Alumni

Welcome Biology alumni! Our department has really grown. We currently serve approximately 1200 majors and have 60 faculty and 7 staff members. Our Biological Sciences Building (Statesboro), which opened for business during the summer of 2013, is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility, with a special emphasis on sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.

Georgia Southern University’s 40 under 40 Award

This honor, given out by the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association, recognizes young alumni that are leading the way in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. The forty are chosen based on their professional expertise and achievements, as well as dedication to charitable and community initiatives.

Dr. Teneisha Jordan ’13 was selected as part of the 40 under 40 class of 2022. Dr. Jordan, a Family Medicine Physician for the United States Army, received her B.S. in Biology (with minors in Chemistry and Military Science) from Georgia Southern University in 2013, and her M.D. from Morehouse University in 2018.

The COSM Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Series

This program recognizes alumni/ae who have made a significant contribution to human or institutional progress in which a situation, institution, or movement has been materially changed for the better because of that individual’s participation. This award recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni/ae whose personal life, professional accomplishments, and community service best exemplify the mission of Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Louvenia A. Rainge ‘83 was selected as the honoree for the inaugural College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Series. Dr. Rainge graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors in Biology in 1983. She is a highly accomplished dentist who practices in Augusta, GA, and has served as the 152nd president of the Georgia Dental Association, the association’s first female African American president. Dr. Rainge is recognized as a leader in her profession and is known for her commitment to making care more accessible for all Georgia citizens. She has won multiple awards and recognitions for her professional accomplishments and for the impact she has made through outreach initiatives.

The College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) invites members of our Georgia Southern University community (students, staff and faculty) to join them on September 16, 2022 from 2:45-4:00 p.m. at the Ogeechee Theater (Armstrong) to recognize her achievements in “A Celebration of Excellence in Leadership: The Journey & Creating New Paths.” You can learn more about the event honoring Dr. Rainge here.

The Distinguished Biology Alumnus Program

The Department of Biology was the first department at Georgia Southern University to develop a program of recognition for its graduates. It all began in 1968 with Dr. Jim Oliver. Awardees come to campus, give a seminar, receive a small honorarium, and socialize with the Biology faculty and students. Recent recipients include:

2017	Mr. Nick Wiley Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2015	Ms. Susan Finger U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center Topic: “Integrating biological sciences into the broader scientific community”
2013	Dr. Jimmy Wedincamp East Georgia State College Topic: “Micro-arthropods Collected from Coal Fired Gas Vents Near the Centralia Mine Fire in Pennsylvania, USA”
2011	Dr. Joel Hutcheson USDA National Centers for Animal Health Topic: “From Screwworm Maggots to Cattle Fever Ticks”
2010	J. Clifford Waldrep, Ph. D. Senior Investigator, Bio-Defense Regulated Laboratory, US Army Medical Research, Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID); Office of Regulated Studies; Frederick, MD Topic: “Biological Science and Challenges for the 21st Century”	B. S. 1975
2009	Guy D. Foulkes, M. D. Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellow in Hand and Microvascular Surgery Macon Orthopaedic and Hand Center, Macon, GA Topic: “Evolution and Adaptation of the Human Hand”	B.S. 1984
2008	Charlene R. (Hudson) Jackson, Ph.D. Lead Scientist, Microbiology Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Athens, GA Topic: “The top ten worst jobs in science:  my career at #2”	B.S. 1990 M.S. 1992

As always, we in Biology welcome your visit and would love to hear from you. Please let us know what you are doing in your life after Southern.

Last updated: 9/16/2022