Hinesville, GA, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Several students from Hinesville and surrounding areas have achieved remarkable academic accomplishments across various universities. Institutions such as the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Goodwin University, and the University of North Georgia celebrated these individuals for their commitment, with many earning places on prestigious honor rolls. This acknowledgment showcases the dedication and hard work of local students, highlighting their significant contributions to academic excellence.
Local Students Recognized for Academic Excellence Across Various Universities in Spring 2025
Hinesville, GA – Several local students have achieved outstanding academic feats during the Spring 2025 semester, reflecting their dedication and commitment to excellence. Institutions such as the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Goodwin University, and the University of North Georgia recognize students for their exceptional performance, with many achieving spots on prestigious lists including the President’s List and the Dean’s List.
Outstanding Achievements by Local Students
At the University of South Carolina Beaufort, three students earned a place on the President’s List for their remarkable academic performance. Taniyah Bowman from Hinesville, Cheryle Milton from Midway, and Jada Young from Ludowici all showcased their commitment to academic excellence.
From Goodwin University, Hunter Harrell of Ludowici was celebrated for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA among 321 students, thereby earning a spot on the President’s List.
Furthermore, Melody Tompkins from Ludowici recently graduated with an Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University during the graduation ceremony held on July 18, 2025.
Graduates and Honors from Regional Universities
The University of North Georgia awarded over 400 degrees and certificates for Summer 2025, including Jayce Ortiz Lopez of Hinesville, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0, allowing him to make it to the President’s Honor Roll.
Beajan Setayesh from Ludowici was recognized on Troy University’s Chancellor’s List for the summer semester, while Micah Wells of Ludowici made the Chancellor’s List at Western Carolina University with a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
For Spring 2025, Breanna Finif from Midway was also acknowledged on the President’s Honor Roll at the University of North Georgia for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Other notable mentions include Taylor Holt from Hinesville, who achieved a 4.0 GPA at Jacksonville State University, as well as Elena Hazard of Fort Stewart, who made the President’s List at Union University.
Recognitions from Additional Institutions
Southern New Hampshire University also acknowledged students for the Spring 2025 semester, including Harley Keefer, Aerin Dunston, Keyon Dunston, Krista Payne, Latanya Ray, and Veronica McBride, all from Midway and Ludowici.
Additionally, Catalina Kennedy from Hinesville earned a place on the Dean’s List at Drury University with a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Guerchon Desir from Ludowici graduated with a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from the University of Maryland Global Campus while also making the President’s List for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Tarell Smith from Hinesville also completed a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the same university.
The College of Coastal Georgia recognized several high-achieving students on their President’s List for the Summer 2024 semester. Local residents included Abbie Mason, Jack Anderson, and Natasha Merchant-Taylor from Hinesville.
As for Georgia Southern University, around 3,550 students were acknowledged for the Fall 2023 Dean’s List, and approximately 2,280 for the Spring 2024 President’s List, with local students like Shanale Shamberger, Sofia Jenkins, Aleticia Tooley, Brooke Anderson, and Samantha Bennett receiving honors.
Conclusion
The achievements of these local students reflect their hard work and determination across various educational institutions, contributing to a proud academic tradition in Hinesville and surrounding areas.
FAQ Section
What is the President’s List?
The President’s List honors students who achieve a high GPA, typically a perfect 4.0, during a semester or academic term.
Which local universities recognized students in Spring 2025?
Local universities including the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Goodwin University, the University of North Georgia, and Troy University recognized students for academic excellence.
What achievements did students from Hinesville receive?
Students from Hinesville received recognition for maintaining high GPAs, graduating with honors, and being included in various academic honors lists.
Key Features Summary
| Student Name | Institution | Achievement | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taniyah Bowman | University of South Carolina Beaufort | President’s List | Not specified |
| Hunter Harrell | Goodwin University | President’s List | 4.0 |
| Jayce Ortiz Lopez | University of North Georgia | Magna Cum Laude | 4.0 |
| Breanna Finif | University of North Georgia | President’s Honor Roll | 4.0 |
| Guerchon Desir | University of Maryland Global Campus | President’s List | 4.0 |
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University of South Carolina Beaufort Achieves NCAA Membership
USCB Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
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Additional Resources
- Coastal Courier: College Briefs
- Wikipedia: Academic Achievement
- Coastal Courier: Coastal Georgia Summer Honors
- Google Search: Recent Academic Achievements
- Coastal Courier: Georgia Southern Fall Dean’s List
- Google Scholar: Academic Excellence in Universities
- Coastal Courier: Academic Achievements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Honors
- Coastal Courier: College Honors
- Google News: Students on Honor Roll
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

