Philip Szmedra, Ph.D., and Cecilia Maldonado, Ph.D., have been named the inaugural Comer Faculty Scholar Award recipients for School of Business Administration faculty at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). 

Szmedra, a professor of economics, received the Jane and Larry Comer Faculty Scholar Award, generously funded by Jane and Larry Comer. Maldonado, an associate professor of marketing, received the Larry Comer Faculty Scholar Award, which was funded anonymously in honor of Larry Comer. Both awards come with a $9,000 stipend distributed evenly over three years.

Szmedra’s tenure at GSW began in 2001. He earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Georgia.

“I am grateful for the recognition this award confers,” Szmedra said. “But much more importantly I am thankful that individuals like Jane and Larry Comer are willing to support educational excellence in a most concrete way. Building an educational system that produces graduates with the tools to successfully compete in the market requires talented, inspired and dedicated faculty. The creation of this award demonstrates a willingness by enlightened members of a community to recognize those in education who have those traits. At the same time, the award affirms the work being done by everyone in higher education to create a vibrant future for the citizens of Georgia. My thanks go to Dean Elizabeth Wilson, my colleagues and to Jane and Larry Comer.”

Maldonado joined the Georgia Southwestern faculty in 2007. She earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the Monterrey Institute of Science and Technology in Mexico, a Master of Science in marketing from Texas A & M and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Texas, Pan American.

“For me it's an honor and a real privilege to receive this award. I’ll keep trying to improve my research, my teaching and my service to our community,” said Maldonado. “This award motivates me to become better, personally and professionally.”

The Comer Scholar Awards were created to aid the GSW School of Business Administration in cultivated growth and excellence and to attract and retain faculty. The funds are given through the GSW Foundation. Larry and Jane Comer are former longtime residents of Americus who support education and entrepreneurial success. Now retired, Larry Comer, founded both Metalux Lighting, Inc. and Caravelle Power Boats.

For the duration of their awards, Szmedra and Maldonado will be identified as the Jane and Larry Comer Faculty Scholar and the Comer Faculty Scholar, respectively, in all publications and presentations.

“Both Dr. Maldonado and Dr. Szmedra are very deserving of this honor,” said Liz Wilson, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business. “Dr. Szmedra’s work in the economics of health care and disease prevention has far-reaching effects beyond the School of Business and Georgia Southwestern State University. Dr. Maldonado’s tireless work to lead the School of Business Assurance of Learning mandate continues to ensure that we offer quality, measurable learning outcomes to our students and employers and that we maintain accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).”

The School of Business Administration is AACSB-accredited and is located in the Business, History and Political Science Building. For more information about the program, visit www.gsw.edu.