Senior kinesiology major Kaitlyn Shepherd, a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, was among the students honored during the University System of Georgia’s Academic Recognition Day on Tuesday, April 25. Each year, the USG Board of Regents honors one student from each of the system’s 26 public colleges and universities for their outstanding academic achievement. Each student best represents the system’s highest scholastic ideals, as selected by their individual institutions. These students have a high GPA, strive for excellence and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise.

Of course, Shepherd’s studies are a prominent part of her Columbus State experience and award recognition, as evidenced by her 4.0 grade point average and her studies in the Honors College. 

“In the Honors College, I have been able to get a lot of direct experience in my field. I recently presented my thesis and through this experience I was able to work closely with important research and people in the field. If I wasn't a part of the Honors Program, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity, and I am very grateful,” the 2020 Veterans High School alumna said.

In addition to her studies, Shepherd was also chosen for this award for her outstanding commitment to the broader CSU community. As a participant in CSU’s Undergraduate Servant Leadership Program, Shepherd has accumulated over 400 hours of community service at various community institutions in Columbus, including the Ronald McDonald House, Mercy Med, Truth Springs Academy, Open Door Community House, Hope Harbour, and more. 

“I started my volunteer work as a freshman just to meet requirements for the Servant Leadership program. Over time the program really inspired me and taught me a lot about serving people in need, and about leading with a heart of service,” Shepherd commented. “I really believe that spreading love and compassion is so vital in today’s world.”

This devotion to service and community involvement is also deeply rooted in Shepherd’s personal faith. In addition to her community service with secular organizations, Shepherd has also been active in student-led, faith-based organizations, including Young Life Ministries, Second Story, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and others.

“I think that having faith-based organizations on campus is really important for the student population,” she said. “They help connect students to a community of like-minded people and an environment to grow your community and your faith. You can really find life-long relationships through these organizations and experiences, and having that support can really make a difference in hard times.”

Along with her community and faith-based service, Shepherd also serves the campus community as a member of the Honoris Causa Society, in addition to her role as a Presidential Envoy based in the Office of Alumni Engagement. Together, those have provided her an invaluable perspective and a way to build community that she encourages other students to pursue.

“I chose CSU for my undergraduate experience because the university had so many opportunities to offer. The best advice I would give to other students would be to get involved on campus and not be afraid to meet new people,” she advises. “Getting hands-on experience and finding people that invest in you is invaluable, it really makes your time at college more worthwhile.”

As she readies for graduation this May, Shepherd is planning to ultimately pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy. 

“I was inspired to become a physical therapist when I saw how physical therapy helped the people around me, including my peers in sports and my own mother. I really find a lot of joy in helping people,” she stated. “I think my time at CSU will benefit me a lot in graduate school because I’ve been able to shadow professionals and get hands-on experience in the physical therapy world. I’ve also learned a lot of valuable time management skills and had a lot of experiences that I think will inform my professional practice in the future.”

The University System of Georgia’s Academic Recognition Day began 34 years ago as a celebration of Georgia students’ academic achievement. As an honoree, Shepherd will receive a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives and a letter of commendation from USG’s chancellor, Sonny Perdue.