EGSC News

The Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus will hold its Spring Commencement Ceremony Thursday, May 14, at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the gymnasium on the campus in Swainsboro, Georgia. The student reflection speaker will be Janiyah Smith, and the commencement speaker will be Representative Butch Parrish. Family and friends of the graduates and community members are all invited to attend the event.

The reflection speaker, Janiyah Smith, is a proud native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a graduating member of the Class of 2026 at the East Georgia Campus. During her time in Swainsboro, she has been deeply involved on campus as a Student Ambassador, a member of Student Life, a former Student Government Association Senator, and a dedicated student-athlete on the women’s basketball team. Through these roles, she has demonstrated leadership, service, and a strong commitment to her campus community.

Raised by a strong and resilient single mother alongside five siblings, Janiyah learned early on the values of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. Her journey reflects the unwavering support of her family and her drive to create opportunities not only for herself but for those who will follow in her footsteps.

As she transitions to Georgia Southern University, she will continue her academic journey majoring in biomedical sciences, with aspirations of attending Emory University School of Medicine. Her goal is to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in either neurology or cardiology, where she hopes to make a lasting impact by saving lives and advancing healthcare. With a passion for service, a heart for helping others, and a determination to succeed, Janiyah is ready to spread her wings, soar higher, and turn her dreams into reality.

Our commencement speaker is “Butch” Parrish, a dedicated public servant and proud native of Swainsboro, Georgia.

A graduate of Swainsboro High School, Representative Parrish went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia, where he also served as president of his senior class in pharmacy school. His commitment to leadership and service began early and has remained a constant throughout his career.

He has been deeply involved in his community, serving as past president of both the Swainsboro Exchange Club and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving three terms on the Swainsboro City Council.

At the state level, Representative Parrish has made a lasting impact. He served two terms on the board of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, including one year as chairman. His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including being named Emanuel County’s Person of the Year in 2020 and receiving Legislator of the Year recognitions from several organizations, including the Georgia Rural Health Association, the Georgia Public Health Association, and the Georgia Hospital Association. He has also been recognized as a Family Medicine Legislative Champion by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.

Currently serving his 21st term in the Georgia House of Representatives, he represents House District 158, which includes Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, and Treutlen counties, as well as portions of Bulloch County. He plays a key leadership role as Chairman of the Rules Committee and the Special Committee on Healthcare, and serves on several additional committees focused on appropriations, health, economic development, and community well-being.

For more information about the ceremony, visit https://www.ega.edu/current-students/graduation/index.html