For the second consecutive year, Bryan County Recreation Department Director Dr. Samose L. Mays was named “Best Instructor/Professor” in the “Best of the Boro” contest, held by the Statesboro Herald.

Each year, the Herald encourages community members to vote for their favorites in a variety of categories, such as best restaurant, best hair stylist, best clothing store, etc.

Mays, who serves as a Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies instructor at Georgia Southern University, has twice been honored by earning the “Best Instructor/Professor.”

Since he began teaching at GSU, Mays has implemented an internship program that allows Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies majors the opportunity to intern with the Bryan County Recreation Department. Under Mays’ supervision, the internship participants gain first-hand experience by helping in the day-to-day maintenance, operation and planning tasks required to keep the department running smoothly.

Since Mays facilitates the program, he ensures that what interns learn on-site is relevant and connected to the curriculum they cover in the classroom. The internship helps to guarantee that Bryan County gets the most qualified and helpful students, who often express interest in coming to work in Bryan County once they complete their studies.

Mays earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia Southern University and his doctorate in sports management at North Central University in 2016. He has served as Bryan County’s recreation director since March 2014.

Bryan County Administrator Ben Taylor complimented Mays on his recent achievement.

“Samose is a valuable member of Bryan County’s team, so it comes as no surprise that the students he teaches at GSU think so much of him as well.

He leads by example and works hard to ensure everyone who depends on him is taken care of and provided with what they need. He deserves this honor,” Taylor said.