Georgia Southern’s Beth McGee honored as GATFACS Postsecondary Professional of the Year

Beth McGee, Ph.D., associate professor and assistant chair in the School of Human Ecology, has been named the 2026 Postsecondary Professional of the Year by the Georgia Association of Teachers of Family & Consumer Sciences (GATFACS). This award recognizes her transformative impact in Career Technical Education (CTE) and her success in connecting academic study with community needs.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from my peers in GATFACS,” said McGee. “Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) provides a vital foundation for students to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. At Georgia Southern, we strive to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact, and this award is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our entire department.” 

During her time as the interior design program coordinator, McGee helped double the program’s size to more than 300 students while maintaining top-tier accreditation. She also led the 2025 launch of a new interdisciplinary major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education to address the regional shortage of middle and high school teachers.

Trent Davis, Ph.D., interim chair of the School of Human Ecology, praised McGee’s dedication, noting that her work aligns with national high-quality CTE frameworks. 

“In both of Dr. McGee’s roles as assistant chair and program coordinator for interior design, she consistently exemplifies excellence through her contributions to program quality, innovation and leadership,” said Davis. “Her work has had a profound effect on students, educators and the broader community.” 

The GATFACS Postsecondary Professional of the Year award honors educators who drive innovation and show an unwavering commitment to advancing CTE within their institutions.