Recent Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) graduate Boone Prince of Cairo leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service and academic excellence – and steps confidently into a promising future in healthcare. A December 2025 graduate with a degree in exercise science, Boone participated in one of GSW’s pre-professional pathway programs and has been accepted into the occupational therapy program at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where he will begin classes in May 2026.

Boone credits Georgia Southwestern with preparing him exceptionally well for this next chapter. “The exercise science major here at GSW was perfect for getting me ready for the field of occupational therapy,” he said. “The program taught me so much about my future career and did an amazing job preparing me for graduate school. The professors truly care about us as students. They want us to succeed and achieve our goals. The guidance and support I’ve received is truly something special.”

The rigor of the exercise science curriculum, particularly the anatomy coursework, provided a strong foundation for the advanced clinical training Boone will pursue as an occupational therapist. Just as impactful was the mentorship he received from faculty, who helped him explore graduate programs, career pathways and areas of therapy best aligned with his strengths and interests.

Drawn to GSW initially by its “family feel,” Boone says that sense of community remained constant throughout his time on campus. The entire GSW community has supported him not only to achieve success as a student but also to grow as an individual who can lead and serve the community around him.

Boone fully embraced campus life and leadership opportunities at GSW. He was a member of the prestigious President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program (PJCLP), selected for his strong academics, leadership and commitment to service. His involvement spanned numerous organizations, including leadership roles in Sigma Chi Fraternity, the Student Government Association, Storm Spotters and the Exercise Science Club. Among his favorite roles were serving as a GSW Marshal and participating in the First-Year Experience program.

His impact on campus was widely recognized as he was voted Mr. GSW for 2024–2025 and received multiple honors, including the 2025 Leadership in Exercise Science Award, the 2025 Outstanding University Pride Award, and 2025 Storm Spotter of the Year. He achieved these accomplishments while graduating a semester early with magna cum laude honors and working part time throughout his college career, both on campus and in the therapy department at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

Service played a defining role in Boone’s GSW experience. One of his most meaningful opportunities came through a PJCLP service trip to Kentucky, where he helped build homes for families affected by a devastating tornado. Locally, he participated in monthly food distributions, community clean-ups and Night to Shine – an event especially close to his heart – where he has served as a buddy to individuals with special needs for three consecutive years.

Through his campus and community involvement, Boone built lasting relationships and a strong professional network. He formed lifelong friendships through Sigma Chi and PJCLP and received pivotal support from staff, advisors and mentors across campus. Inspired by the support he received, Boone chose to give back by helping new students transition to college life through the First-Year Experience program.

At GSW’s Gold Force Gala in January 2025, Boone served as the featured student speaker representing scholarship recipients, where he met the CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. He was also selected to attend the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ Scholarship Gala as the student representative, where he met the president of Wellstar Medical College of Georgia. These meaningful connections led to graduate school recommendations and opened doors for future employment.

When reflecting on the individuals who influenced his journey the most, Boone spoke with gratitude about the exercise science faculty and the mentors he found through the many campus organizations he was involved in. He expressed deep gratitude for Luke Ellis in Admissions and Courtney Ellis in First-Year Experience, whom he credits as role models both personally and professionally. Upon graduation, Boone honored them by presenting his Presidential Challenge Coin, a silver coin given to students and passed on at graduation to someone who made a significant impact on their college experience.

The confidence, compassion and leadership skills Boone developed at GSW have prepared him to excel in graduate school and beyond. With an impressive record of accomplishments, a strong work ethic, a heart for service, and a clear commitment to helping others through healthcare, Boone Prince stands as a powerful example of the excellence and impact found at Georgia Southwestern State University.