History & Geography, Department of

By Cindy O'Donnell Just in time for ‘All Soul’s Day’ and the Hispanic ‘Day of the Dead’ — a time of year when the departed are remembered — two Georgia College & State University history students completed research on more than 3,700 patients who died at Central State Hospital.Junior history majors Alex Gray and Evelyn Evans of Monroe, Georgia, signed up for the internships at Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center in Milledgeville to fulfill GC Journeys requirements.But they walked...

Senior geography major Chris Garrett is getting paid to map fire hydrants and water meters for the City of Gainesville Department of Water Resources this summer. He’s geotagging water infrastructure, updating maps and helping the department conduct an Environmental Protection Agency study of Gainesville water pipes.“If there’s a leak, something breaks or a sinkhole collapses, it’s easier to look on a map that’s updated and know everything that’s going on,” Garrett said. “It makes it...

By recent GCSU alumnus Cale Strickland, '24When Dr. Doug Oetter came to Georgia College & State University to work as a physical geographer and teach geographic methods, the university did not have a dedicated geography department.That all changed in 2010, when–with just three professors–Georgia College started its geography bachelor’s program.Oetter’s childhood fascination with maps led him to the discipline.“When we were on family vacation, even though I was the youngest of four...

To say that Kevin Morris, ’17, is globally connected is an understatement.  As a Fulbright Scholar in North Macedonia and a Marshall Scholar, Morris obtained two master’s degrees in London. With so many accolades and assignments in international relations, Morris has been busy abroad since he was a student at Georgia College & State University. Also, as one of two individuals selected as Honors College Young Alumni of the Year, he recently spoke with John E. Sallstrom Honors College...

Junior Axel Hawkins has been named a 2023 Newman Civic Fellow due to her outstanding leadership at Georgia College & State University and in the Milledgeville community. The McDonough resident is majoring in history with a minor in political science. “I feel truly honored to be recognized for my commitment to public service. Of course,” Hawkins said, “I don’t take on the work I do for the recognition. You go into public service knowing it’s often a thankless job.” “But I’m very glad...

Twelve Georgia College & State University students got a close-up of the cultures in Italy and Greece this summer. They experienced new places, tastes and broadened their thinking by learning how local food is produced and processed. The students returned with skills they can use, and a new understanding of how foods help define culture.  “I structured the program to allow students to interact with local people, so they could get a truer picture of the culture and traditions of the...

The Georgia College & State University history professors behind The Georgia BBQ Trail website have veered off the beaten path to explore the stories of two restauranteurs who challenge the stereotype of the southern barbecue pitmaster. “Keepers of the Flame Fan the Flames of Change: A Digital Oral History Project on Georgia Women in Barbecue” is a series of documentary films from historians Craig Pascoe and James “Trae” Welborn. The first two films in the series profile Jenica Gilmore...

Daniel Brown ’11, has come a long way since earning his GED.  A first-generation, nontraditional college student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Georgia College & State University (GCSU). He’s always been fascinated by buildings and architecture, owing to his studies and work in construction and plant operations at GCSU. Daniel’s the chief building official of building and fire safety for Macon-Bibb County through his company, SAFEbuilt. At Safebuilt—a 30-year-old...