I am excited to be able to come out of retirement to serve as interim president of GSC until early January, 2013.  I continue to be amazed by all the great things that are happening here at Gainesville State. As I meet students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters, I am impressed by their enthusiasm for this fine institution.   It is a real point of pride for me to have this leadership opportunity during a time of great transformation. 

 

While we are in the midst of planning for our consolidation with North Georgia College & State University and will become the University of North Georgia in January of 2013, we are not letting that get in the way of continuing to fulfill our mission “to provide broad access to a quality liberal arts higher education primarily for the population of Northeast Georgia. GSC seeks to assure the success of its students and contribute to the quality of life in the surrounding region. The institution, with an emphasis on diversity and international issues, prepares students to function in a global society.”

Educationally and economically, GSC is a key player in the region, with a combined enrollment nearing 8,500 for our campuses in Gainesville, Oconee and Cumming.  GSC offers courses leading to a limited number of Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees, in addition to Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificate programs in a variety of areas. Our most recent economic impact study revealed that our impact exceeded $206 million in FY2010 and generated 2,250 jobs.

 

While at GSC, I urge students to take advantage of our academic and extra-curricular activities that are part of the overall educational experience including:  intramurals, clubs, organizations, bands, chorus, theatre, and international-intercultural studies programs.  

 

We are a place of life-long-learning and enjoy having members of the community back on campus for special speakers, cultural arts events, Continuing Education camps and courses, fitness opportunities and more.

 

I encourage you to use our website as one of the many tools that are available to you as you navigate your educational journey.