The faculty, staff and administration at South Georgia State College will honor the graduates on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 5:00 pm through a virtual commencement ceremony. The event will be broadcasted via the Internet. A link will be posted on www.sgsc.edu prior to the event. Eligible associate and bachelor’s degree candidates from summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020 will be recognized.
The virtual ceremony will include many of the elements of a traditional commencement exercise and will feature SGSC’s esteemed faculty and staff. Graduates and their families can expect to have a very meaningful experience. Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, SGSC president, will share highlights from the academic year and congratulate the graduates on conferring their degrees.
“One of the greatest privileges that I have as president of South Georgia State College is to preside over our commencement ceremonies,” said Dr. Thompson-Sellers. “It is always a pleasure to congratulate the graduates as they walk across the stage amidst the cheers of their family and friends. None of us could have foreseen how different this year has been for us on so many levels. However, the South Georgia State College family remains focused and dedicated to creating a rich educational experience for the students, including celebrating their big day in a memorable way.”
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Josh Vickers will provide the keynote address. Dr. Vickers was born and raised in Douglas. After graduating from Citizens Christian Academy in 2004, Dr. Vickers attended South Georgia State College where he received his associate degree before continuing to the University of Georgia. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UGA. From there, he went on to graduate from University of Florida College of Medicine where he also completed his residency. After continuing to the prestigious Emory University Department of Orthopedics in Atlanta, he completed his year-long fellowship training. His most recent move was home to Coffee County. Dr. Vickers joined the medical staff of Coffee Regional Medical Center and began practicing at Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia (OSGA) in Summer of 2018.
He resides in Douglas with a beautiful family; wife, Melissa, and three young sons. When asked why he chose to return to Coffee County, Dr. Vickers replied, “I was away from home for 12 years and when it comes to small town life, I find the saying is true: the more things change, the more they stay the same. That continuity and consistency is something I want to share with my sons. I’m grateful for my upbringing and the life lessons bestowed upon me by my family and church, and I would be proud for my children to say the same. I’m excited to be home, in South Georgia.”
Dr. Thompson-Sellers shares a special pride in knowing many of those who have graduated from South Georgia are now working in the healthcare and public service fields, especially during this unprecedented time. “We are especially grateful to those who are making a difference in the lives of others and honored to know they chose South Georgia State College to begin their educational journey, ” Dr. Thompson-Sellers shared. “Dr. Vickers represents those in the healthcare field who received their start at SGSC and went on to play an important role in our community. We are excited that he chose to come back home.”
A link to a recording of the ceremony will be available on the South Georgia State College website for continuous viewing opportunities.