Jessica N. Orvis

Prof. Orvis joined Georgia Southern University in 1993 and retired in 2026.

— Biography from the 2026 Spring Commencement program —  

Ms. Orvis earned a BS from Vanderbilt University (1986) and an MS from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (1989). She started her career at Georgia Southern as an instructor, was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1993 and to Associate Professor in 2012. During her 35year teaching career at Georgia Southern, she coordinated first-year chemistry courses and labs and was responsible for writing lab manuals and training both graduate and undergraduate laboratory assistants. She participated in developing and promoting several programs related to first year student success, such as the supplemental instruction program in chemistry, the early versions of the First Year Experience program, and Conversations with Professors. She was recognized in 2009 for excellence in teaching by the College and again in 2016 for excellence in contributions to instruction at the university level. She was an active participant in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and a faculty mentor to any faculty or student leader seeking support or advice. Her legacy at Georgia Southern is the impact she had on thousands of students in chemistry through her excellent teaching and commitment to success, all of which make Ms. Jessica Orvis deserving of the title Associate Professor of Chemistry Emerita.*