Faculty Mentor
Micheal Van Wagenen
Location
Russell Union Room 2052
If Other was choses above, please indicate your topic area here:
History
Type of Research
Completed
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Arts & Humanities
Department
History
Abstract
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern first opened its doors as the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School, an institution dedicated to agricultural education and service to the region. Over the decades, the university evolved in mission and scope, adopting new names that reflected its growth: Georgia Normal School, South Georgia Teachers College, Georgia Teachers College, Georgia Southern College, and finally Georgia Southern University.
Across each era and name change, the story of Georgia Southern has been shaped by the remarkable women who helped build, lead, and transform the institution. From women who served their country in wartime to those who broke barriers as the first in their fields, Georgia Southern has long been home to trailblazers whose resilience embodies the “True Blue” spirit.
This exhibit highlights influential women at Georgia Southern University. Each woman featured has made a lasting impact, whether through historic firsts, pioneering scholarship, or contributions so significant that campus buildings now bear their names. True Blue Women have laid a foundation of strength, leadership, and possibility for all who follow at Georgia Southern University.
Program Description
.
DOI
10.20429/GS4.2026.032
Start Date
4-23-2026 3:15 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Kilgo, Jaylee D., "True Blue Women" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 254.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/254
True Blue Women
Russell Union Room 2052
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern first opened its doors as the First District Agricultural and Mechanical School, an institution dedicated to agricultural education and service to the region. Over the decades, the university evolved in mission and scope, adopting new names that reflected its growth: Georgia Normal School, South Georgia Teachers College, Georgia Teachers College, Georgia Southern College, and finally Georgia Southern University.
Across each era and name change, the story of Georgia Southern has been shaped by the remarkable women who helped build, lead, and transform the institution. From women who served their country in wartime to those who broke barriers as the first in their fields, Georgia Southern has long been home to trailblazers whose resilience embodies the “True Blue” spirit.
This exhibit highlights influential women at Georgia Southern University. Each woman featured has made a lasting impact, whether through historic firsts, pioneering scholarship, or contributions so significant that campus buildings now bear their names. True Blue Women have laid a foundation of strength, leadership, and possibility for all who follow at Georgia Southern University.
