Welcome back, Statesboro! We hope you're enjoying this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, whether you're spending it in reflection, service, or simply catching your breath after the first full week of spring semester. Today we honor Dr. King's legacy of justice, service, and unity while looking ahead to what's shaping up to be a pivotal week in our community.
Between basketball battles, new business leadership, city planning meetings, and the conclusion of MLK Week celebrations, there's plenty happening. Let's dive in.
🙏 Honoring Dr. King's Legacy Today
Today, Monday, January 19, marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City offices and Statesboro Regional Public Libraries are closed in observance of the federal holiday. Georgia Southern University has no classes today, and administrative offices are closed.
If you attended Saturday's MLK Parade downtown or yesterday's parades in Savannah and Swainsboro with Georgia Southern participants, you witnessed our community coming together to celebrate Dr. King's enduring impact. This week brings the final MLK celebrations at Georgia Southern, including Wednesday's "Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History" performance and Friday's MLK Day of Service. More details below in the Georgia Southern section.
📰 Top News
Georgia Southern Officially Consolidates with East Georgia State College
The new year brought a historic change: effective January 1, 2026, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College officially merged into a single institution. East Georgia's campuses in Swainsboro, Statesboro (Zettero
wer Avenue), and Augusta are now known as Georgia Southern University - East Georgia campuses.
The consolidation, approved by the Board of Regents in December following SACSCOC accreditation approval, represents months of planning by 150+ faculty, staff, and administrators across 17 action teams who completed 497 tasks to ensure seamless integration. The East Georgia campuses will maintain their open access mission, providing multiple entry points for students while expanding pathways and academic support.
President Kyle Marrero announced he will host a town hall on the East Georgia campus in Swainsboro later this month to share updates and answer questions. The University System of Georgia now has 25 institutions (down from 26), continuing the system's consolidation initiative focused on efficiency while maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and service.
New Leadership at Abshire Public Relations
Beginning January 2026, Shannon Phillips has assumed ownership of Abshire Public Relations (APR), marking a thoughtful leadership succession for the Statesboro-based firm. The transition represents the next chapter for a company that's been integral to local business communications and public relations throughout Bulloch County and beyond. Phillips brings continuity and fresh vision to APR as it enters this new era.
Statesboro Jaycees Open 2026 with New Leadership
The Statesboro Jaycees kicked off the new year with the induction of their 2026 officer slate and an ambitious look ahead. Discussion at their first meeting centered on upcoming community service projects, fundraising events, and goals focused on rebuilding and growing the chapter. The Jaycees, known for developing leadership skills in young people ages 18-40, continue their mission of creating positive change in Statesboro and Bulloch County.
Kiwanis Rodeo Earns National Recognition
The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro has reason to celebrate: their rodeo was nominated for two prestigious awards by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA). The event is a finalist for Best New IPRA Rodeo and Best Indoor Rodeo. The recognition highlights the club's commitment to bringing quality entertainment to Statesboro while raising funds for community service projects, including the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.
Career Center Opens Downtown Tomorrow
REMINDER: Tomorrow, January 20, the Georgia Department of Labor's Statesboro Career Center officially opens at its new downtown location, 127 North Main Street, Suite 103. The move puts employment services, career counseling, and unemployment assistance right in the heart of downtown's revitalization zone, providing better accessibility and modern facilities for job seekers throughout Bulloch County.
🦅 Georgia Southern Updates
Men's Basketball Split Last Week, Home Games This Week
The Eagles men's basketball team (13-6 overall, 5-2 Sun Belt) split last week's home games, delivering both triumph and heartbreak at Hanner Fieldhouse. Thursday's 87-84 victory over Old Dominion on Recharge Night showcased the team's resilience, but Friday afternoon's 79-75 loss to Coastal Carolina on Youth Day/First Responders Day stung.
Senior Spudd Webb continues his stellar season as the Sun Belt's leading scorer. The Eagles remain 8-0 at home this season (not counting Friday's loss, which adjusts the home record), demonstrating why Hanner Fieldhouse is one of the toughest places to play in the conference.
This week brings TWO more home games:
Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM: Georgia Southern vs. Arkansas State (Retro Night) Friday, January 24 at 3:00 PM: Georgia Southern vs. Troy (Mardi Gras Day)
Come support your Eagles as they battle for Sun Belt Conference positioning. Tickets available at GSEagles.com.
MLK Week Concludes with Performance and Service
Georgia Southern's extensive MLK Week programming continues this week with two final signature events:
Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 AM: "Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History" performance at the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro campus. This celebration highlights the achievements and contributions of Black women throughout history.
Friday, January 23 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM: MLK Day of Service. Georgia Southern students will participate in service projects at Willow Hill School in Portal and East Side Savannah United, reinforcing Dr. King's commitment to service and community engagement. All community members are welcome to participate.
The week's theme, "Remember the Dream: Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Achievement," has brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members across all campuses to reflect on King's vision for justice and unity.
Women's Basketball Continues Conference Play
The Eagles women's basketball team continues Sun Belt Conference action with road and home matchups throughout January. Check GSEagles.com for the complete schedule and live stats.
📅 This Week's Events (Jan 19-25)
🏛️ Government Meetings
Monday, January 19 (TODAY)
City offices and libraries CLOSED for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 20
Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Meeting | 8:30 AM | Board of Commissioners Room, North Main Annex
Statesboro City Council Work Session | 3:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers, 50 East Main Street
Statesboro City Council Meeting | 5:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers
Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Commission | 5:30 PM | Board of Commissioners Room, North Main Annex
📚 Library Programs
All programs FREE at Statesboro Regional Library unless noted. Call (912) 764-1341 for details.
Tuesday, January 20
Baby Time | 10:00 AM | Ages 0-24 months
Graphic Novel Book Club | 4:30 PM | Ages 6-11
"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 PM (continues every Tuesday/Thursday through April 30)
Wednesday, January 21
Toddler Time | 10:30 AM | Ages 2-5
Thursday, January 22
"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 PM
Friday, January 23
Cribbage Club | 1:30 PM | Ages 18+
Saturday, January 24
Statesboro Stitches (Crochet & Knitting Club) | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sunday, January 26
Family Craft Activity | 4:00 PM | All ages
🏛️ Community Events
Monday, January 19 (TODAY)
Table Games | 3:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | For more info call Haley McNure at (912) 225-7204
Tuesday, January 20
Coffee and Cheesecake Social | 3:30 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane
Mill Creek Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) | 6:00 PM | Ole Times Country Buffet, Northside Drive East | Dinner at 6 PM, meeting at 6:30 PM | New officers will be installed and chapter plans for America's 250th birthday celebration will be discussed
Wednesday, January 21
"Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History" | 10:30 AM | Georgia Southern Performing Arts Center | FREE
Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks & Recreation Presentation | 2:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building
Thursday, January 22
Georgia Southern Men's Basketball vs. Arkansas State | 7:00 PM | Hanner Fieldhouse | Retro Night
Friday, January 23
Georgia Southern MLK Day of Service | 11:00 AM-5:00 PM | Willow Hill School (Portal) and East Side Savannah United | Open to community participation
Saturday, January 24
Georgia Southern Men's Basketball vs. Troy | 3:00 PM | Hanner Fieldhouse | Mardi Gras Day
👀 Looking Ahead
Late January Events
Monday, January 27
January Birthday Celebration | 3:30 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building
Medicare Workshop | 5:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library
Wednesday, January 29
Virtual Dementia Tour | 4:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building | RSVP required (space limited) | Call Regina Bell at (912) 531-4437
Adult Book Club | 6:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+
Friday, January 31
Southern Women Brunch & Basketball 2026 | Bull & Barrel Steakhouse | Celebrate women's basketball and community
Mark Your Calendar
Spring Semester Reminders:
March 16-21: Spring Break (residence halls remain open, administrative offices open)
March 23: Early registration for Fall 2026 begins
April 3: Last day to withdraw without academic penalty
May 10: Residence halls close for non-graduating students
February Preview: Georgia Southern basketball continues with conference matchups throughout the month. Stay tuned for details on Black History Month events across campus and community celebrations.
See you next Monday, Statesboro. Enjoy the holiday, cheer on your Eagles, and find your answer to Dr. King's question. 🦅
Statesboro Brief is your weekly community newsletter covering Statesboro and Bulloch County, Georgia. Edition 15 | January 19, 2026