Regents authorize Griffin Bell Golf Course naming

GSW BBA at East Georgia, residence hall razing approved

ATLANTA, Ga.—Today, in the second and final day of its August 2008 board meetings, the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia approved a number of requests from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) President Kendall A. Blanchard, Ph.D.

In particular, the BOR authorized the naming of the Georgia Southwestern Golf Links in Americus and Conference Center the “Griffin Bell Golf Links and Conference Center” in recognition of former U.S. Attorney General, GSW graduate and Americus native Judge Griffin Bell.

To house a proposed Professional Golf Association (PGA) Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program, the Golf and Conference Center was gifted to the University by the GSW Foundation in May 2008. Judge Bell is an avid golfer and has been instrumental in Georgia Southwestern’s effort to develop the PGM Program.

“One of the unexpected perks of my job as President at Georgia Southwestern has been the privilege of getting to know and work with Judge Griffin Bell,” said Blanchard.  “He is without doubt one of America’s most notable public servants and one of the most highly respected Georgians of all times. So it is a great honor to have his name become a permanent part of our golf course and in this way ensure that the University remains an integral part of the Judge Bell legacy.”

In addition to the naming, the Regents approved GSW’s intentions to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at East Georgia College in Swainsboro; the demolition of Complex III (residence hall) to make room for a new 300 bed residence hall; and to waive degree credit hour length for specific teacher certification programs.

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