College of Graduate Studies

Dr. Averitt’s visionary leadership as a faculty member and dean from 1945 to 1979 was instrumental in inaugurating graduate education in South Georgia. He organized Georgia Southern University’s first graduate programs with off-campus centers and served as the first Graduate Dean from 1969 until his retirement.

A Paul Harris Fellow and Rotary International Foundation Trustee, he further broadened the institution’s horizons as director of the campus Rotary Language Institute for international students. With his wife, Addie D. Averitt, he endowed an annual lecture series in history and English and a biennial award for alumni who demonstrate excellence and service.

Dr. Averitt passed away on November 11, 2007. He left a vibrant legacy of leadership at Georgia Southern University.