State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was named by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions.

“I want to thank Speaker Burns for appointing me to serve as chairman of this much-needed study committee,” said Chairman Blackmon. “Since the University System of Georgia transitioned to the semester system in 1999, and the Technical College System of Georgia followed suit in 2011, we have seen the benefits of curriculum alignment, administrative efficiencies and reduced costs. However, the longer terms and fewer graduation cycles have raised questions about whether the semester system is truly the best option for our students and workforce development. As such, I look forward to serving alongside my legislative colleagues as we are committed to thoroughly examining these issues and ensuring that our world class educational systems best serve the needs of all students in Georgia.”

The House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions was established following the adoption of House Resolution 1384 during the 2024 legislative session. This committee will examine the respective advantages and disadvantages of semester and quarter systems for USG and TCSG institutions, with the potential to propose legislation based on their findings in the upcoming legislative session.

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta), Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) and Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta). 

Representative Shaw Blackmon represents the citizens of District 146, which includes portions of Houston County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. He also serves on the Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Rules, Small Business Development, Special Rules and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees and is an Ex-Officio member of the Appropriations Committee.