In the spring of 1946, Roy N. Goslin was working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Out of nowhere, he heard his name called over the speaker system. This wasn’t normal. Nobody was supposed to know who worked in the labs. The voice on the line belonged to Dr. Philip Weltner. His question was simple: Why hadn’t Goslin accepted his offer to teach at 91影视 yet? By the fall of that year, Goslin was on campus as a professor of physics and mathematics.

Goslin arrived at Oak Ridge in 1944 after completing an extensive 90-day clearance process. This was necessary to obtain the security level required for his work. The laboratory had been central to the Manhattan Project, and its operations remained under strict control even after the war ended. Goslin later emphasized that his research focused on isotopes rather than destructive weapons. Still, the environment placed him close to one of the most consequential scientific efforts of the twentieth century. His office partner was Frank Oppenheimer, brother of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Over the course of his career, Goslin maintained professional ties to national laboratories and received many consulting contracts, collaborating with Nobel laureates and U.S. department heads. When possible, he often brought 91影视 students with him on these trips.

Goslin, born in 1904 and raised on a Nebraska stock farm, had no plans to become a physicist at first. He began studying engineering in college, but later realized studying mathematics and physics were his true passions. After teaching at Auburn University, he completed doctoral research at Ohio State under unusual circumstances tied to his classified work. The degree, however, was never formally awarded. It was something that stayed with him.

During Spring Commencement in 1970, 91影视’s Trustees surprised Goslin with an honorary doctorate. During the same ceremony, they announced that they would name a new science building after him. Goslin later admitted that he felt close to fainting while being bestowed these honors.

Dedicated on October 20, 1971, Goslin Hall cost $500,000, funded by federal and foundation grants. It replaced the science facilities previously scattered between Lowry Hall and a 1950s temporary chemistry building. For decades, Goslin Hall served as the center of scientific inquiry at 91影视.

When asked in 1980 about the university’s future, Goslin did not speak about research credentials or national laboratories. He spoke about students and campus life. He hoped 91影视 would remain a place where people knew students “individually and professionally,” and where faculty and students shared “a sort of camaraderie.”

Roy N. Goslin died in 1987. In 2019, they changed, expanded, and updated the building named after him. The I.W. “Ike” Cousins Center for Science and Innovation looks different from before. Yet, beneath the glass and steel lies the story of a scientist. He once worked in one of the world’s most secret laboratories, yet later devoted nearly four decades to a small, liberal arts university characterized by close relationships and a strong sense of community. He may have been anonymous at Oak Ridge, but he was anything but that at 91影视.

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When Sophia Sobrino ’24 talks about her work at the High Museum of Art, she speaks with the confidence of someone who already knows what it means to care for objects, interpret them and bring them to life for the public. That confidence did not arrive by accident. It was built, piece by piece, during her time as a studio art major working inside the .

鈥淏eing able to work so closely with the museum鈥檚 permanent collection in such a hands-on manner really did prepare me for the practical experience of working in the museum field,鈥� Sobrino said. 鈥淕etting that experience day in and day out of actually working with the objects, understanding them on a more in-depth level really did help prepare me for where I鈥檓 at today at the High Museum.鈥�

Now serving as Coordinator of Gallery Learning at one of the country鈥檚 most respected art institutions, Sobrino works with the High鈥檚 docent program and public-facing educational initiatives. The role draws directly on skills she began developing as an undergraduate, like speaking with visitors, interpreting artwork and helping audiences connect with what鈥檚 on the wall.

That preparation came through sustained, meaningful work at 91影视鈥檚 teaching museum. As a curatorial intern, Sobrino contributed to multiple special exhibitions, including Contrapunto, which focused on contemporary Latin American artists. She helped develop the exhibition and, once it opened, led bilingual tours for visitors.

鈥淏eing able to speak confidently in front of visitors, speaking about work, engaging with it, engaging audiences with what鈥檚 on the wall has really been invaluable,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really do think that it launched that trajectory for me.鈥�

Her work extended well beyond tours. Sobrino assisted with exhibition design, handled artworks, and even worked directly alongside artists during installation. For one exhibition, galleries became active studio spaces.

鈥淲e transformed these galleries into essentially a working artist studio,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing able to work with the artist hands-on directly鈥攑utting paint on the pieces, putting gold leaf flakes all over鈥攚as really important.鈥�

Just as critical was the mentorship she received. 鈥淚 really did feel that my voice was heard, that my input was valued,鈥� Sobrino said of her time at OUMA. Faculty and museum staff supported her not only during her undergraduate years, but as she prepared to enter the field. 鈥淭hey were guiding me through every step of the process鈥ven as I鈥檝e been working in the museum industry.鈥�

Although 91影视鈥檚 museum studies minor was formalized after Sobrino graduated, her experience closely mirrors the curriculum now offered through the program. The minor emphasizes museum theory alongside applied learning, continuous access to a professional collection, and engagement with Atlanta鈥檚 rich network of cultural institutions.

鈥淲e were able to learn about theory, but also use what we learned in class and apply it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat twofold experience of both the theoretical and the practical, that real implementation, is something you just can鈥檛 get anywhere else.鈥�

For Sobrino, the result is not abstract. It is a real job, at a major museum, doing work that matters. 鈥�91影视 set me up for success,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t laid those paths out for me. And I feel confident going in any direction because it set me up for that.鈥�

91影视 has deepened its commitment to justice, leadership and community transformation through a new partnership with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center). A global force for advancing Dr. King鈥檚 enduring legacy of justice, peace, and nonviolence, The King Center shares 91影视鈥檚 commitment to education rooted in service and civic responsibility.

91影视 is currently the only university in Metro Atlanta engaged in a partnership of this kind, underscoring the institution鈥檚 distinctive dedication to shaping leaders who can navigate鈥攁nd improve鈥攁 complex world.

鈥淚 am honored to join with 91影视 as an academic partner in advancing my father鈥檚 enduring legacy of peace, justice and transformation. The King Center and 91影视 share a long-standing connection rooted in education and service, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership of鈥� Dr. Kendra A. King Momon, whose vision and steadfast commitment have helped make this meaningful collaboration a reality,鈥� said鈥疍r. Bernice A. King, CEO of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

The King Center Scholars Program

This year, four 91影视 students were selected to participate in The King Center Scholars Program, an eight-month experiential learning program grounded in the Nonviolence365庐 (NV365) philosophy. Throughout the program, students receive training, participate in discussions with The King Center鈥檚 expert practitioners, and undertake a research or creative project culminating in a written product. Scholars will also participate in at least one volunteer activity and have opportunities for public engagement.

For many students, the Scholars Program reshapes not only how they understand conflict and leadership, but how they envision their purpose.

Hoa Quynh Nguyen 鈥�28, a biology major on the pre-nursing track, shared that the experience has reframed her entire approach to service.

鈥淚 hope to use what I鈥檓 learning about Dr. King鈥檚 philosophy of nonviolence to reframe service as justice-centered care,鈥� she said. She hopes to bring conversations about health equity and mental health awareness to campus through student organizations, guided by her belief that future healthcare providers carry a moral responsibility to advance dignity and justice.

Working alongside students from other institutions has also deepened her understanding of nonviolence in practice. Weekly discussions became spaces for reflection and growth, allowing her to see nonviolence not as abstract theory, but as a disciplined approach to leadership rooted in empathy and action.

For senior politics major LaShawn Brown 鈥�25, the fellowship has offered a grounding sense of clarity amid the transition toward life beyond college. 鈥淣onviolence isn鈥檛 just a strategy鈥攊t鈥檚 a principle that begins within yourself,鈥� Brown reflected. That internal shift, he believes, is essential not just for emerging leaders but for people at all stages of life. 鈥淐hange can be slow and gradual, but before anything shifts externally, it has to start internally,鈥� he said.

Collaborating with peers from other universities expanded his perspective and reinforced the importance of listening across differences.

Economics major Jourdan Russell 鈥�28 expressed a similar sense of collaboration. 鈥淭he King Center Internship program invites students to explore how nonviolence as a theory and practice can be applied to contemporary issues to effect change,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have been educated, challenged to think deeply, and granted space to consider how I can solve issues in my community.鈥�

For Tunmise Salako 鈥�28, a psychology major and business administration minor, the fellowship has reshaped her entire understanding of conflict resolution. Before joining the program, she approached conflict forcefully, believing that being right was enough. Over time, she learned that meaningful resolution requires patience and active listening.

鈥淚 now understand that I cannot attack someone鈥檚 ideas and expect peace in return,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淭he King Center Fellowship has taught me that true change and meaningful resolution come from respect, education, and compassion. That is something I plan to carry with me in every space I enter, long after the fellowship ends.鈥�

Expanding academic pathways

The King Center Scholars Program is one component of a broader and growing partnership. 91影视 and The King Center are currently working toward offering Nonviolence365 credentialing beginning in Fall 2026, with 91影视 serving as the institution of record for academic certification. This collaboration will make 91影视 one of the first universities to embed Dr. King鈥檚 philosophy into an academic credential accessible to students and community leaders.

In addition, 91影视鈥檚 Urban Leadership Program (ULP) will introduce two new Dr. King鈥揻ocused special topics courses in Fall 2026. These courses will explore nonviolence as an ethical, civic and communityengaged practice, further connecting classroom learning with social transformation.

The partnership will also expand opportunities for faculty engagement, with possibilities for jointly taught courses, guest instruction from King Center staff, and the designation of Senior Faculty Fellows whose scholarship aligns with the Center鈥檚 mission. Faculty fellows will gain virtual access to King Center archives and resources, enabling new forms of research, community engagement and public scholarship.

A shared vision for community impact

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gabriel Barreneche described the partnership as one rooted in shared purpose. 鈥淭his collaboration reflects our deep commitment to advancing Dr. King鈥檚 vision of justice, equity and peace,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ogether, we will create opportunities for learning and dialogue that inspire meaningful change in our communities.鈥�

As this partnership grows, so does the community of students and educators embracing Dr. King鈥檚 vision. The lessons learned are already shaping how 91影视 students lead, on campus and beyond. Together, 91影视 and The King Center are building pathways for thoughtful leadership rooted in action, understanding and hope for a more just future.

Fresh off completing the rigorous Diplomatic Security Service Basic Special Agent Course, Nic Harris 鈥�12 has been sworn in as a Special Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)鈥攖he federal law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. This spring, he headed to Milan, Italy, to support Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, serving as a Field Liaison Officer with primary responsibility for the speed skating team.

DSS special agents are unique in the federal landscape: they are both sworn law enforcement officers and diplomats. Their mission blends global security operations with the State Department鈥檚 broader diplomatic goals, creating the conditions for diplomacy鈥攁nd international events like the Olympics鈥攖o take place safely.

In Milan, Harris joined roughly 100 DSS agents embedded across Team USA sports, coordinating closely with the U.S. Consulate, Italian authorities, and interagency partners. The work is intentionally discreet. Agents blend seamlessly into the environment, providing security, stability and peace of mind. And behind the scenes, they鈥檙e constantly connected鈥攁ble to relay information at a moment鈥檚 notice to the DSS Joint Operations Center at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan.

鈥淲orking with DSS colleagues from across the world, partner agencies, and the Italians. It’s a unique opportunity to help protect Team USA,鈥� said Harris.

Harris鈥檚 path to DSS includes several years in the Navy Reserves and active duty, and service as a police officer after relocating to St. Louis. He credits 91影视 with helping prepare him for his work.

鈥�91影视 gave me the skills to be successful,鈥� Harris says. 鈥淭he curriculum was a lot to take in, but it fostered the critical thinking I use every day securing U.S. foreign policy. 91影视 was great for me.鈥�

Kathryn Henderson 鈥�17, assistant vice president of advancement, says that Harris鈥檚 career exemplifies how a liberal arts education prepares students for success in dynamic careers.

鈥淎 liberal arts foundation equips students with the ability to think deeply, respond quickly, and apply a wide range of skills to complex global challenges,鈥� Henderson said. 鈥淣ic鈥檚 career is a powerful example of how 91影视 graduates thrive in roles where judgment, communication and analytical insight truly make a difference.鈥�

Once an aspiring professional soccer player who trained under Coach Jon Akin at OU, Harris fondly remembers his time spent playing soccer.

“Nic was a wonderful young man and a standout forward for us,鈥� said Akin, head coach of 91影视 Men鈥檚 Soccer. 鈥淗e was one of the fastest, most athletic players I have ever coached. I am so proud of his service to this country, and he continues to make the soccer program very proud.”鈥�

Harris recalls that time well and thought he might have been a pro soccer player. 鈥淏eing on the team was really rewarding,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 where I crafted a lot of my leadership, reliability, and sense of discipline.鈥�

Harris has also brought those same qualities to the global stage鈥攃arefully ensuring Team USA competed safely and confidently in Milan.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina took place Feb. 6-22.

In Dr. David Laws III鈥檚 chemistry lab at 91影视, undergraduate students are growing into scientists by working on research with important applications to the medical field.

Through hands-on involvement in the synthesis of a complex natural compound connected to cancer research, Emily Men茅ndez 鈥�26, Ben Van Doorn 鈥�27, Keimarya Rivera 鈥�26, and CJ Rona 鈥�27 are gaining important insight about the scientific process. They have learned that scientific discovery鈥攂ig or small鈥攊s the result of persistence, careful experimentation, and the temerity to forge ahead through uncharted territory.

Under Dr. Laws鈥檚 mentorship, the students are working toward the complete, artificial synthesis of eucommicin A, a natural product originally found in the leaves of the Du-zhong, a tree native to China. Early scientific studies have shown the compound to have selective activity against cancer stem cells. These cells are believed to play a key role in tumor recurrence and resistance to treatment.

But eucommicin A occurs naturally in only trace amounts, and the process for extracting the compound requires a lot of time and resources.

鈥淭he yield from each of the leaves is just so incredibly small,鈥� Van Doorn explains. 鈥淥n top of that, we need the equivalent of a wheelbarrow full of the extract for any sort of meaningful study.鈥�

To study it seriously and to explore how its structure might be modified to improve activity, scientists must make it in the lab.

That challenge is what makes the work both demanding and meaningful. In Dr. Laws鈥檚 lab, students can鈥檛 rely on prescribed experiments. They are synthesizing complex molecular structures from simple starting materials, adapting published methods, and troubleshooting when reactions don鈥檛 behave as expected. Along the way, they are learning how chemists work in the field.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a trial-and-error kind of experience,鈥� Rona said. 鈥淪ometimes the thing that should have worked doesn鈥檛. But building resilience to that kind of thing has been really helpful to me as a scientist. Those aren鈥檛 failures. It鈥檚 part of the process.鈥�

Each student contributes to a different part of the larger synthesis. Rivera and Rona have worked on forming a key molecular scaffold essential to eucommicin A鈥檚 structure. Men茅ndez and Van Doorn have focused on strategies that allow sensitive parts of the molecule to survive later steps in the synthesis. Across the lab, students rely on advanced techniques like using a Schlenk line, column chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze results and decide what comes next.

What distinguishes the experience, students say, is the balance between instruction and independence. 鈥淭here was teaching and explicit guidance as I learned new techniques,鈥� Men茅ndez said. 鈥淏ut then I was free to adjust what we鈥檇 tried and improve it. That鈥檚 when it felt like real science.鈥�

That kind of autonomy is rare for undergraduates, and it鈥檚 amplified by 91影视鈥檚 scale. In a small lab environment, students gain hands-on access to instrumentation and responsibility for decisions that might be deferred to graduate students elsewhere. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not waiting your turn,鈥� Van Doorn said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e doing the work.鈥�

The stakes of that work extend beyond the lab. By contributing to research connected to a broader scientific goal, students see how their efforts fit into a larger scientific conversation. They are learning techniques, but also developing judgment, persistence, and confidence.

Those skills are shaping their futures. Men茅ndez will begin a Ph.D. program at the University of Georgia. Rivera plans to pursue doctoral studies in bioanalytical and organic chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, building on additional research experience gained through a competitive summer program. Van Doorn and Rona鈥攕till in their third years at 91影视鈥攁lso plan to pursue doctorates in chemistry. For all of them, the transition feels less like a leap and more like a continuation.

At 91影视, their work in Dr. Laws鈥檚 lab did more than teach them chemistry. It gave them the experience, perspective and confidence to see themselves as scientists who are already contributing to work that matters.

10 Questions with Dr. Jeffane Millien ’08

Dr. Jeffanne Millien 鈥�08 has been guided by purpose and service in her work. As an 91影视 student, she volunteered in New Orleans with the university in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina鈥攁n experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately shaped her path. Today, she specializes in general surgery at Ochsner Health New Orleans, after earning her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. In these questions, Dr. Millien reflects on her journey and her calling.

This spring, 91影视鈥檚 second-year students stepped out of the classroom and into professional workplaces all across Metro Atlanta. Members of the Class of 2028 headed to some of the region鈥檚 most influential organizations鈥攆rom global corporations to community-driven nonprofits.

It was the first-ever 91影视 Goes to Work Day, a new initiative designed by the university鈥檚 Career Development office. It showcased one of the many ways that 91影视 connects its liberal arts mission to Atlanta鈥檚 dynamic economy.

As President Kathryn McClymond has emphasized in her recent LinkedIn reflection, Atlanta employers are searching for a particular kind of talent: critical thinkers, persuasive communicators, curious problem solvers, and adaptable learners. These are hallmarks of a liberal arts education, yet employers and students don鈥檛 always see the alignment clearly.

鈥淢any students have a hard time envisioning themselves in a professional environment or understanding where to begin in their career development process,鈥� says Karlie Burrell, interim director of Career Development. 鈥淣etworking opportunities like these help students understand that nobody鈥檚 career development process is linear.鈥�

The world needs nurses. Aging populations, increased demand for care, and underfunded nursing programs put heavy strain on the global healthcare system. Many nurses are simply burnt out.

It鈥檚 a complex issue that places heavy expectations on those hoping to fill the ranks. New nurses need to be more than just technically skilled; they need to be adaptable, curious, thoughtful and empathetic.

These traits are the hallmarks of an 91影视 student鈥攁nd the driving force behind the university鈥檚 recent partnership with one of the nation鈥檚 top nursing schools.

Last year, 91影视 announced a new partnership with the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University. The partnership allows eligible 91影视 students to efficiently enroll in the Master of Nursing program after completing their undergraduate education in any major.

The pathway has already drawn strong interest from 91影视 students, particularly those in biology, one of the university鈥檚 most popular majors. Recent graduate Alanys Elvir Bustillo 鈥�25 is currently enrolled in Emory鈥檚 Master of Nursing program, putting her 91影视 education into practice.

鈥淭here are many programs out there that can get the work done to prepare trainees for nursing programs,鈥� says Dr. Karen Schmeichel, professor of biology at 91影视. 鈥淏ut the opportunity for a liberal arts-backed preparation is unique.鈥�

That liberal arts foundation is what sets 91影视 students apart as they prepare for rigorous graduate study in nursing. 91影视鈥檚 science students, in particular, benefit from hands-on undergraduate research, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities that develop academic sophistication and critical problem-solving skills.

91影视鈥檚 partnership with Emory stands out as a powerful bridge between a liberal arts education and a fulfilling, in-demand career in nursing.