Savannah and Statesboro residents have been named to the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2024. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, education or philanthropy.

Residents of Savannah Kristin Burton (’10,’13), DPT, holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in physical therapy from Georgia Southern University. Today, she is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitator, and co-owner of Fetch Canine Rehab.

Award winners from the Statesboro area include:

Rachel Barnwell (’08), holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and is vice president of the Bulloch County Development Authority.

Sean Bear (’23) earned a doctorate in public health from Georgia Southern and currently serves as the university’s public health administrator.

Karen Brazell (’11,’15,’18) is a Triple Eagle with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychiatry and Mental Health. She is the owner and Family Nurse Practitioner at Elevation Men’s Clinic, where she provides specialized care with a holistic approach.

Garrett Clark (’13), who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, is the owner of Rolling Monkey and Inspired Solutions Consulting.

Megan Conner (’11,’17), a former student and athlete with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a master’s degree in kinesiology, is the owner of GRIT Elite Sports Academy in Brooklet, Georgia.

Active Dawson (’13,’16), holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a master’s degree in social sciences from Georgia Southern, where she currently serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Michael B. (’09) holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and is the owner and director of creative and strategy at Pioneer Design and Marketing.

Tiffoni Buckle McCartney (’22) holds an MBA from Georgia Southern and is Corporate Sustainability Manager for the Georgia Ports Authority.

Jana Phillips (’12) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and is co-owner and operations manager of Whitfield Signs.

The 40 Under 40 honorees were chosen by a selection committee that evaluated each individual’s professional expertise, achievements and commitment to charitable and community initiatives, as well as their dedication to Georgia Southern.

The complete list of 2024 40 Under 40 honorees and more information about the program can be found at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/40Under40. The group will also be featured in the Fall 2024 issue of Georgia Southern Magazine.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs to more than 25,500 students in 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. As southeast Georgia’s premier institution of higher education with expert faculty, the university focuses on public impact research and exciting learning opportunities through knowledge and expertise that prepare our students to take responsibility for their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.