STATESBORO — In a Friday morning email to students, faculty and staff, Georgia Southern announced its pick for vice president for student affairs.

Shay Little, Ph.D, former special assistant to the president and vice president of student affairs at Kent State University, will take up her new post on June 1. 

According to the email addressed to the campus community, Little was at Kent State since 2012, spent 15 years prior to that at the University of Georgia in various leadership and administrative roles. She began her career at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, spending three years there.

“Little’s outstanding track record of progressive leadership experience and commitment to student success made her a consensus favorite throughout the interview process,” said GS President Kyle Marrero. 

In his email, Marrero thanked the co-chairs of the selection committee, Scot Lingrell, Ph.D, vice president for enrollment management, and Takeshia Brown, director of the office of multicultural affairs for their help during the hiring process.

Marrero also thanked Melanie Miller, Ed.D, for her leadership as interim vice president during the past year.

“[Miller] has done an incredible job leading the division through budget reductions, several scenarios that have challenged our community, and now the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marrero.

Miller will return to her role as associate vice president for student affairs.

“In the face of many challenges and great uncertainty, we remain committed to providing a welcoming environment where our students are provided the services and support they need to succeed at Georgia Southern and beyond,” said Marrero. “I am confident that [Little] will play an integral role in ensuring that priority continues while also being ever mindful of the increasing responsibility we have to meet the needs of a diverse student body.”

Andy Cole, Managing Editor for News Coverage, bc14713@georgiasouthern.edu