Judge Bell’s dream one step closer

GSW PGM Proposal accepted by PGA

AMERICUS—Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) received word recently from the Professional Golf Association (PGA) that the University’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program proposal has been accepted, and a PGA site visit is scheduled for December.

With an avid love for golf and a vision to see the GSW PGM Program flourish, former U.S. Attorney General and GSW alumnus Judge Griffin B. Bell has dedicated himself to see the program accredited by the PGA.

“Judge Bell has supported Georgia Southwestern in many ways,” said GSW President Kendall A. Blanchard, Ph.D. “Without his commitment and influence I am confident the University would not be where it is today.  However, I think of all his contributions, none has been more important than his many efforts to ensure that GSW has a state-of-the-art golf course and an accredited PGM program.  For this reason, as well as others, the University will forever be shaped by the Judge's legacy and grateful that he has never forgotten his alma mater."

“I am genuinely pleased that the University has cleared a major hurdle in the quest for the accreditation of its PGM program,” said Bell. “I have believed from the beginning that this program would bring not only more students but also more recognition both to the University and to the larger community that it serves”

The PGA’s acceptance of the proposal is a significant step in the accreditation process. Next, the PGA will schedule a site visit to Georgia Southwestern’s golf course and PGM facilities. If the site visit is favorable, the education division of the PGA will make a recommendation to its board to approve GSW’s program. At that point, Georgia Southwestern and PGM Director Shaun Murie will begin aggressively recruiting students for the program.

"Shaun Murie has done an outstanding job of putting all the pieces together and making sure that our proposed PGM program is one that the PGA, the University, and the entire Southwest Georgia community will be proud of,” said Blanchard. “Shaun's efforts are helping to shape the future of the University and we are pleased."

Pending final approval, Georgia Southwestern’s PGM Program would be one of 21 PGA accredited programs in the U.S., joining the likes of Arizona State and Florida State University, and the only one in Georgia. Housed in the GSW School of Business, students in the program will be expected to complete all of their major curriculum requirements, 16 months of internship, all three levels of the PGA’s Class A certification process and pass the PGA’s Playing Ability Test in a little over four years time.

“The PGM major is exciting because it is a truly interdisciplinary degree, and broadens the reach of our excellent School of Business,” said GSW Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian U. Adler, Ph.D.  “The degree puts GSW on the cutting edge for many fields, including the burgeoning area of recreation studies, which will develop as the general population continues to age. This new program combines our unique natural assets with considerable intellectual and academic capital.”

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