News and Updates

SGSC annual commencement exercises announced

Graduation marks an important transition in an individual’s life, a symbol that one chapter has ended and another is beginning. This symbolism will soon be represented as South Georgia State College hosts its annual commencement ceremonies. The Douglas Campus ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 7 at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of Peterson Hall. The Waycross Campus ceremony will be held Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Gymnasium.

Dr. Dennis Blanton, South Georgia College Alumnus (’78), will deliver the Douglas Campus commencement address. He received his Doctorate in 2012 from the University of Virginia. Blanton is an archaeologist with broad experience focused on Northeastern America with extended visits to Virginia, Georgia, and Illinois. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Anthropology at James Madison University. Other notable work includes archeological research near Jacksonville, Ga.  

Also during the Douglas ceremony, seven retired South Georgia faculty/administrators will be awarded with Emeriti status.  Emeriti recipients will include Ms. Peggy S. Clemons, Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing; Ms. Wanda E. Lloyd, Vice President for Business Affairs Emerita; Dr. Lori A. Seward, Professor Emerita of Speech and Theatre; Mr. Scott Sims, Assistant Professor Emeritus of Health and Physical Education, Head Baseball Coach Emeritus; Dr. Leonard Steverson, Associate Professor Emeritus of Sociology; Dr. Douglas Tarver, Chair Emeritus of the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and Professor Emeritus of Health, and Physical Education and Recreation; and Dr. George B. Wingblade, Director Emeritus of Physical Plant and Assistant Professor Emeritus of Business.

Dr. Scott C. Thigpen, Dean of Nursing at South Georgia State College, will serve as the graduation speaker at the Waycross ceremony. Dr. Thigpen began his career in the medical field as a male attendant in 1981 before receiving his RN in 1985 from the former South Georgia College and an Associate of Arts in 1987 from the former Waycross College. He earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and his Masters of Science degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Valdosta State University and most recently received his Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2010 from the former Medical College of Georgia.  Dr. Thigpen has been an instructor of nursing at South Georgia State College since 1991 and became Dean of Nursing in July 2013. Dr. Thigpen continues to work part-time at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross.

West College Park Drive on the Douglas Campus will be closed May 7 from 7 a.m. until noon due to the Douglas Campus ceremony. The public is invited to attend both ceremonies.