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by Chelsea Collins

Director of Marketing and Communications

Department of University Relations

It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and the Americus community for the past seven years as the institution’s 11th President. After careful consideration and reflection, I’ve accepted the Presidential role at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. While my wife, Kristi, and I look forward to the new opportunities before us, we’re also saddened to leave behind a community we’ve grown to love and has been our primary focus the last seven years.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who welcomed our family to this incredibly special place. During our time here, we have witnessed the unwavering dedication of GSW’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and community members coming together to create a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such talented individuals and witness the passion and commitment to higher education that permeates throughout this institution.

Together, we’ve faced challenges and achieved numerous milestones, while staying focused on GSW’s core values and never wavering from our commitment to the transformative power of education.

Having worked on five different campuses, I can honestly say that GSW’s culture and community are unparalleled. It’s the personal qualities of community that make this place truly special. Your resilience, determination, and dedication to student success have been evident in every challenge we’ve faced. Our achievements are a testament to our shared belief, commitment, and investment of time, energy, and resources. While we may not have everything we need, we have everything we need.

I’m incredibly proud of the successes we’ve achieved together. GSW is in an excellent position, and I believe this means its best days are yet to come. The next few years could be the most exciting and energetic in the university’s history. When you look back at this last seven years, I hope it’s remembered as “the launching pad” – the start of an amazing journey.

As I transition to my new role, I leave with a sense of pride in all we have accomplished together. I have tremendous confidence in the bright future of GSW, and I will continue to support and advocate for its success in any way possible.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for their support, collaboration and friendship. My time here has been unforgettable and has transformed me both personally and professionally. Each corner of the GSW campus holds memories I will cherish forever, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as the 11th President of Georgia Southwestern State University.

Sincerely,

Dr. Neal Weaver