If approved, the consolidation would combine the strengths of the two institutions to create a regional university of nearly 15,000 students that is steeped in tradition and poised for the future. The blending of North Georgia and Gainesville State will create new opportunities for students – including a broad range of academic programming from associate degrees through graduate-level education – and enhance economic development for the entire northeast Georgia region...
(Jan. 5, 2012) – The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents will act next week on a recommendation to consolidate several state schools, including Gainesville State College (GSC) and North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU).
USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced in September that the system would examine the possibility of consolidations as a means to increase system efficiencies and better serve students. In November, the Board of Regents announced principles of consolidation that included increased access to higher education, enhanced regional economic development and streamlined administrative services.
The Board of Regents will consider and act on the formal proposal on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
If approved, the consolidation would combine the strengths of the two institutions to create a regional university of nearly 15,000 students that is steeped in tradition and poised for the future. The blending of North Georgia and Gainesville State will create new opportunities for students – including a broad range of academic programming from associate degrees through graduate-level education – and enhance economic development for the entire northeast Georgia region.
“This consolidation would be a positive step forward for the future of our institutions and for students seeking higher education degrees,” said Dr. Bonita Jacobs, NGCSU president. “Though our institutions have had unique identities, we share a common value of engaged student learning to help students succeed academically and professionally.”
Gainesville State and North Georgia have a long history of collaboration that dates back to 1984 when NGSCU began offering limited evening courses on the GSC campus. Over the years, both institutions have worked together to maintain an environment of quality learning experiences and offerings have expanded, making it possible for many GSC graduates to stay on the GSC campus while continuing their college careers with NGCSU.
GSC President Martha T. Nesbitt said the following as she announced the consolidation to the faculty and staff, “This is yet another step in the evolution of higher education in North Georgia, and it is building on the tremendous success of Gainesville State College. Let’s use this opportunity to create even greater opportunities for higher education in North Georgia and continue to live our motto of ‘student focused, learning centered.’”
Though details of the consolidation would be worked out over the next 12 to 18 months, the merger could present an opportunity to better serve the growing veteran population in the northeast Georgia region by connecting the expertise and experience of NGCSU’s military program with expanded access points for veteran outreach services for veterans who are returning to civilian life and looking toward higher education to make that transition.
Additionally, this collaboration could increase the number baccalaureate and graduate offerings across the consolidated school’s network of campuses to meet the workforce needs of the region, especially in critical areas such as education and health care, while avoiding duplication of programs.
North Georgia College & State University, founded in 1873, is the state’s second-oldest public university. With an enrollment of more than 6,100 students, North Georgia is a public, liberal arts university with more than 50 programs of study in pre-professional, professional, graduate and doctoral programs.
North Georgia’s leadership development and international education experiences have earned it designation as a state leadership institution by the USG Board of Regents.
The university is also one of only six senior military colleges in the United States and is designated by state legislation as the Military College of Georgia. North Georgia’s full-time Army ROTC Corps of Cadets comprises about 12 percent of the university’s enrollment.
Gainesville State College opened in 1966 as a junior college and now enrolls about 9,000 students at campuses in Gainesville and Watkinsville.
The two schools are in the process of opening a joint instructional center this fall in Cumming. If the consolidation plan is approved by the Board of Regents, all campuses are expected to remain open.