STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern Athletics Department has announced the launch of a leadership institute influenced and led by a retired US Army Major General and Eagle alumnus. The program's goal is to empower Eagle student-athletes to lead on the field, in the locker room, and eventually in life after sport, as well as be great teammates.

Major General Randall Simmons, who entered military service with the Georgia National Guard unit in Statesboro and later earned his bachelor's degree at Georgia Southern, leads the new program. Enlisting in 1989 as a private in the Statesboro-based 2nd Battalion, 214th Field Artillery, Simmons subsequently earned his commission from the Georgia Military Institute's Officer Candidate School. From 1992 to 2006, Simmons served in various assignments with the Savannah-based 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, a unit whose history predates the American Revolution. Simmons deployed to Iraq in 2005 as the executive officer of the 1-118th. He commanded the Calhoun-based 1st Squadron 108th Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He commanded the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from 2013 to 2015, serving as commander of Task Force Volunteer in Kabul. Simmons served as the chief of staff for the Georgia Army National Guard from 2015 until he was appointed commanding general of the Ga. ARNG in 2017. Relinquishing command of the Georgia Army National Guard in October 2020, Simmons assumed command of Joint Task Force North based at Fort Bliss, Texas, before retiring in March of this year.

"The vision behind our Leadership Institute is rooted in the belief that the qualities driving competitive excellence­—discipline, accountability, teamwork—are also foundations of exceptional leadership," said Director of Athletics Jared Benko. "Our armed forces are the best developers of leaders in this country and Major General Randall Simmons is one of our country's best leaders. Our institute will provide a year-long, interactive platform where student-athletes, coaches and staff can hone leadership skills and empower player-led locker rooms. We appreciate Major General Randall Simmons' leadership and partnership on this initiative, and we are excited to implement programming throughout the year!"

The program is a year-long integration that all 17 NCAA-sponsored varsity teams at Georgia Southern will benefit from. The first part of preseason instruction consists of a two-hour classroom lecture on leadership best practices and application to intercollegiate sports and life. Following the classroom instruction, each team heads outside for the Battle of Eagle Creek, a three-hour physical exertion piece where Simmons and his group teach mental toughness in a team setting. Tasks are assigned for individuals, small groups and large groups, and all the student-athletes must work in unison to accomplish the tasks. Simmons leads the sessions with help from members of the Georgia Army National Guard and Georgia Southern ROTC leaders, which Simmons says is a one-of-a-kind partnership.

"There is no school in the state or the country that has such a strong relationship between its National Guard, ROTC program, the athletics department and the university," Simmons said. "This program will leverage the experience of many military, sports, and corporate leaders to share lessons learned, values, and strategies to succeed on and off the field. In keeping with the athletic department's mission, we will help these men and women be the best students, athletes, teammates, and citizens they can be."

Throughout the year, Simmons will have check-ins with the teams, and the program will be integrated into Georgia Southern's APEX (Athletes Preparing for Employment EXperiences) program, where Simmons will have the opportunity to speak to coaches, emerging leaders, W.E. (Women Eagles) Lead, SAAC, and other groups within the department.

Major General Simmons' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (4), the Joint Service Commendation Medal (Afghanistan), Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hourglass, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation (2). He is also awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. "I'm grateful to Dr. Marrero, Jared Benko, and the entire athletic department for the opportunity to work with the student-athletes at Georgia Southern," Simmons said. "As a Statesboro native, it is truly an honor to give back to a community and a school that has meant so much to me over the years. Under Jared Benko's leadership, the athletic department has grown tremendously and will continue to excel for many years. The culture that he has instilled is one of excellence in all things. The department's goal is to help all student-athletes, staff, trainers and coaches achieve their full potential. Forming the Leadership Institute is one more example of his commitment to excellence."