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GSU unveils custom-designed blue regalia
Georgia Southern’s graduates
Georgia Southern’s graduates will have new regalia to wear just in time for the spring commencement. Photo provided

Georgia Southern University’s future commencement ceremonies will be more True Blue than ever as graduates cross the stage in newly designed custom commencement regalia.

For the first time in the university’s history, graduates participating in commencement ceremonies will now wear custom-designed blue regalia. Each gown features embroidered University seals on the front, with slight variations of design elements for master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree levels.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, functionality played a crucial role in the regalia redesign process. The newly unveiled regalia now features a pocket, seamlessly blending tradition with practicality, allowing graduates to carry essential items during commencement ceremonies.

The regalia worn by faculty and graduates serves as a symbolic representation of the university’s values, traditions and academic excellence. The new regalia reflects Georgia Southern’s distinctive brand, colors and academic symbols, creating a visual identity that resonates with the University’s rich heritage.

A collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff and alumni shaped the redesign process. A dedicated working group facilitated discussions and gathered valuable input from various stakeholders to ensure that the regalia truly represents the diverse perspectives and traditions of the Georgia Southern community. Before finalizing the design, feedback was also collected through focus groups, further emphasizing the inclusive and participatory nature of this transformative initiative.

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Bond denied for Parker, Fowler
Parker bond hearing
Long County Commissioner Robert Parker sits in a Long County courtroom in front of a magistrate judge during a first appearance. His bond was denied.

Former Long County Chairman and current commissioner Robert Parker made a first appearance Friday afternoon in a Long County courtroom.   

Bryan County Magistrate Judge Carolyn Shervette-Montgomery denied Parker bond upon request of the Long County Sheriff’s Office and state Assistant Attorney General, Prosecution Division, Micheal Tabarrok, due to Parker being a flight risk.

Parker’s attorney, Jason Clark of Brunswick, attempted to argue Paker was not a flight risk due to his being aware of the investigation for the past five months.

Parker is charged with three counts of theft by taking, one count of violation of oath of office, one count of aggravated assault, and a violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act (RICO). Fowler, a business owner who has done work for the county, is charged with two counts of theft by taking.

Parker and Tony Fowler were arrested Thursday and booked into Tattnall County Jail. Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles had requested the GBI investigate the county commission office several months ago.

“It was brought to my attention that were large amounts of money being paid out to some contractors. I requested the GBI come in and do an investigation,” Nobles said.

A shocking revelation came out during the hearing about Parker’s aggravated assault charge, which stems from Parker allegedly placing a gun into the mouth of a county employee.

Nobles said the investigation is not finished and did not know if any more arrests would be made.

“I have full confidence that all involved, if there is anyone else, will be held accountable,” he said. “But it doesn’t happen overnight. It didn’t get this way overnight. It’s not going to be solved overnight.”

Parker, who had been Ludowici police chief before stepping down in January 2024, represents District 5 on the Long County Board of Commissioners. He previously served as chairman of the commission.

“I’d like to thank the people of Long County for bearing with us through this burdensome time,” Sheriff Nobles said. “This investigation has taken a few weeks and I thank everyone for being patient with that.

“We are working together to bring the integrity back to the commissioners’ office as it should be so we can have confidence from the people in the county.”

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