Theme: Leaving Your Mark

Join Georgia Southwestern State University for the 2nd annual TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU. Centuries of students and scholars have grown a vast and intertwined network of research and scholarship. The passions and actions that inspire this network are sometimes unseen, unheard, and untamed. But the results are powerful and ever-reaching. At GSW, we provide connection and one of a kind moments every day. And now at TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU 2023, we will explore how these moments have left their marks and flourished into ideas and individuals that have the influence to make great impact.

Georgia Southwestern State University, Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium
800 GSW State University Dr.
Americus, Georgia, 31709
United States

Andrew Greer

Singer/Songwriter, Documentarian, Producer, Author & Television Podcast Host

An eight-time Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter, producer, author and television/podcast host, Andrew Greer’s critically-lauded Tune My Heart and Angel Band recordings have featured collaborations with some of the top names in bluegrass and Gospel music and propelled his recordings to the number one positions on national retail and digital sales charts. Carrying on his affinity for meaningful conversations in a spiritual context, Andrew has authored two books—Transcending Mysteries: Who is God, and What Does He Want From Us? (Thomas Nelson) co-authored with Ginny Owens, and Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth: Spiritual Conversations Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of Rich Mullins (Worthy Publishing). When not on the road, Andrew splits his time between his homes in Columbia, Tennessee and Plains, Georgia.

Chase Burnfin

Certified Public Accountant, EIS Holdings

Chase Burnfin was born and raised in Leesburg, GA. He obtained a BBA in Accounting from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master's in Accounting from Kennesaw State University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2017. He currently serves as an M&A Controller for EIS Holdings, where he focuses on evaluating target companies, integration, and financial reporting. Beyond his professional life, Chase enjoys kayaking, fishing, hunting, traveling, and reading. He believes in the importance of relationships and getting along with others, seeing it as key to personal and professional success. Chase is active in his community, serving on the board of the Albany Chapter of the GSCPA and on the board of the Artesian City Sertoma Club. Chase believes in giving back to the community that helped shape him into who he is today.

Isaiah Dunschee

Record Label Owner

Isaiah was born in Rockville, Maryland and his family moved to Colorado for 3 years with his father in the military. Following his parents' divorce, he found himself in Macon, GA with his mother and sister. After graduating from Westside High School, Isaiah enrolled at Georgia Southwestern State University and began his college journey as a pre-vet major. Through two years of self-discovery, Isaiah was led to change his major and found a new passion in music and leadership. As a student at GSW, he served as a Residential Leader, Big Brother for the Brotherhood hall, Thunder Camp Counselor, Desk Assistant Supervisor and was a music artist on campus in his last two years at GSW. Isaiah now serves as a Customer Service Representative at EagleView, and owns his own record label, 7.1.7 Creations.

Jeremy Wicker

Assistant Director of Greek Life and Leadership, Georgia Southwestern

Jeremy Wicker joined the staff at Georgia Southwestern in the Fall of 2020. Full of passion for young people, Jeremy has spent the last twenty years serving them in various roles as a mentor, coach, camp director, teacher, and minister. Believing that each student’s life holds both great worth and great potential, he tries to encourage and challenge all of the students he encounters. Jeremy holds himself and his students to high standards of hard work, honesty, and humility. Jeremy grew up in Americus and after living away for quite a while is glad to be back home, reuniting with family and friends and making new connections all over the community. Being a local resident, Jeremy loves to help his students find an adopted hometown in Americus. When Jeremy’s not on campus, you can find him couponing, coaching cheer, or spending time with his church.

Robin Humphries

Owner of Phoenix Heart Healing

Robin Humphreys, Founder and CEO of Phoenix Heart Healing, supports moms and women struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem helping them to experience a lasting calm, ease, clarity, and confidence instead. Robin is certified in ShamaSoma, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Compassion Key®, and Kundalini Reiki. Her unique, holistic approach blends hands-on energy healing, meditation, breathwork, movement, and other powerful practices customized to her clients’ needs. Her work touches on all aspects of a client’s experience - physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual - to ensure deep and lasting health and wellness. Robin lives in Americus, GA with her husband, their 4-year-old daughter, and their very large orange cat, Munchkin. When she’s not supporting clients, you’ll find her playing outside, gardening, cooking, dancing, singing, and making music with family and friends.

Tylah Kalukango

GSW Student

Tylah Kalukango is a current full-time student at Georgia Southwestern State University and a 6th grade teacher in Sumter County Schools. Born and raised in the Atlanta area, Tylah graduated early at just 16 years old from Campbell High School in Cobb County. At the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, she was not certain about her choice to begin college, and decided to pursue a tutoring business instead. Tylah Tutors ignited her passion for learning and helped solidify her career choice in education. Tylah recognizes the importance of her work in building student’s academic abilities and social skills, and cherishes the relationships she builds with her students and colleagues. On campus, you can still find her active in many organizations: completing community service and outreach, planning and supporting events for future GSW students in the College of Education, tutoring in the GSW Writing Center, and being an active member of the Mu Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

Zoe Willis

GSW Student

Zoe Willis is a full-time student and softball player at Georgia Southwestern State University. A native of Pine Mountain, GA, Zoe is majoring in psychology with a minor in biology and has plans of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. She is a second baseman and pitcher on the Lady Canes softball team, serves as a GSW Marshal and President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Zoe is certainly leaving her mark on campus and the record books. During her softball career at GSW, she has racked up both athletic and academic recognitions, including being named Division II National Player the Year, Division II Conference Commissioners Association Southeast Region Player of the Year, Ron Lenz Player of the Year, and the PBC Player of the Year - a first for the GSW Softball Program.