Andrew College News

Cuthbert, GA. – November 4, 2025 — Andrew College was awarded a Vibrant Communities Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Department of Economic Development team specialized in empowering arts and culture, for fiscal year 2026. The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a variety of arts programming throughout the state, including murals, artist residencies and performances in schools, community theater productions, festivals, and concerts.

As part of this year’s Vibrant Communities awards, 55 entities in 41 counties will receive $230,000 in funding.

“Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to support arts programming across the state that expands educational opportunities for students, attracts tourists who support small businesses, and cultivates vibrant communities,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “These grants are vital in areas of the state that do not have local arts organizations, and help communities harness the long-term benefits of the arts and improve quality of life for residents.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from schools, libraries, cities, historical societies, community theaters, Boys & Girls Clubs, and arts and other related organizations. In an effort to support projects across the state, Vibrant Communities Grants were awarded to entities in counties in which no organization had already received Georgia Council for the Arts funding for the fiscal year 2026 grants cycle.

“We’re grateful to the Georgia Council for the Arts for recognizing the creative spirit that thrives here in Cuthbert,” said Dr. William R. Kennedy, President of Andrew College. “This grant will help us expand opportunities for students and the community to engage with the arts through new exhibits, performances, and outreach events. The arts are essential to our mission and our region’s vitality, and continued support from the state allows us to keep that energy growing right here in rural southwest Georgia.”

Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.

About Andrew College

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

About Georgia Council for the Arts

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences, and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve our cultural heritage, and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences. Visit gaarts.org for more information.

About GDEcD

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast. Visit georgia.org for more information.

Photo Details: An artist paints a vibrant town view during the 2024 Arts ‘Round the Square Festival, held in downtown Cuthbert. The annual event showcases regional artists, live demonstrations, and local vendors celebrating creativity and community.

Cuthbert, GA — October 27, 2025 — Andrew College Theatre will present the award-winning comedy The 39 Steps (Abridged) on November 13 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. A special school matinee will be held on Friday, November 14 at 11 a.m.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of zany British humor, and you have The 39 Steps – a fast-paced whodunit for the stage. Four Andrew College actors will bring to life 35 comic characters in a production that features spies, missing fingers, handcuffs, an on-stage plane crash, and a touch of old-fashioned romance.

Making their Andrew College stage debuts are Ava Davis (Conyers, GA), Zaid Hassan (Snellville, GA), Breanna Schmitz (Belleview, FL), and Terry Tyson III (Cuthbert, GA).

This production is an associate entry in Region 4 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). The show will receive a regional respondent and nominations to the regional festival in February.

Admission is free, and all performances will take place in the Old Main Theatre, located on the second floor of 501 College Street. An elevator is available to the left of the ground-floor entrance.

School groups wishing to reserve seats for the matinee may contact A.C.T. Director Deborah Liss-Green at 229-732-5968 or via email at deborahlissgreen@andrewcollege.edu.

About Andrew College
Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

Photo Details: Flyer for Andrew College Theatre’s production of The 39 Steps (Abridged).

Cuthbert, GA — October 15, 2025 — Andrew College will host the Fall 2025 Meeting of the Georgia Medieval Group on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The meeting is a one-day conference lasting from 11am to 5pm, and will include papers on medieval topics given by regional faculty in English, History, and The Humanities.

The Georgia Medieval Group was founded in 2006 as a regional forum for medieval studies in Georgia. The Group holds its rotating meetings at a Georgia College or University every semester in the Spring and Fall. This Fall is the first time the conference has come to Andrew College.

The conference is free and open to the public, as well as to the faculty, staff, and students of Andrew College. The Program runs from 11:00 am to 4:45 pm in Room 104 of the Staples Building, and includes refreshments.

For additional information, please contact Jonathan Sapp at (336)-816-1188 or jonathansapp@andrewcollege.edu.

About Andrew College

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

Cuthbert, GA — October 7, 2025 — The Andrew College Board of Trustees has approved a contract extension for President William R. “Rusty” Kennedy through June 2029, Board Chair George Flowers announced today.

With this extension, Dr. Kennedy, who became president in June 2023, will continue to lead Andrew College into the next chapter of growth and transformation. His leadership has already guided the institution through record-setting enrollment, expansion of academic programs, and unprecedented momentum in athletics and student life.

“Dr. Kennedy has brought new energy and vision to Andrew College,” said Flowers. “The Board of Trustees has full confidence in his leadership and believes strongly in his ability to position Andrew as a thriving institution for years to come. His focus on academic quality, enrollment growth, athletics expansion, and financial stewardship is setting the foundation for the College’s future success.”

Highlights from Kennedy’s presidency to date include:

• Enrollment Growth: Headcount has grown from 247 in Fall 2022 to 602 in Fall 2025, the highest in Andrew College’s 171-year history.
• Academic Expansion: The addition of nine new bachelor’s degree programs, including Agri-business, Healthcare Management, and Behavioral Health Education.
• Athletics Development: Launch of six new athletic teams, including football, men’s wrestling, cheerleading, women’s flag football, and women’s wrestling, strengthening both enrollment and campus life.
• Campus Investment: Significant progress on facilities upgrades, including residence capacity expansion, Hord Athletic Complex renovations, and on-going Old Main improvements.
• Community and Mission Alignment: Strengthened partnerships with United Methodist institutions and reaffirmed Andrew’s identity as a faith-based college serving southwest Georgia and beyond.

Dr. Kennedy expressed gratitude for the extension. “It is a great honor to serve as president of Andrew College,” he said. “The progress we’ve made in just two years is a credit to our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and trustees. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant institution that is transforming lives and preparing students for service, leadership, and success. I am deeply grateful for the Board’s confidence and look forward to continuing this important work.”

Since his appointment in 2023, Kennedy has overseen a period of institutional renewal and momentum. Under his leadership, Andrew College has developed and implemented a new five year strategic plan, achieved sustained enrollment growth, expanded its residential capacity, and secured significant philanthropic and grant support. The College has also advanced its national profile by joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Southern States Athletic Conference, positioning its athletic programs for long-term success.

Dr. Kennedy brings to Andrew College more than twenty five years of experience in higher education spanning executive leadership, academics, enrollment management, student life, and athletics. He has emphasized transparency, accountability, and innovation in every aspect of institutional operations.

The western Arkansas native began his career in education as a women’s basketball coach at several higher educational institutions across the southwest. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, a Master of Science from Southern Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands.

About Andrew College

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

Photo Details: (1) President Kennedy at Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. (2) President Kennedy speaks to a group of students at Preview Day.

Cuthbert, GA — September 30, 2025 — Andrew College has been granted membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), making the Fighting Tigers eligible for postseason competition beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. The NAIA Council of Presidents approved Andrew College’s application during its annual fall meeting on Sunday,
September 28.

To earn NAIA membership, institutions must demonstrate financial stability, sports sponsorship, institutional accreditation, and a strong commitment to character-driven athletics. Additional criteria include enrollment strength, retention rates, athletics facilities, and overall financial commitment to intercollegiate sports. Since 2020, the NAIA has added 27 new members, including seven institutions transitioning from the NCAA.

Andrew College was also accepted into the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) in June 2025 and will begin competing in that league in Fall 2026.

“Andrew College is honored to be approved as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Dr. William “Rusty” Kennedy, President of Andrew College. “This is more than a change in athletic affiliation; it is a strategic step that supports our broader goals of growth, excellence, and mission-driven education. NAIA membership positions Andrew to thrive competitively, academically, and spiritually, while offering a framework that strengthens both institutional and student success. The values and vision of the NAIA align with who we are and where we are going, and we are proud to bring our own vitality and commitment to character-driven athletics to the association. As a former NAIA student-athlete, I am especially excited that our students will now share in the same opportunities for growth and purpose that shaped my own journey.”

Andrew College’s approval as an NAIA member continues a period of remarkable momentum for the 171-year-old institution, which has seen record enrollment growth, the launch of new
athletic programs, and significant investments in campus life since 2023.

About Andrew College
Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in scholarships, and compete in 29 national championships.

Photo detail:  Pictured below is the Jinks Gymnasium located on the campus of Andrew College.  Permission to print is granted.

Cuthbert, Ga. –Andrew College held its 171st Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ruth Tarrer & G. Clyde Jinks, Sr. Physical Education Complex. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and reflection, marked the official opening of the academic year with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members in attendance.

Dr. Calandra Lockhart, Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcomed guests to the program, followed by an invocation led by Rev. Allen Carmichael, Andrew College Chaplain.

Special greetings were offered by:

• Dr. William R. Kennedy, President of Andrew College
• Steve Whatley ’74, Board Member, Board of Trustees
• Deborah Liss-Green, Associate Professor of Theatre
• Jazmyn Lang, President of the Student Government Association

The program featured the presentation of academic and athletic recognition by President Kennedy. Two Andrew College students were presented with the John H. Woodall Enhanced Learning Award. The 2025 recipients of the prestigious awards are Alexander Daniel-Maxwell of Decatur, Georgia, and Hanna Wills of Fortson, Georgia.

The ceremony also included the singing of The Lord’s Prayer and the beloved Andrew College Alma Mater, written in 1922 by alumna Hattie Branch Sibley, led by Vice-President of Development, Fran Raines.

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Rev. Allen Carmichael, who encouraged students to embrace Andrew College’s mission of servant leadership, faith, and finding their purpose.

Photos: Hanna Wills of Fortson, Georgia, and Alexander Daniel-Maxwell of Decatur, Georgia, receive the 2025 John H. Woodall Enhanced Learning Award from Andrew College President, Dr. William R. Kennedy.  

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Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

Andrew College Sets All-Time Enrollment Record with 602 Students in Fall 2025

CUTHBERT, GA (August 28, 2025)-Andrew College has welcomed a record 602 students this fall, marking the highest enrollment in its 171-year history. The milestone represents remarkable growth for the Cuthbert, Georgia, Methodist institution, which has more than doubled its student body in just three years.

Enrollment has risen from 247 in the fall of 2022 to 496 in 2024, and now stands at 602 in 2025, a 144% increase since 2022 and a 21% jump from the previous year.

The fall 2025 student body represents students from 30 different states, while 63% of students come from Georgia, highlighting the college’s dual role as both a regional anchor and a destination for students from across the nation. On-campus housing has also grown to meet demand, with a 24% increase in residential students compared to last fall.

The surge in enrollment coincides with a period of renewal under the leadership of President Dr. William “Rusty” Kennedy, who assumed office in 2023. Since then, Andrew College has launched nine new bachelor’s degree programs and added six athletic teams, strengthening its academic and co-curricular offerings while broadening access for students across the region.

“This growth is a reflection of the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, and a sign of confidence in Andrew College’s mission,” said Dr. Kennedy. “We are proud to build on Andrew’s legacy while preparing for an even brighter future.”

Andrew College continues to uphold its Methodist roots while expanding opportunities for students in Southwest Georgia and beyond. The record enrollment demonstrates both the institution’s resilience and the momentum of its new direction.

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About Andrew College

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor’s, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

New members join Andrew College Board of Trustees

Cuthbert, Ga. – The Andrew College Board of Trustees will welcome three new members at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Nikki Bryant is a 1999 Andrew alumna and a graduate of Mercer University College of Pharmacy. She owns an independent pharmacy and rural health clinic in Preston and an independent pharmacy in Cuthbert. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. Nikki has been recognized by the National Community Pharmacy Association, Mercer University, the Georgia Pharmacy Association, the Georgia Department of Community Health, Andrew College, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Pharmacy Times Magazine, and Georgia Trend and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her achievements throughout her career.

Juli Morgan Fields is a 1991 Andrew alumna and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Non-Profit and Organizational Leadership. Juli brings 25 years of experience working in higher education: 22 years with the University of Georgia and 3 years with the Tech College System of Georgia in the area of alumni relations and fundraising. In February 2021, she joined the Truist Foundations and Endowments Specialty Practice as a Client Manager and Education Segment Leader, servicing 30-plus education-focused clients. Juli also serves on the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Friends Board.

Christina “Tina” Folsom, esq., is a familiar face, as she previously served on the Andrew College board from 2013-2016. Tina has served as a member of the in-house legal team for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) since 2022. She has worked in education law for 24 years, including 16 years as a PAGE network attorney. Tina received her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from Mercer University. She also holds a master’s in higher education administration from Florida State University. She is a leader in her Valdosta/Lowndes County community, serving on several boards of directors for various organizations.

Andrew College Board Chairman George Flowers stated, “We are excited to announce and welcome this new group to the Andrew College Board of Trustees. Each brings a wealth of passion and talent that will serve Andrew well in the years ahead. We are indeed grateful for their willingness to serve.”

Pictured Top – Bottom: Dr. Nikki Adams Bryant, Juli Morgan Fields, Christina Folsom, Esq.

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Established in 1854, Andrew College is related to The United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Situated in the rural southwest Georgia community of Cuthbert, Andrew College offers Associate of Art, Associate of Nursing, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees. Its mission is to prepare students for lives of servant leadership and purpose through higher education that is relevant to its region and beyond.

CUTHBERT, GA –Andrew College is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2,000 Sport Opportunity Grant from the NJCAA Foundation to support the launch of its new Women’s Wrestling program. Competition is scheduled to begin in 2025-2026, with the hiring of Tristan Bundy as the inaugural Head Women’s Wrestling Coach.

The addition of Women’s Wrestling marks an exciting expansion of athletic opportunities at Andrew College, furthering the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, servant leadership, and student success. The NJCAA Foundation’s grant funding will assist in the program’s development and growth during its crucial first year.

“We are honored to receive this support from the NJCAA Foundation,” said Dr. William R. Kennedy, President of Andrew College. “At Andrew, we believe opportunity transforms lives. By launching Women’s Wrestling, we are investing in the dreams and futures of young women across our region who want to compete, learn, and lead. This program reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to higher education through the power of athletics, and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Tristan Bundy to lead this important initiative.”

Coach Bundy brings energy, expertise, and a passion for empowering student-athletes to Andrew College as the founding head coach of the Women’s Wrestling team. Recruitment efforts are already underway to build a competitive and inspiring inaugural roster for 2025-2026.

“The NJCAA Foundation is excited to further support the growth of NJCAA member colleges and the sport programs they offer through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant,” said Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “The ability to provide this funding is a testament to the importance and growth of two-year collegiate athletics. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to this initiative’s impact as NJCAA member colleges continue to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country.”

 Andrew College’s Women’s Wrestling program will complement a growing lineup of athletic offerings, reinforcing the College’s strategic goal of expanding enrollment, promoting leadership development, and strengthening student engagement through athletics. As the only institution in Georgia to offer Women’s Wrestling at the two-year college level, Andrew College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence in Southwest Georgia and beyond.

About Andrew College

Established in 1854, Andrew College is related to The United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Situated in the rural southwest Georgia community of Cuthbert, Andrew College offers the Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science and Certificates.

About the NJCAA Foundation

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges, and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives, and community service.

CUTHBERT, GA. – Andrew College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Adam Redhead as Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Redhead possesses 20 years of expertise in higher education, specializing in curriculum development, faculty management, and agricultural research at the College. He possesses a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Biology, a Master of Philosophy in Soil Science from the University of the West Indies, a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal and Food Science from West Virginia University, and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Sustainability from Cumbria.

Dr. Redhead served as Project Manager at NC State University, Postdoctoral Research Associate at USDA-ARS, Assistant Professor of Agribusiness, and Area Coordinator for Math, Science, Business, and Education at Andrew College. His extensive academic and research background has established him as an innovative leader dedicated to academic excellence, ongoing development, and interdisciplinary strategic partnerships.

Dr. Redhead will oversee academic operations, faculty matters, student concerns, and efforts for retention and graduation at Andrew College. He will endeavor to realize the College’s strategic objectives for 2024-2029, which include enhancing data-driven initiatives, broadening four-year degree offerings, and augmenting enrollment.

“I am thrilled to join Andrew College at this critical juncture in its history,” declared Dr. Adam Redhead. “In alignment with the 2024-2029 strategic objectives, we are dedicated to data-informed decisions that enhance student success, broaden our four-year program, and augment enrollment.” These initiatives aim to provide each student with the necessary resources, support, and information for academic, professional, and emotional success. I anticipate collaborating with the exceptional educators and personnel of Andrew College to ensure the institution’s sustained prominence as a leader in academic quality and community involvement in Southwest Georgia and beyond.

As Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Redhead will guarantee that the College’s academic offerings are pertinent, challenging, and aligned with industry standards. He will implement strategies to enhance student retention by providing support throughout their academic journeys.

Andrew College is enthusiastic about advancing its academic, student, and community impact objectives following Dr. Redhead’s appointment. He anticipates spearheading these projects and collaborating with academics, staff, and students to achieve the College’s strategic purpose.

About Andrew College

Established in 1854, Andrew College is related to The United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Situated in the rural southwest Georgia community of Cuthbert, Andrew College offers the Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science and Certificates.