Education

Chakira Draine has been appointed interim principal of Mattie Lively Elementary School for the 2025–2026 school year, bringing over a decade of experience in public education and instructional leadership to her new role starting July 1.

In response to a sharp rise in chronic student absenteeism since the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia lawmakers are launching a new legislative study committee to investigate and address the issue statewide.

Congratulations and best wishes to the BBCA Class of 2025. The Grice Connect team is proud of your accomplishments and can't wait to see what you do in the future!

Imagine cities designed to heal. One researcher is working to make that a reality by studying the impact of urban nature on mental health. Oluwaseun Ipede, a graduate student at Georgia Southern, presented his findings on the positive impact of urban green and blue spaces on mental health at the 2025 American Association of Geographers annual meeting.

Shaheim Johnson, a first-generation college student from Brunswick, Georgia, recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in secondary education, fulfilling a lifelong dream with “no regrets.” His journey was marked by personal loss, deep involvement in campus leadership, and a commitment to inspiring future students as he begins his teaching career at Effingham County High School.

Eric Njoroge, a Spring 2025 graduate of Georgia Southern University, is heading to Harvard School of Dental Medicine this fall, a milestone he attributes to the transformative experiences and opportunities he embraced during his undergraduate journey.

For Heather Yuill, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University this spring is both a long-awaited achievement and a meaningful 40th birthday gift to herself — the culmination of a journey marked by perseverance, growth, and a passion for helping others.

As they celebrate the 60th anniversary of their graduation, the Statesboro High School Class of 1965 has raised $33,500 to establish a permanent scholarship at Georgia Southern University, honoring their legacy and supporting future generations. The first recipient, Jack Blackmon, was recently selected.

When Matt Fallin, DMA, first set foot on Georgia Southern’s campus in 1982, he never imagined he’d spend the next four decades helping shape its musical legacy.

Congratulations and best wishes to the SHS Class of 2025. The Grice Connect team is proud of your accomplishments and can't wait to see what you do in the future!