformed from a young girl who was unsure of her future to a confident woman who is poised for success wherever she may go. I’ve also had the pleasure of watching the University transform while I’ve been here. And what I’m most excited for is the transformation of our athletic training and physical therapy programs. “This space will enhance athletic training and sports psychology for students within the major, but also the student-athletes who access these services every single day. I’m so thankful to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, but I’m even more thankful to be a part of a University that continually helps me grow and be successful as a student, as an athlete, and most importantly, as a person.” The new Hall of Fame for Eagle Athletics is located in the building’s concourse. The seating capacity for the events space is more than 5,900 (including nearly 970 seats on the floor). Event-level space also includes a ticketing office, security command center, a Coca-Cola micro market featuring checkout-free technology, and four dividable classrooms that can convert into additional flexible spaces. Marrero thanked the partners who helped to make this impressive $64.4 million two-story complex a reality. “We express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, with the best legislative delegation in the state of Georgia, led by the Speaker of the House Jon Burns, the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia leadership under Chancellor Sonny Perdue. Your vision and willingness made this project a reality.” He also thanked the University Foundation Board, the Athletic Foundation Board and donors for their generous gifts and unwavering support of such a meaningful addition to the institution. The building is named for Jack Hill (‘66), who was the longest-serving Georgia senator when he died in April 2020. He was a senator for 30 years, serving as chairman of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, which has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving budgeting and spending state and federal funds. With Hill’s support, Georgia Southern reached new heights as an institution serving the southeast region and the state of Georgia. Hill was instrumental in helping the University expand its programs and build several new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering and Research Building, which opened for classes in January 2021. Hill’s wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, focused her life on public education and retired as principal of Reidsville Elementary School. She was a Triple Eagle, earning degrees from Georgia Southern in 1973, 1990 and 1991. “We’re here to celebrate the great legacy of two individuals who made a difference,” Ga. Rep. Jon Burns enthusiastically shared with the audience. “They were both faithful public servants, because they cared more about their neighbors than they did about themselves. That was very clear. This University and this state could not be what it will be and what it is without the contributions and the foresight of people like Jack Hill. What he endowed this University with was an opportunity for a better life, for a better education for all Georgians and all people who wanted to attend this University. His fingerprints are all over this place. We all know that with the buildings, with the opportunities for these students, for these young people, they’re boundless. Because of the foresight and the work of Jack and Ruth in this place, we are privileged to sit here. Today was a dream of Senator Hill.” Marrero also reflected on the outstanding legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill. “As Senator Hill once said, ‘The power of education is the ability to produce knowledge, character and skill in a way that is beneficial to society,’” Marrero shared.” His legacy embodies that ideal. Today is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a look to the future. “The Hill” stands as a symbol of our University’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and community. “So, today, let us cut this ribbon and open the doors to a new era at Georgia Southern,” he concluded. “Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill while building a brighter future for Eagle Nation.” Construction for the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center began in early 2023 and finished late 2024. The program manager for the project is BDR Partners; the architect/engineer is LS3P-AECOM; the site/civil engineer is Hussey, Gay, Bell; the mechanical engineer is Dulohery Weeks; the general contractor is Whiting-Turner. Additional partners are GSFIC and Board of Regents USG. If you're interested in learning more about Georgia Southern University then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
13 Georgia Southern faculty ranked among world’s top 2% of scientists
Thirteen distinguished faculty members from Georgia Southern University were ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists. This list, published annually by Elsevier and Stanford University, recognizes the world’s top scientific researchers. The featured faculty are conducting cutting-edge research in disciplines ranging from glass science to cybercrime prevention. Georgia Southern’s research enterprise has grown tremendously in the last few years, even setting an institutional record for total research expenditures of over $43 million in FY ‘24. Bolstered by an unwavering commitment to discovery, creativity and innovation, the University is on track to achieve R1 status, the highest level of research activity, in the next three to four years. Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D., P.G. is among the faculty recognized and is humbled to be included. He sees his colleagues’ inclusion as indicative of an already prosperous research culture with ample opportunities for growth. “I am incredibly honored and humbled to work alongside some of the best and brightest at Georgia Southern,” said Weindorf. “I’m delighted our diligent efforts have resulted in such esteemed and well-deserved recognition. While I am grateful to be included in this list, I want to thank all those faculty who inspire me every day and continue to push us forward as we strive to elevate our University and the larger community.” The list and bios of the 13 Georgia Southern scientists are included in the attached release below: If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with any of the scientists listed - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.