The Georgia Southwestern Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) convened its semi-annual Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, November 7, announcing the re-election of seven current members and the election of three new members to its 45-member board.

Re-elected members include Sam Adams, Billy King (’81), Beth Ragan, Herschel Smith, Scott Westbrook, Leon Holloway (’73), and Everett Byrd (’68, ’78). Newly elected members include Sandra D. Daniel (’74, ’76), James E. Peel (’80), and Jackson R. Autry (’72). The board, nominated and elected by peers, provides external oversight to the Foundation's operations, supporting its mission to enhance higher education at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

Following the recent retirement of Magnolia Manor President Mark Todd, Todd resigned from the Foundation board, leaving a strong legacy of service and dedication with the Foundation.

Meet the New Trustees

• Dr. Sandra Daniel is a distinguished GSW alumna and retired faculty member, having served as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. With an ASN and BSN from GSW, an MSN from Valdosta State University, and a Ph.D. in Nursing from Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Daniel has a lifelong commitment to nursing education. Recently, she was honored as the GSW Canes Community Champion in 2023. Dr. Daniel and her husband, Arthur, reside in Americus, Georgia, and have two sons.

• James “Jimmy” E. Peel brings over a decade of leadership experience as a GSW Alumni Association Board member. A GSW graduate with a Business Administration degree (1980), Jimmy has been an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity since 1972. He resides in Griffin, Georgia, with his wife, Marianne, and they have a daughter.

• Jackson “Rusty” Autry is a retired sales manager for Bayer Ag and a proud alumnus of GSW, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Residing in Tifton, Georgia, with his wife, Pamela, Rusty is committed to supporting the university that set the foundation for his career. Together, they have two children.

The Georgia Southwestern Foundation manages funds and assets for the University, promoting educational advancement in the state of Georgia, with a focus on GSW’s continued development. Trustees play a crucial role in furthering the Foundation’s mission, ensuring strong governance and sustainable support for the University.

Following the Board of Trustees meeting, the Foundation hosted a dinner at the historic Carnegie Library for trustees and their guests, celebrating the shared commitment to GSW’s growth and success.