The Pulse

I am writing this on St. Valentine’s Day, so happy Valentine’s Day. But you are also likely aware February is Heart Health Month, and we have had the mobile unit out in the community doing cardio-vascular screenings for our citizens in Milly. With Homecoming arriving next week, we hope to see some of you return to GCSU for the weekend. On Friday, the nursing skills lab and movement lab will be open for tours, and we should have the new mobile health unit on site for you to tour if you would like to see it in action.

We continue to see positive numbers for both exercise science and nursing projected for the coming fall term and nursing may end up being the most selected major at Georgia College!! With that, we are preparing to add some faculty where we are able. In addition, we hope to have some exciting news about our simulation and translational research center soon as well.

Dr. Angela Queen is our College of Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award winner this year and she will be recognized next week as well. If you see her, congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. Also, Dr. Keisha Callins, a member of our Leadership Board has been selected by the Governor to serve on the Georgia Maternal and Infant Health Advisory Commission. This issue also highlights the work of Dr. Ernie Kaninjing from public health and his screening and awareness program related to prevention of prostate cancer.

As always, when in Milly, please stop in and say hello. We love to see alumni and friends of the college when they have time to pay a visit.

Yours truly,

Will

Congratulations to Medical Association of Georgia member Dr. Keisha Callins! Dr. Callins has been appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to serve on the Georgia Maternal and Infant Health Advisory Commission.

The commission will focus on making policy recommendations on perinatal care, establishing quality and effectiveness measures and providing public access to its records. Dr. Callins' dedication to improving maternal and infant health will make a lasting impact on families across Georgia. Thank you, Dr. Callins, for your leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare in our state!

Read more about Dr. Keisha Callins here.

Dr. Callins is pictured in pink below.

Don Reese, a barber and prostate cancer survivor, highlights the critical need for awareness and screening for prostate cancer, especially among black men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with early detection improving treatment outcomes. Men are urged to discuss family history and symptoms with their doctors, understand screening methods and prepare questions for consultations. Personal stories emphasize resilience and the importance of seeking information.

The Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) mission is to optimize prostate cancer diagnosis experiences, treatment and survivorship by developing feasible, innovative and sustainable interventions to reduce prostate cancer disparities in Black men globally.

Thank you to GCSU's public health professor, Ernest Kaninjing, on his dedication to raising awareness and creating spaces for these important discussions.

For more information, click here.

Georgia College & State University’s online master’s programs were ranked among the top 100 in the country, and among the top five in Georgia, in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, released Jan. 21.

The university’s master’s degree in nursing ranked No. 1 in Georgia and tied for No. 17 in the country, among both public and private institutions.

Read the complete article here.

Dr. Angela Queen was awarded the Provost Summer Grant Fellowship for Summer 2025. Her research interest focuses on issues related to mental health. During her time, she will complete her research on opioid overdose education and naloxone administration for BSN students.

She is also preparing an additional study focusing on COVID-19 fears among college students. She expects that the summer grant will allow her the time to focus on preparing her research for publication.

You're invited to join us for Homecoming 2025! This year's theme is Thunder's Safari Adventure, a celebration of all things safari. Homecoming festivities kick-off on Monday, Feb. 17. From cheering on the Bobcats to announcing the Homecoming Court, there will be a lot of fun and exciting activities for all ages to participate in.

Homecoming 2025 Information

Registration