This week, more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in three Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah on Dec. 13, the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on Dec. 16 and the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro on Dec. 17. 

"Graduates, congratulations,” Marrero told the crowd. “Today, we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. We know that the road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. You have every reason to be proud. We are equally as proud to celebrate with you here today."

Commencement speakers included The Home Depot executive Tim Wilkerson (’91), Emmy Award-winning sports anchor Carla Metts (’14) and The Wendy’s Company executive Jaime Weeks (’21, ’24). Each shared reflections on how their Georgia Southern experiences shaped their paths forward.

Wilkerson, who addressed graduates in Savannah, spoke enthusiastically about perseverance, leadership and the lasting value of a Georgia Southern education. A first-generation college graduate, he recalled interviewing with 13 companies as a student and receiving 12 rejections before securing his first opportunity as a manager.

“No one in my family had ever done this before,” Wilkerson said. “So who would I turn to for advice? The legendary Erk Russell. He taught me how to lead. My professors provided me with knowledge and taught me how to solve complex business problems.” 

Now an executive at a Fortune 25 company, Wilkerson emphasized the durability of a Georgia Southern degree.

“Your degree is like a Ford truck,” he said. “It is built to last, and you are built for this next moment in your life. So go get it. Seize the moment. And please, can you do me a favor? When you get in your vehicle, look in the rearview mirror, smile and say, ‘Thank you, Georgia Southern.’”

In Statesboro, Metts, who was captain of the co-ed cheerleading squad, reflected on embracing unexpected paths and the power of relationships formed at Georgia Southern.

“Don't some of the best things happen when you least expect it and in the places that you're not looking?” Metts asked. “Georgia Southern was that place for me — my teammates, my coaches, my professors who became friends.”

She encouraged graduates to start where they are, remain persistent and focus on people as they build their careers.

“Purpose starts with people,” Metts continued. “So many people poured into us here. Now it’s our responsibility to go into the world and do the same.”

Weeks, a Double Eagle, addressed graduates during the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center ceremony, sharing lessons from her nontraditional academic and professional journey.

“Say yes even if you don’t feel like you are ready,” Weeks said. “There were so many times in my career when I was given additional responsibility or opportunities I didn’t necessarily feel prepared for. But nobody is ever ready. Your future — your next great opportunity — may be waiting on the other side of that one.”

She encouraged graduates to trust their resilience and remain open to lifelong learning.

“There is so much beauty in the road less traveled, and Georgia Southern helped me find confidence in that journey,” Weeks said.

For more information on Georgia Southern’s Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies visit: GeorgiaSouthern.edu/commencement.