Graduate Stories

She didn’t give up: Nontraditional nursing graduate finds purpose, perseverance, community at Georgia Southern

When Melissa Miles crosses the commencement stage this December, she won’t just celebrate the end of a rigorous academic journey, she will honor herself by accomplishing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

There’s no place like home: Bulloch County native builds future locally

Madison Buford was born and raised just a stone’s throw away from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro campus. As she watched the University and the city grow, she knew exactly where she wanted to go to college.

Lifelong learning is the case he’ll never close: University Police investigator becomes Double Eagle

Georgia native, University Police Department Investigator and, now, Double Eagle — Heiko Ellis will cross the commencement stage this December with a Master of Science in criminal justice and criminology, embodying his personal commitment to continuous learning.

From art school to engineering: Graduate’s innovative path at Georgia Southern University

Isabella Mashack’s journey to earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Southern University was not straightforward.

It’s Never Too Late: Georgia Southern graduate rewrites her family’s story at 49

The married mother of two began her college education after high school but early motherhood changed her course, forcing her to put her studies on hold.

Mechanical engineering graduate student ready for takeoff 

Cole Hayne’s love of planes has taken him to some pretty impressive heights during his time at Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern MBA graduate designs her own future

Esther Chukwujekwu is pairing her passion for dressmaking with an MBA to take her business to the next level.

Dual undergraduate social science major merges passion and professional interests while carving path for law school

Genevieve Morea says that passion and profession go hand in hand.

Pursuing a dream below the surface: Alejandra Daniel dives into biology

When Alejandra Daniel crosses the graduation stage with her master’s in biology, she will be one step closer to a childhood dream some said was impossible.

Georgia Southern graduate ready to lead dual-language learners 

Kyndal Harp has been running to her school desk every day since the first day of kindergarten. But it wasn’t because she was late, nor was she trying to beat the bell; she just couldn’t wait to start learning.