GSW’s Patterson talks ‘community,’ University’s direction

In his second year leading Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), Interim President Charles Patterson has worked diligently, particularly in two areas: growing the student body and building on the connection between the campus and the local community. Success in these areas can be credited to GSW, as a whole, staying true to its mission.

“Georgia Southwestern State University has experienced tremendous growth in the past two years,” Patterson said. “It is this growth that has sustained the University’s short-term vision of remaining an independent and affordable state university – focusing on achievement, success and career readiness of its student body.”

Specifically, GSW’s enrollment has increased by more than 10 percent over the last two years – 2,954 total students as of Fall 2016. A big step in the right direction.

Organizations operate best when their people work together in one direction. That is the very definition of “community” – a unified body of individuals. To that end, members of the GSW community and other local stakeholders have been formulating the University’s new strategic plan to ensure that recent successes translate into future milestones.

“In 2016, Georgia Southwestern State University faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners came together to develop the University’s new strategic plan,” said Patterson. “The plan identifies four goals: Expanding High-Impact Teaching and Learning Experiences; Transforming Campus Connections; Cultivating Community Engagement with Intentionality; and Promoting Enhanced Stewardship.”

Those future milestones? The University’s strategic plan addresses them specifically. New academic programs, in particular, like the “eMajors” in criminal justice and business, and the family nurse practitioner master’s degree, and strategic international partnerships with other colleges and universities are crucial to attracting new students.

“The plan will drive strategies for increasing enrollment beyond 3,000 students, improving retention and graduation rates and furthering the economic impact of the University in the region,” Patterson continued. “More importantly, the plan is the culmination of a group effort and an example of the Georgia Southwestern family coming together in support of the University's future.”

The surrounding community plays a pivotal role in GSW’s future.

“The University’s economic impact in 2015 stood at $80.4 million and is a demonstration of Georgia Southwestern’s role as an economic driver,” added Patterson. “However, we must think comprehensively about how we, as a larger community, ensure continued growth and prosperity of Southwest Georgia. Our aspirations of becoming a designated institution of high community engagement demonstrate our commitment to developing student leaders that are civic-minded and committed to service.”

Only a few short months ago, Patterson created a new role on campus – director of community and student engagement (Jill Hohnecker) – the University hopes will help identify community and civic opportunities for students and further build a bridge to Americus and Sumter County.

Other new initiatives like the GSW bike share program with the City of Americus and the rental car partnership with RDR Car, Truck and Van Rentals of Americus serve to connect students to the community by way of transportation.

“Our commitment to partnership and service is mutually beneficial,” Patterson concluded, “for the development of our young men and women, as well as our surrounding communities.”