Local students in the over 500 incoming freshmen who begin classes at Georgia Southwestern

AMERICUS, GA (09/23/2025)– On Wednesday, August 13, over 520 incoming freshmen began classes at Georgia Southwestern State University, including the following local students:

• Nathan Mccain of Loganville, GA
• Shiloh Murphy of Loganville, GA
• Kailee Smith of Social Circle, GA

First-year students were officially welcomed to the University community at the Freshman Convocation held Tuesday, August 12. Each student was given a silver Presidential Challenge Coin by GSW President Dr. Michelle Johnston to signify the beginning of their college journey at Georgia Southwestern. Upon graduation, they will receive a gold coin in its place, bestowing the silver coin to someone who made a signigicant impact on them during their time at Georgia Southwestern.

Georgia Southwestern State University, located in Americus, Ga., is a public, four-year unit of the University System of Georgia with approximately 4,000 students. Georgia Southwestern offers outstanding professional programs of study as well as degrees in the arts, humanities, sciences and graduate programs in business, computer science, education, and nursing. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southwestern is recognized as one of the best value colleges in the nation. Visit www.gsw.edu for more information.