Couple creates Georgia Southwestern scholarship for students from their hometowns

AMERICUS – Georgia Southwestern State University alumni Doug and Yolanda Moses of Locust Grove have established a scholarship aimed at supporting students from their hometowns of Ocilla and Oakfield.

The Doug and Yolanda Moses Accounting and Computer Science Scholarship became fully endowed at $25,000 last month, and earnings from the fund will be available for use in fall 2025. When the Moses pledge commitment is complete, the scholarship will be worth $100,000 in principal.

“The driving force for establishing this scholarship stems from our deep commitment to education and desire to give back to our hometown communities (Irwin County and Worth County) and to our alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University,” the couple said. “We have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education in our own lives, and we want to create opportunities for deserving students to pursue their passions in the rewarding fields of accounting and computer science.

“We are grateful to be in a position to do our small part in continuing to support the pipeline of future accountants and software engineers. We hope to empower the next generation of these professionals to innovate, excel, and make meaningful contributions to society.”

Doug Moses, a native of Ocilla, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from GSW in 1997. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Georgia Southern University. He has been a partner with the Mauldin and Jenkins firm since 2009 and has been at the accounting firm for 25 years. He has been a member of the GSW Foundation Board of Trustees since 2010 and served as chairman from 2018 to 2020. He also serves on the Educational Foundation Committee and Leadership Council of the Georgia Society of CPAs to further support the accounting profession and pipeline of future CPAs.

Yolanda Moses, a native of Oakfield, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from GSW in 2001. She also holds a master’s degree in software systems from Mercer University. She currently serves as a staff software verification engineer with Abbott Laboratories and previously held positions at Northrop Grumman, Alenia Aermacchi and Barco.

The Moses family has supported Southwestern Promise Scholarships, Achieving the Dream Scholarships and many other GSW-related funds. They also have been instrumental in funding the Mauldin and Jenkins Accounting Classroom and the Jaha Dukureh Classroom – both in the College of Business and Computing.

The couple encourages students to consider majoring in accounting and computer science as the fields are foundational to the modern economy and society. Students will gain critical skills that open diverse career opportunities and equip them to address complex challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

As the parents of two teenage daughters, Camille and Gabrielle, the Moses say they hope young people from their hometowns will be inspired to earn a college degree based on their experiences at GSW.

“The personalized education and close-knit community offer a unique and enriching experience,” the couple said. “You are not just a number; you are part of a supportive environment where professors know your name and are genuinely invested in your success. GSW provides a strong foundation with opportunities for meaningful relationships and a platform to thrive academically and personally. We are extremely glad we chose GSW for our degrees.”

Anyone interested in creating a scholarship fund is encouraged to contact the GSW Foundation at (229) 931-2014 or email [email protected]. By partnering with the GSW Foundation, donors can design a scholarship that aligns with their values and goals, providing crucial support to deserving students. 

Special Photo: GSW