Middle Georgia State College Sets Its Sights on University Status
Thursday, May 15th, 2014
On May 16th, more than 1,300 students are expected to graduate from Middle Georgia State College (MGSC) in ceremonies to be held at the Macon Coliseum. It will mark an exciting, new beginning for the graduates and, in many ways, for the school as well.
Under new President Christopher Blake, Ph.D., MGSC is diversifying its program offerings, expanding its facilities and strengthening its commitment to provide greater access to educational opportunities for the people of Middle Georgia. With the support of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the school hopes to become a public university in another 18 months.
"Most business leaders understand that their best employees are those individuals who continue to grow and learn. Education is a lifelong journey and we want to help people in Middle Georgia learn in all stages of their careers and lives," Dr. Blake said.
Created in early 2013 through the consolidation of two institutions, MGSC has campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman and Warner Robins, as well as numerous online learning opportunities. The school offers 17 bachelor's degrees with a variety of concentrations and majors, associate's degrees and a limited number of certificates, most of the latter through its School of Aviation. Current enrollment is more than 8,100 students and is expected to be steady or up slightly in the fall.
Diversifying, expanding and strengthening
Since joining the school in February, Blake has published his vision for MGSC in a white paper titled "The Public University of Middle Georgia, Leading Georgians to New Heights and Sights." The paper summarizes the need to strengthen academics, the quality of student life, faculty excellence and community engagement among other topics. Recent announcements are evidence of progress being made toward the new vision.
"We've added a four-year varsity athletic program along with a marching band program at our Cochran campus. We've opened a recreation center in Macon to support the physical well-being of our students," Blake said.
"And we're reaching new adult populations. For example, we are working with the Georgia Department of Corrections to provide their staff training and we are actively exploring other exciting community and business partnerships."
According to Blake, the school is investing strategically to expand and diversify its programs. It evaluates educational needs in the markets surrounding each of its five campus locations and determines if there is a fit with the existing inventory of programs.
At the same time, value remains an important part of the equation. Affordability is one of the most oft-cited reasons students give for enrolling in MGSC. Tuition for the 2014-2015 academic year will increase 2.5 percent at most University System of Georgia institutions, which will increase tuition for entering freshman at MGSC from $1,459 per semester to $1,495.
"Middle Georgia State continues to be an exceptional value. In fact, we offer the most affordable online IT degree in the nation," Blake said.
Getting the message out
Community engagement is an important component of Blake's vision for MGSC. Support from local businesses is critical for funding, student placements and the school's long-term growth.
"I'm out speaking with community and business leaders throughout our communities. And we have our MSGC Foundation, which is 90 percent working people that we use as a sounding board," Blake said.
"We're also launching a robust marketing and branding campaign – both internally and externally – to ensure we are thinking as one organization, and every campus is thoroughly invested in our vision."
More information on Middle Georgia State College is available at www.mga.edu.
