March 25, 2008

State two-year college representatives visit GSW

AMERICUS—Georgia Southwestern State University hosted representatives from seven two-year colleges within the University System of Georgia March 20. Officials from Atlanta Metropolitan College, Bainbridge College, Gainesville State College, Georgia Perimeter College, Gordon College, South Georgia College and Waycross College were in attendance.

From the outset of his administration, GSW President Kendall Blanchard has actively promoted the University as an institution that understands the needs of transfer students.

“For me, one of the principal purposes of the meeting was to hear from the two-year colleges about what we might do to make GSW more inviting to their graduates who wish to pursue four-year degrees,” said Blanchard. “In this regard, as well as others, the meeting was a great success.

“My colleagues and I learned a great deal and will build on that knowledge to enhance the University’s reputation as a great destination for transfer students,” added Blanchard.

The event was an orientation of sorts as deans from each of GSW’s academic departments presented information specific to their educational discipline. Following the initial meeting, the group was treated to lunch and given a tour of the campus courtesy of GSW’s student recruitment team, the Zephyrs.

Georgia Southwestern had only 233 transfer students enrolled entering the Fall 2007 semester. By focusing on initiatives with two-year colleges, GSW hopes to not only increase enrollment but to provide a seamless transfer for students transitioning from a two-year to a four-year institution. Since August 2007, Blanchard has signed Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) with five of the seven schools represented at the event.

For more information about Georgia Southwestern or to learn more about TAG agreements, call (229) 928-1273.

PHOTO AVAILABLE

 TAG, you’re it--Pictured, left to right: Richard Beaublen, Georgia Perimeter College; Stephen Snyder, GSW public relations director; Charles Bell, Gainesville State College; Curtis L. Todd, Atlanta Metropolitan College; and Gaye Hayes, GSW dean of students and admissions services.

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