By Liz Newlin, senior

T he Graduate School at Georgia College & State University recognizes the outstanding contributions graduate assistants provide in supportive roles to students, faculty, staff and the university while pursuing graduate studies. Established in 2019, the awards showcase celebrates the hard work, dedication and impact of Georgia College graduate students.

The following students have demonstrated excellence in position and good work ethic. Attitude and performance go beyond the job requirements and take on new responsibilities. For example, supervises and/or mentors other student workers and graduate assistants.

Awards are also presented to students who have made important contributions to the faculty member’s research or department’s operation. For example, scholarly achievements such as publications, conference attendance and presentations, program or service-related activities that promote a positive impact at the university or within the community, etc. 

The Graduate School recently awarded six Outstanding Graduate Assistant Awards for AY 2023-2024. Below are the recipient names, majors and location of their GA position. 

Anna Agi, Master of Science in Biology - Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Sara Carr, Master of Music Therapy - College of Education, Maker Space

Candace Gates, post MSN Certificate, Nurse Midwifery - Graduate Nursing, Clinical Placements

Brenna Hendrix, Master of Science in Biology - The Learning Center

John “Jack” Powers, Master of Science in Biology - Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Alexis Vallianatos, Master of Science, Health & Human Performance - Wellness & Recreation

The AY 2023–2024 award recipients—Agi, Carr, Gates, Hendrix, Powers and Vallianatos—represent the highest levels of accomplishment in their respective fields of study. Their dedication, diligence and optimistic outlook have not only improved the scholarly and administrative activities in their departments but have also made a substantial impact on the university community at large.

These students have shown remarkable talents in a variety of ways, such as taking on extra duties, mentoring other students, participating in volunteer projects that benefit the university and the community at large and contributing to faculty research. 

Georgia College's graduate assistants are vital to the institution's operations and prosperity, and we appreciate their accomplishments. The university's purpose of excellence in education, research and service is made possible by their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work. 

By recognizing the specific achievements of these exceptional graduate assistants, we also emphasize our ongoing commitment to cultivating a graduate student-focused culture of quality, support and acknowledgment. In the upcoming years, we anticipate our graduate assistants' ongoing excellence and significant contributions.