Be a Lion.
Not a Number.
What does it look like when a university truly champions student achievement? At Piedmont University, it looks like nearly 400 students taking the stage — and the spotlight — to present original research and creative projects at the Seventh Annual Piedmont Symposium, held April 10 on the Demorest and Athens campuses.
Launched in 2019 to promote deeper learning and academic exploration, the Symposium has quickly become a cornerstone of the Piedmont experience. This year, 400 students participated in more than 250 unique projects, covering a broad range of disciplines, interests, and career paths.
From “Caffeine Culture in Nursing” to “Can Flies Solve Crimes?” and “Eye-Hand Coordination in Athletes vs. Non-Athletes,” students dug deep into research questions that matter — both in the classroom and in the real world.
A Campus-Wide Celebration of Learning
Unlike a typical class presentation, participation in the Symposium requires an application and approval process, helping students gain experience in professional research and public speaking. The event is fully supported by faculty mentors and showcases both poster sessions and oral presentations, giving students a platform to share their work with peers, professors, and the broader community.
This year’s event featured:
• 84 oral presentations and 103 presentations in Demorest
• 32 oral sessions and 14 posters on the Athens campus
• 111 volunteers from faculty, staff, and student groups, serving as judges, emcees, and assistants
The energy on campus was palpable.
“It was so great to feel the excitement on campus and to see parents, grandparents, and siblings support their Piedmont students,” said Biology Professor Dr. Julia Schmitz, the lead organizer of the Symposium. “This event brings the whole community together.”
Why It Matters for Students
The Piedmont Symposium isn’t just an event — it’s a professional development milestone.
Students gain experience that translates to graduate school applications, job interviews, and conference presentations. It’s part of how Piedmont University lives out its mission to offer personalized, experience-rich education that prepares students for success in their fields.
Whether students plan to be nurses, scientists, teachers, artists, or entrepreneurs, the Symposium gives them the opportunity to practice leadership, hone their public speaking, and receive meaningful feedback on their work.
Looking Ahead
The eighth annual Piedmont Symposium will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 — and based on this year’s momentum, it’s likely to be bigger than ever.
Learn more about the Symposium and how Piedmont supports student research at piedmont.edu/symposium.
