Georgia College & State University
Encyclopedia
Georgia College & State University (Georgia College) is a public liberal arts university in Milledgeville, Georgia
, United States
, with approximately 7,000 students. It was designated as Georgia's "Public Liberal Arts University" in 1996 by the Board of Regents
, and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges
.
The university places emphasis on providing the quality, values, and virtues of a private liberal arts college, but at a lower and more reasonable cost. Its "private university" approach includes a student to faculty ratio that averages 17 to 1.
While the legal name is Georgia College & State University, Georgia College is preferred by the university, to distinguish itself from Georgia State University
. This "shorthand" or "brand name" is widely used by faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni.
since it was formed in 1932. The name was changed to Women's College of Georgia in 1961, and, when the institution became coeducational in 1967, it became Georgia College at Milledgeville. The name was later shortened to Georgia College. In August of 1996, the Board of Regents
approved a change of name to Georgia College & State University, and a new mission as Georgia's Public Liberal Arts University.
, near the grounds of the former state capitol. The campus enhances the town's beauty with its architectural blending of majestic buildings of red brick and white Corinthian columns, representative of those constructed during the pre-Civil War Antebellum period, when Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia.
Most of the university's residence halls are located a block from central campus along with the sports complex, called the Centennial Center. The Old Governor's Mansion is also within walking distance of the residence halls and front campus. West Campus, a 500 acre (2 km²) extension two miles (3 km) from the central campus, contains The Village student apartments and athletic fields. In addition, GC operates a large recreational area on Lake Laurel (approximately 15 minutes from the central campus) which is used by students in the university's Environmental Science and Outdoor Education programs.
GC also offers advanced degree programs at its Center for Graduate and Professional Learning in the Thomas Jefferson Building in downtown Macon
. The MBA, MPA, and MSA in logistics are offered in Warner Robins ('Robins Center'), on the Air Force base located there.
As part of this mission, GC places a strong emphasis on active and transformative learning which includes experiences both in and out of the classroom. Academic programs are focused on student development and outcomes, including:
Georgia College seeks to produce graduates that are well prepared for careers or advanced study and who are instilled with exceptional qualities of mind and character. These include an inquisitive, analytical mind; respect for human diversity and individuality; a sense of civic and global responsibility; sound ethical principles; effective writing, speaking, and quantitative skills; and a healthy lifestyle.
GC faculty primarily focus their attention on maintaining excellence in instruction and guiding students, are committed to community service, and are creatively engaged in their fields of specialization. Students are endowed with both information and values through small classes, interdisciplinary studies, close association with the faculty and staff in and beyond the classroom, lively involvement in cultural life, and service to the community. In turn, Georgia College seeks to provide communities and employers with graduates who exhibit professionalism, responsibility, service, leadership and integrity.
In 2006, the university partnered with the Georgia College Foundation to open its new multi-million dollar graduate center in Macon.
With its shift from being a commuter school to a residential university, there was also a complete renovation of student housing, including the construction of a new student apartment complex called The Village.
, Einstein Bros. Bagels
, Blimpie
, Books & Brew Starbucks Café
, and the recently added, World of Wings and Sandella's.
ranks Georgia College in the top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges. The university boasts a student retention rate of 84%, making it a leader in that category. In 2007, 18 states and 43 nations were represented by its student body.
, whose career included serving as director of the Peace Corps
when the Berlin Wall
fell.
The University is home to the prominent literary journal Arts & Letters
.
Milledgeville, Georgia
Milledgeville is a city in and the county seat of Baldwin County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is northeast of Macon, located just before Eatonton on the way to Athens along U.S. Highway 441, and it is located on the Oconee River. The relatively rapid current of the Oconee here made this an...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, with approximately 7,000 students. It was designated as Georgia's "Public Liberal Arts University" in 1996 by the Board of Regents
Board of Regents
In the United States, a board often governs public institutions of higher education, which include both state universities and community colleges. In each US state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual colleges and universities, or both. In general they operate as...
, and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges
Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges
The Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges or COPLAC is a consortium of 26 public colleges and universities in 24 states and one Canadian province...
.
The university places emphasis on providing the quality, values, and virtues of a private liberal arts college, but at a lower and more reasonable cost. Its "private university" approach includes a student to faculty ratio that averages 17 to 1.
While the legal name is Georgia College & State University, Georgia College is preferred by the university, to distinguish itself from Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a research university in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Founded in 1913, it serves about 30,000 students and is one of the University System of Georgia's four research universities...
. This "shorthand" or "brand name" is widely used by faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni.
History
Georgia College was chartered in 1889 as Georgia Normal and Industrial College. Its emphasis at the time was largely vocational, and its major task was to prepare young women for teaching or industrial careers. In 1917, in keeping with economic and cultural changes in the state, Georgia Normal and Industrial College was authorized to grant degrees, the first of which was awarded in 1921. In 1922, the institution's name was changed to Georgia State College for Women. The University has been a unit of the University System of GeorgiaUniversity System of Georgia
The University System of Georgia is the organizational body that includes 35 public institutions of higher learning in the U.S. state of Georgia. The System is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents. It sets goals and dictates general policy to educational institutions as well as administering...
since it was formed in 1932. The name was changed to Women's College of Georgia in 1961, and, when the institution became coeducational in 1967, it became Georgia College at Milledgeville. The name was later shortened to Georgia College. In August of 1996, the Board of Regents
Board of Regents
In the United States, a board often governs public institutions of higher education, which include both state universities and community colleges. In each US state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual colleges and universities, or both. In general they operate as...
approved a change of name to Georgia College & State University, and a new mission as Georgia's Public Liberal Arts University.
Campus
The central campus comprises about 43.2 acres (174,000 m²) in the center of MilledgevilleMilledgeville, Georgia
Milledgeville is a city in and the county seat of Baldwin County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is northeast of Macon, located just before Eatonton on the way to Athens along U.S. Highway 441, and it is located on the Oconee River. The relatively rapid current of the Oconee here made this an...
, near the grounds of the former state capitol. The campus enhances the town's beauty with its architectural blending of majestic buildings of red brick and white Corinthian columns, representative of those constructed during the pre-Civil War Antebellum period, when Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia.
Most of the university's residence halls are located a block from central campus along with the sports complex, called the Centennial Center. The Old Governor's Mansion is also within walking distance of the residence halls and front campus. West Campus, a 500 acre (2 km²) extension two miles (3 km) from the central campus, contains The Village student apartments and athletic fields. In addition, GC operates a large recreational area on Lake Laurel (approximately 15 minutes from the central campus) which is used by students in the university's Environmental Science and Outdoor Education programs.
GC also offers advanced degree programs at its Center for Graduate and Professional Learning in the Thomas Jefferson Building in downtown Macon
Macon, Georgia
Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia...
. The MBA, MPA, and MSA in logistics are offered in Warner Robins ('Robins Center'), on the Air Force base located there.
Academic mission
As the state's designated public liberal arts university, Georgia College is committed to combining the educational experiences typical of esteemed private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education. Georgia College is a residential learning community that emphasizes undergraduate education and select graduate programs.As part of this mission, GC places a strong emphasis on active and transformative learning which includes experiences both in and out of the classroom. Academic programs are focused on student development and outcomes, including:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written;
- Development of critical and analytical thinking skills;
- Broad understanding of global issues;
- Appreciation for and understanding of diversity;
- Ability to integrate information across many disciplines
- Application of learning and knowledge
- Creation of a foundation that allows for moral and ethical decisions
- Civic responsibility
Georgia College seeks to produce graduates that are well prepared for careers or advanced study and who are instilled with exceptional qualities of mind and character. These include an inquisitive, analytical mind; respect for human diversity and individuality; a sense of civic and global responsibility; sound ethical principles; effective writing, speaking, and quantitative skills; and a healthy lifestyle.
GC faculty primarily focus their attention on maintaining excellence in instruction and guiding students, are committed to community service, and are creatively engaged in their fields of specialization. Students are endowed with both information and values through small classes, interdisciplinary studies, close association with the faculty and staff in and beyond the classroom, lively involvement in cultural life, and service to the community. In turn, Georgia College seeks to provide communities and employers with graduates who exhibit professionalism, responsibility, service, leadership and integrity.
Mission support
Over $150 million has been invested in the Milledgeville campus over the past few years, including new state-of-the-art classrooms, enhanced academic facilities, and the addition of a new Library and Instructional Technology Center which can accommodate over 1,000 students . The university has also invested heavily in technology and was recognized by Intel as one of "the 50 most wired campuses in the country."In 2006, the university partnered with the Georgia College Foundation to open its new multi-million dollar graduate center in Macon.
With its shift from being a commuter school to a residential university, there was also a complete renovation of student housing, including the construction of a new student apartment complex called The Village.
Student Housing
Georgia College provides housing for its students. Students have the option to reside either in a suite-style residence hall on Central Campus or in an apartment at The Village on West Campus. The residential halls on Central Campus are Bell, Sanford, Parkhurst, Wells, Napier, Foundation and Adams. Living on campus has the following advantages: students are able to interact with each other and form lasting relationships; students are well protected with emergency-notification buttons in every bedroom, blue emergency lights available outside, security cameras, swipe controlled access on each residence hall entrance and/or deadbolt lock on all student rooms or apartments; every room is wired for high-speed internet access and finally students have the option of dining at The Max (main dining hall), Chick-fil-AChick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A |"fillet"]]) is a quick service restaurant chain headquartered in College Park, Georgia, United States, specializing in chicken entrées and is known for promoting the company founder's claims of Christian values. Long associated with the southern United States, where it has been a...
, Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels is a bagel and coffee chain in the United States. As of 2010, there were 587 restaurants with the Einstein Bros. name.Einstein Bros. was created by a chain restaurant corporation, Boston Chicken in 1995, as a way to market breakfast foods...
, Blimpie
Blimpie
Blimpie is a submarine sandwich chain in the United States. The company is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.The first Blimpie store was opened in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1964. . By mid-2002, there were about 2,000 Blimpie outlets in operation, located in 47 U.S...
, Books & Brew Starbucks Café
Starbucks
Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17,009 stores in 55 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and...
, and the recently added, World of Wings and Sandella's.
Greek Life
Georgia College has a very active Greek Life with over 15 sororities and fraternities under various councils.College Panhellenic Council
- Alpha Delta PiAlpha Delta PiAlpha Delta Pi is a fraternity founded on May 15, 1851 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. The Executive office for this sorority is located on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Alpha Delta Pi is one of the two "Macon Magnolias," a term used to celebrate the bonds it shares with Phi Mu...
(ΑΔΠ) - Delta ZetaDelta ZetaDelta Zeta is an international college sorority founded on October 24, 1902, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Today, Delta Zeta has 158 collegiate chapters in the United States and over 200 alumnae chapters in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada...
(ΔΖ) - Kappa DeltaKappa DeltaKappa Delta was the first sorority founded at the State Female Normal School , in Farmville, Virginia. It is one of the "Farmville Four" sororities founded at the university...
(ΚΔ) - Phi MuPhi MuPhi Mu is the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States. It was founded at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. The organization was founded as the Philomathean Society on January 4, 1852, and was announced publicly on March 4 of the same year...
(ΦΜ) - Zeta Tau AlphaZeta Tau AlphaZeta Tau Alpha is a women's fraternity, founded October 15, 1898 at the State Female Normal School in Farmville, Virginia. The Executive office is located in Indianapolis, Indiana...
(ΖΤΑ)
National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Alpha Kappa AlphaAlpha Kappa AlphaAlpha Kappa Alpha is the first Greek-lettered sorority established and incorporated by African American college women. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of nine students, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle...
- Alpha Phi AlphaAlpha Phi AlphaAlpha Phi Alpha is the first Inter-Collegiate Black Greek Letter fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations ...
- Delta Sigma ThetaDelta Sigma ThetaDelta Sigma Theta is a non-profit Greek-lettered sorority of college-educated women who perform public service and place emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University...
- Kappa Alpha PsiKappa Alpha PsiKappa Alpha Psi is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin...
- Zeta Phi BetaZeta Phi BetaZeta Phi Beta is an international, historically black Greek-lettered sorority and a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.Zeta Phi Beta is organized into 800+ chapters, in eight intercontinental regions including the USA, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean...
Interfraternity Council (Fraternities)
- Delta Sigma PhiDelta Sigma PhiDelta Sigma Phi is a fraternity established at the City College of New York in 1899 and is a charter member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. The headquarters of the fraternity is the Taggart Mansion located in Indianapolis, Indiana...
- Kappa Alpha OrderKappa Alpha OrderKappa Alpha Order is a social fraternity and fraternal order. Kappa Alpha Order has 124 active chapters, 3 provisional chapters, and 2 commissions...
- Theta ChiTheta ChiTheta Chi Fraternity is an international college fraternity. It was founded on April 10, 1856 as the Theta Chi Society, at Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, U.S., and was the 21st of the 71 North-American Interfraternity Conference men's fraternities.-Founding and early years at Norwich:Theta...
- Pi Kappa PhiPi Kappa PhiPi Kappa Phi is an American social fraternity. It was founded by Andrew Alexander Kroeg, Jr., Lawrence Harry Mixson, and Simon Fogarty, Jr. on December 10, 1904 at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina...
- Pi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa Alpha is a Greek social fraternity with over 230 chapters and colonies and over 250,000 lifetime initiates in the United States and Canada.-History:...
- Kappa SigmaKappa SigmaKappa Sigma , commonly nicknamed Kappa Sig, is an international fraternity with currently 282 active chapters and colonies in North America. Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 240,000 men on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Today, the Fraternity has over 175,000 living...
Student Media
Georgia College provides students with a wide range of practical opportunities for working in the media. The GC Student media includes the Colonnade (newspaper), Bobcat Media Productions/ GCTV News (tv station/news show), 88.9 WGUR (radio), Peacock’s Feet (creative journal) and The Corinthian (journal of student research).The Student Government Association
Georgia College's Student Government Association (SGA) serves the campus community by addressing student concerns, promoting understanding within the college community, and administering all matters which are delegated to the student government by the university President. The responsibility for the governing of the student body is vested in the students themselves. All students are members of the SGA upon their enrollment and officers and Senators are elected on a yearly basis.Students & rankings
According to SAT results listed on CollegeBoard.com, GC students have the third highest average of all public schools in Georgia. As of 2009, GC has been Georgia's top ranked public Master's University in U.S. News and World Report for the past four years. Kiplinger.comKiplinger
Kiplinger is a Washington, D.C.-based publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, available in print, online, audio, video and software products ....
ranks Georgia College in the top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges. The university boasts a student retention rate of 84%, making it a leader in that category. In 2007, 18 states and 43 nations were represented by its student body.
Notable facts
The university library also houses the manuscript collection of author Flannery O'Connor, an alumna of the university, and of U.S. Senator Paul CoverdellPaul Coverdell
Paul Douglas Coverdell was a United States Senator from Georgia, elected for the first time in 1992 and re-elected in 1998, and director of the Peace Corps from 1989 until 1991...
, whose career included serving as director of the Peace Corps
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an American volunteer program run by the United States Government, as well as a government agency of the same name. The mission of the Peace Corps includes three goals: providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand US culture, and helping...
when the Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic starting on 13 August 1961, that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin...
fell.
The University is home to the prominent literary journal Arts & Letters
Arts & Letters
Arts & Letters is a literary journal based at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.The journal is known for its in depth interviews with major American writers such as John Guare, Tina Howe, Bobbie Ann Mason, and Charles Simic. Notable contributors to the journal have...
.
Notable alumni
- Chris Clark- the next president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
- Flannery O’Connor- Author of many short stories including the famous, "A Good Man is Hard to Find."
- Dr. Lynne Wilcox, a 1975 graduate, works with the CDC and their cancer prevention program.
- Andy Offutt Irwin, 1983 graduate with a degree in sociology, is a performing artist, storyteller and songwriter with six CDs.
- Julius Joseph- Professional Basketball player in England and Georgia College Athletics Hall of Fame
- Michael D. Garrett- President of Georgia Power
- Tony NicelyTony NicelyOlza M. "Tony" Nicely is the current CEO of Government Employees Insurance Company. Government Employees Insurance Company is an American auto insurance company. GEICO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Before becoming CEO, Nicely was the company's chairman since at least 1993...
- Chairman, President and CEO of GEICOGEICOThe Government Employees Insurance Company is an auto insurance company. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway that as of 2007 provided coverage for more than 10 million motor vehicles owned by more than 9 million policy holders. GEICO writes private passenger automobile insurance...
Insurance - Kim Martin- President of WE TV and Wedding Central is a graduate of Georgia College
- Kyle Burger- Anchor for Huntsville Alabama's TV station WAAYTV
- Alex Gregory- President and CEO of Marietta based YKK Corporation of America
- Aaron Clark- Professional Basketball Player for TED Turkey
- Justin Miles- Actor in the movie "The Crazies" and the TV series "The Gates."
- Adam Hammond - Reporter for Memphis Tennessee's TV station WREG CBS
- Sandra Deal - Georgia's First Lady