Gordon State College Reflects on Momentum Under President Donald Green’s Leadership
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026
Gordon State College is reflecting on a period of significant institutional growth and momentum following the announcement Friday that President Donald J. Green has been confirmed as president of Valdosta State University by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG).
Since arriving at Gordon State in 2023, Green has led the college through a period of strategic advancement centered on student success, enrollment growth, workforce alignment and campus revitalization.
Under his leadership, Gordon State launched the “Future Forward” strategic plan, a multi-year roadmap focused on accelerating degree completion, strengthening student support systems and aligning academic offerings with the evolving needs of Georgia’s workforce. The college achieved a record Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 64.5% in 2025, marking a 13% increase over the previous year.
Gordon State also experienced continued enrollment momentum, including a 7.5% increase in spring enrollment, while expanding initiatives designed to support persistence, advising and timely graduation.
“Serving as president of Gordon State has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Green said. “The progress we have achieved together reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters who continue to believe in the power and promise of this institution.”
During Green’s tenure, Gordon State strengthened its emphasis on workforce and economic development by aligning academic pathways with high-demand industries, particularly within nursing, STEM and business. The college also expanded undergraduate research opportunities, advanced plans for new academic programming and continued investments in campus facilities and the student experience.
Student achievement milestones continued to climb under Green’s leadership. During Fall 2025 Commencement, 262 graduates earned baccalaureate and associate degrees, reflecting a 19% increase over the previous fall. This spring, Gordon State awarded 338 degrees to 328 graduates during the institution’s largest commencement ceremony in more than a decade, marking an additional 17% increase in graduates, year over year, for the spring term.
The Spring 2026 ceremony also marked Green’s final commencement as president of Gordon State.
“Commencement represents more than a celebration of degrees earned,” Green said. “It reflects the resilience, determination and forward momentum of our students and the collective commitment of this campus community to their success.”
Additional milestones achieved during Green’s leadership include historic growth within the Gordon State Foundation, continued residence hall renovations and the strengthening of partnerships that position the college as a talent pipeline for central Georgia and beyond.
As Gordon State reflects on this chapter, college leadership emphasized that the institution remains firmly focused on its mission of student success and serving the region through accessible, high-quality education.
USG will announce next steps regarding leadership at Gordon State in the near future.
