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Gordon esports star takes aim at Fortnite championship series

Gordon esports star takes aim at Fortnite championship series

By Walter Geiger on September 25, 2026

As Gordon State College celebrates NJCAAE Esports Media Week, one Gordon Gamer is preparing to take his competitive skills beyond campus and into one of Fortnite’s premier competitive events.

Ryan Hoffman, known by his gamertag STACK, will travel to Dallas to compete online in the 2026 Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) Solos. With the North America Central servers located in Dallas, Hoffman plans to compete from the city to achieve zero ping and maximize his competitive performance.

In competitive gaming, “ping” measures the time it takes for a player’s actions to communicate with the game server. Lower ping means less delay between a player’s input and what happens in the game, making proximity to the server an important competitive advantage at high levels of play.

The opportunity marks another milestone for the GSC esports program that has grown rapidly since its creation in 2023.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been an athlete, competing in soccer, wrestling, skating and now esports,” Hoffman said. “I’ve competed at state championships, but I’ve found my greatest competitive strength in Fortnite. Competing in FNCS Solos gives me the opportunity to showcase what I do best on the biggest competitive stage I’ve taken on yet.”

Hoffman joined GSC Esports in spring 2025 with Fortnite as his primary title and has also competed in Marvel Rivals, Rocket League and Valorant. During the fall 2025 season, Hoffman helped the Gordon Gamers’ Fortnite roster open the season undefeated before entering late October with a 4-2 record.

His competitive success continued into spring 2026, when Hoffman and GSC alumnus Jimmy Dougherty, his Fortnite duos partner, advanced to the NJCAAE national playoffs. Following the season, Hoffman’s teammates elected him esports team captain.

For GSC Esports Coach David Grau, Hoffman’s latest opportunity reflects both his competitive development and growth as a student leader.

“Over the past 1.5 years of coaching Ryan, I’ve had the opportunity to watch him grow from a new competitor into someone who is not afraid to take on a leadership position,” Grau said. “Given the great talent that he has demonstrated in competition, the Solo FNCS is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills on an even larger stage.”

FNCS represents Fortnite’s premier competitive series. The 2026 Solos competition begins with qualifying rounds Sept. 28 and features six stages of competition leading to the North America Central finals Oct. 26-27. Players advance through increasingly selective rounds based on their performance.

Hoffman’s journey comes as GSC joins NJCAAE member institutions in celebrating Esports Media Week, Sept. 20-27, an initiative spotlighting collegiate esports programs, players, coaches and competition.

The Gordon Gamers were created in 2023 after student interest sparked the development of an official esports program. GSC entered NJCAAE competition in fall 2024 and earned a playoff appearance during its first competitive season. Since then, the program has continued expanding its roster, competitive titles and presence on campus.

Fans can follow GSC Esports practice sessions and official Gordon Gamers matches on the team’s Twitch channel at  https://www.twitch.tv/gordonstateesports.

Gordon alum ‘Tog’ Goss honored

Gordon alum ‘Tog’ Goss honored

By Walter Geiger on August 27, 2026

Gordon State College alumnus and Foundation Trustee Thomas “Tog” Goss was honored with the Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award during the 2026 University System of Georgia Foundation Board of Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala. The event, themed “Sea of Dreams,” took place Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

The annual Gala is the USG Foundation’s signature philanthropic event, bringing together business, civic and higher education leaders from across Georgia to support need-based scholarships for students attending the state’s public colleges and universities. The event also recognizes outstanding students, faculty, alumni, donors and supporters whose leadership and service advance public higher education throughout Georgia.

Goss was recognized in the State Colleges category for his longstanding commitment to Gordon State, healthcare education and expanding opportunities for students. A distinguished healthcare executive and GSC alumnus, Goss serves as a trustee of the Gordon State College Foundation and is the former chief operating officer of Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin. He currently serves as CEO of Putnam General Hospital.

“Tog Goss represents the kind of leadership and service that makes Gordon State College and our communities stronger,” said Dr. Russell Crutchfield, president of GSC. “His commitment to developing Georgia’s healthcare workforce, expanding opportunities for students and investing in the communities we serve reflects the very best of Highlander Nation. This recognition by the Board of Regents is well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate him.”

That commitment to Gordon State includes establishing an endowed scholarship supporting students in the College’s LPN/Paramedic Bridge to ASN pathway. The scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for non-traditional students while supporting the development of skilled healthcare professionals who can serve rural communities throughout the region.

Goss also provides strategic guidance through GSC’s Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board and regularly shares his experience with students through mentorship, speaking engagements and professional guidance. His continued involvement connects academic preparation with workforce needs while strengthening pathways into healthcare careers.

Through his philanthropy, professional leadership and advocacy, Goss has become a champion for healthcare access and a strong ambassador for GSC and the USG.

GSC’s participation in the annual Gala provides an opportunity to celebrate members of Highlander Nation whose contributions extend beyond the College while strengthening relationships with donors, corporate partners and state leaders who support public higher education.

Gordon’s economic impact climbs to nearly $135 million

Gordon’s economic impact climbs to nearly $135 million

By Walter Geiger on August 17, 2026

Gordon State College contributed nearly $135 million to the regional economy in fiscal year (FY) 2025, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year, according to the University System of Georgia’s latest economic impact report.

Released Thursday, Aug. 13, the report found that GSC generated an economic output impact of $134,839,815, up from $125,439,845 in FY 2024. The increase represents approximately $9.4 million in additional economic impact within one year.

At GSC, initial spending was valued at $84,180,766, generating an output impact of $134,839,815. The value-added impact of the College totaled $92,563,333.

“Gordon State College’s economic impact begins with our students and extends throughout the communities we serve,” said Russell Crutchfield, Ed.D., GSC president. “By preparing graduates to enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed, we are investing in the strength and prosperity of our region. As Gordon State moves forward, we remain committed to creating opportunities that help our students, communities and Georgia prosper.”

GSC’s economic activity supported 872 jobs throughout the region, including 196 jobs on campus and 676 jobs within the surrounding community. The study found that for each job a USG institution creates on campus, two additional jobs are supported in the local community.

Highlander Nation’s growth contributed to a record year for USG, which generated $25.1 billion in economic impact across Georgia in FY 2025, an 8.9% increase from $23.1 billion the previous year. USG’s 25 institutions collectively generated 170,096 jobs across the state.

A companion study further demonstrated the long-term economic value of higher education for graduates. Bachelor’s degree recipients from USG’s Class of 2025 are expected to earn, on average, more than $1.4 million in additional lifetime earnings compared with individuals who do not earn a college degree.

The study found that each level of higher education increases a graduate’s expected lifetime earnings. Associate degree recipients can expect approximately $388,000 in additional lifetime earnings, while bachelor’s degree recipients can expect more than $1.4 million.

Collectively, USG’s Class of 2025 can expect lifetime earnings of $249 billion, approximately $77 billion more than they would have earned without completing college or graduate school. In Georgia, high school graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree are expected to increase their work-life earnings by 80%, exceeding the national estimate of 77%.

Both studies were conducted on behalf of USG by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, Ph.D., director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

Kemp staffer Dr. Russell Crutchfield named president at Gordon State College.

Kemp staffer Dr. Russell Crutchfield named president at Gordon State College.

By Walter Geiger on June 8, 2026

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named Dr. Russell Crutchfield president of Gordon State College (GSC), effective Aug. 1, 2026. The hire was announced June 8.

Crutchfield currently serves as the chief operating officer in the Office of Gov. Brian P. Kemp. A highly experienced administrator with nearly two decades of leadership roles in government and higher education, he previously served as chief of staff and associate vice president at the University of West Georgia (UWG).

Crutchfield’s appointment follows current GSC President Donald J. Green’s selection as the next president of Valdosta State University.

(More to follow in the 6.16.26 print edition of The Herald Gazette.)

Growth, momentum key parts of Don Green’s legacy at Gordon

Growth, momentum key parts of Don Green’s legacy at Gordon

By Walter Geiger on May 28, 2026

Gordon State College is reflecting on a period of significant institutional growth and momentum following the announcement Friday that President Donald J. Green has been confirmed as president of Valdosta State University by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG).


Since arriving at Gordon State in 2023, Green has led the college through a period of strategic advancement centered on student success, enrollment growth, workforce alignment and campus revitalization.


Under his leadership, Gordon State launched the ‘Future Forward’ strategic plan, a multi-year roadmap focused on accelerating degree completion, strengthening student support systems and aligning academic offerings with the evolving needs of Georgia’s workforce. The college achieved a record Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 64.5% in 2025, marking a 13% increase over the previous year.


Gordon State also experienced continued enrollment momentum, including a 7.5% increase in spring enrollment, while expanding initiatives designed to support persistence, advising and timely graduation.


“Serving as president of Gordon State has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Green said. “The progress we have achieved together reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters who continue to believe in the power and promise of this institution.”


During Green’s tenure, Gordon State strengthened its emphasis on workforce and economic development by aligning academic pathways with high-demand industries, particularly within nursing, STEM and business. The college also expanded undergraduate research opportunities, advanced plans for new academic programming and continued investments in campus facilities and the student experience.


Student achievement milestones continued to climb under Green’s leadership. During Fall 2025 Commencement, 262 graduates earned baccalaureate and associate degrees, reflecting a 19% increase over the previous fall. This spring, Gordon State awarded 338 degrees to 328 graduates during the institution’s largest commencement ceremony in more than a decade, marking an additional 17% increase in graduates, year over year, for the spring term.


The Spring 2026 ceremony also marked Green’s final commencement as president of Gordon State.


“Commencement represents more than a celebration of degrees earned,” Green said. “It reflects the resilience, determination and forward momentum of our students and the collective commitment of this campus community to their success.”


Additional milestones achieved during Green’s leadership include historic growth within the Gordon State Foundation, continued residence hall renovations and the strengthening of partnerships that position the college as a talent pipeline for central Georgia and beyond.


As Gordon State reflects on this chapter, college leadership emphasized that the institution remains firmly focused on its mission of student success and serving the region through accessible, high-quality education.


USG will announce next steps regarding leadership at Gordon State in the near future.

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