As we prepare for Southwestern Week and the start of the fall semester, I want to first thank the Americus community for the welcome and subsequent hospitality extended to me as the new president of Georgia Southwestern State University. I am excited to serve this great institution and anticipate developing friendships and forging the partnerships necessary to strengthen the relationship between the campus and the community.
My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement in this new role and as the university prepares for the fall semester, I encourage you to extend the same southern hospitality to our students and their families that has been shown to mine.
On Saturday, Aug. 12, families will converge on the Georgia Southwestern campus to move their sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers into what will become their home away from home. As these students settle into life here on campus, I hope the community will take every opportunity to welcome them and help supplement our efforts to engage these students and enrich their college experience.
Again, thank you for making me feel at home here in Americus, for it truly has become just that — HOME. I look forward to a great start to the semester and hope that I can count on you to support the university as it grows and thrives!

Neal Weaver is president of Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus, Ga.