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Its a first for GSU at the Capitol
0214 GSU at Gold Dome
Georgia Southern alumnus and deputy director for the Governors Office of Planning and Budget Trip Addison, left, Georgia Southern President Brooks A. Keel, Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Southern alumnus and chief of staff for Gov. Deal Chris Riley pose for a photo while Freedom spreads his wings during Georgia Southern Day at the Capitol. - photo by Photo provided

State lawmakers got a formal introduction to Georgia Southern University last Thursday when university officials went to Atlanta for the first Georgia Southern Day at the Capitol.


The day included appearances by Georgia Southern’s bald eagle Freedom, mascot GUS and the Georgia Southern cheerleaders, as well as a breakfast provided by Eagle Dining Services, a showcase of the university’s ROTC, nursing and STEM education programs, Herty Advanced Materials Development Center and more. Georgia Southern University President Brooks A. Keel began his address on the House of Representatives floor by playing a video of the Eagles’ 26-20 football victory over the University of Florida Gators last November.


“Any time we can take a moment and thank our elected officials for the support they provide to higher education we most certainly try to do so,” said Keel. “We enjoyed talking with legislators about the great things happening at Georgia Southern, and we hope they learned a little something about our wonderful university as well.”


Representatives from the university’s academic, research, athletics and student organizations were also on hand to speak with legislators about the specific achievements of their areas within Georgia Southern University.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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