News and Updates

South Georgia State College Announces 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

South Georgia State College (SGSC) is pleased to announce its annual commencement ceremonies honoring graduates from summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026.

The Douglas Campus ceremony will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8:30 am on the Peterson Hall front lawn. The Waycross Campus ceremonies will be held Friday, May 15, 2026. The first ceremony will be at 8:30 am, and the second at 12:00 noon, both in the Waycross Campus Gymnasium.

A livestream of each event will be available for those unable to attend to share in the celebration. A link to the livestream will be found on www.sgsc.edu close to the date of the ceremonies.

Dr. Morris Leis will provide the commencement address on the Douglas Campus. Dr. Leis is Superintendent of Coffee County Schools in Douglas, Georgia, a role he has held since 2011. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, he is recognized for advancing student achievement, strengthening organizational culture, and building strong community partnerships.

During his tenure, Coffee County Schools has implemented multiple strategic plans focused on continuous improvement. Dr. Leis led the district’s transition to a Georgia Charter System, guided three successful Cognia accreditation cycles, and oversaw major capital projects, including the construction of new schools and facility modernization.

He has served on the Governing Board of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the Governor’s Superintendent Advisory Council, and the Georgia School Superintendents Association Board of Directors, where he received the President’s Award.

Dr. Leis earned his Doctor of Education and Specialist of Education degrees from Argosy University, a Master of Education from Valdosta State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Erin Harvey will provide the commencement address at 8:30 am on the Waycross Campus. Dr. Harvey was born in Waycross to her mother, Juanita, and her father, the late Lawrence “Larry” Ethridge. She attended schools in Ware County and graduated with honors from Ware County High School in 2003.

Following high school, Dr. Harvey enrolled at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama, where she played collegiate basketball. In 2005, she earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She then continued her education at Alabama State University, where she was a member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College and played basketball. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Committed to advancing her knowledge and leadership in education, Dr. Harvey earned a master’s degree in Postsecondary Education from Troy University and later completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Valdosta State University.

Dr. Harvey began her career in education in Ware County in 2009. Over the course of 17 years, she has taught a wide range of students across multiple grade levels and subject areas, including middle school English Language Arts, science, and social studies. She has also worked extensively with diverse learners, including students with disabilities and gifted students, demonstrating her commitment to meeting the needs of all learners. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has coached various sports, including high school basketball as well as middle school soccer, basketball, and volleyball.

Currently, Dr. Harvey serves as the Assistant Principal at Waresboro Elementary School, where she continues to demonstrate her dedication to student success, educational leadership, and community impact. Dr. Harvey is the proud wife of Terence Harvey and a devoted mother of three.

Dr. Damon Barrett will provide the commencement address at 12:00 noon on the Waycross Campus. Dr. Barrett currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Memorial Satilla Health, a role he assumed in September 2025.

Prior to this position, Dr. Barrett served as Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida JFK Hospital beginning in March 2023, where he played a key role in advancing operational initiatives and capital improvement projects that enhanced both the patient and college experience.

Dr. Barrett began his career as a physical therapist and joined HCA Healthcare in 2014 as Director of Rehabilitation Services at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. Since then, he has held progressive leadership roles within the organization.

He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Business Administration from Chadron State College, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of San Diego. Dr. Barrett is also a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

Originally from Australia, Dr. Barrett now calls Waycross home and is proud to serve the community alongside his wife, Megan, and their two children, Brinley and Miles.

For questions about SGSC’s commencement ceremonies, please contact Ms. Ame Wilkerson at ame.wilkerson@sgsc.edu or Ms. Laura Dubberly at laura.dubberly@sgsc.edu. Please note West College Park Drive on the Douglas campus will be closed the morning of the ceremony.

Dr. Morris Leis, Dr. Erin Harvey, and Dr. Damon Barrett will be the speakers for SGSC Commencement Ceremonies on the Douglas and Waycross Campuses.