C arlos Lopez Blackwell of Columbus wants to be the kind of doctor who finds a way to help each and every patient.

His caring nature already hints at an impeccable, future bedside manner.

Lopez is entering the university’s 2026 class as a chemistry major with a premed path. He’s looking for academic toughness, and his high school friends told him Georgia College is the place to be.

“I like the smaller nature of this school. It’s more like family, a family environment,” Lopez said. “I liked how focused it is. Georgia College has always had a good reputation. I like the academic focus this school instills in their students.”

Lopez knows a Physician Assistant (PA) who works with his mother, Regina, a surgical technician. The PA is an alumnus of Georgia College’s premed program and told Lopez he’ll love it here.

His mother also likes Georgia College. She appreciates it’s a place where her son can receive individualized attention and get to know professors one-on-one. Their family visited the university for a science competition when Lopez was in 7th grade. A campus tour earlier this summer reinforced this was the right choice.

“We’ve heard nothing but great things about this school,” Regina said. “Just talking to people—this is the place for us.”

In high school, Lopez played varsity soccer and was involved in multiple activities, like Model UN, the debate team, investment clubs and national honors societies.

At Georgia College, he’ll play club soccer and be part of the Latino Student Association. He wants to transition into college life before joining anything else, but he’s also interested in investment and financial clubs.

“I like to be in group settings, do activities and meet people,” Lopez said. “I’m most looking forward to the rigor of the classes, meeting new people and making friends at Georgia College.”

Lopez already seems at home, sporting a big smile and a Georgia College T-shirt at orientation.

He says he’s ready.

“What I bring to Georgia College, I think, is a sense of determination in my academic studies," Lopez said. "I hope to bring a sense of excellence in all I do.”