Gordon State College Hosts USG Board of Regents Meeting
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College hosted the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents meeting on April 16, at its Barnesville campus. Alongside acknowledging GSC’s commitment to adapting its curriculum for workforce and economic development, the event featured a formal signing ceremony commemorating four new partnership expansions with key institutions.
“We are so pleased to host the Board of Regents and our colleagues from across the University System,” said Dr. Donald J Green, GSC president. “Gordon remains dedicated in its commitment to advancing education and fostering economic development in Central Georgia. As the demands of the labor market have expanded, so too has our institution, offering an array of career and transfer programs.”
One of the four partnerships entails a pathway with the University of West Georgia for students studying criminal justice. Through this partnership, students completing an Associate of Science in criminal justice from GSC seamlessly transition into UWG's Bachelor of Science in criminology, offered through the Department of Civic Engagement and Public Service in University College.
“By creating pathways for students in criminal justice to seamlessly transition into our criminology program, we are providing students with the tools and knowledge to excel in this high-need field and, in turn, improving the quality of life for members of our community and beyond,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president.
Another articulation agreement involves a partnership between GSC and East Georgia State College, accepting students to complete an Associate of Arts in elementary education at EGSC and then be eligible to enroll at GSC as a major in its BSED in elementary education with certification in special education.
According to the articulation, this agreement will create an affordable opportunity for EGSC students to meet local teacher workforce needs by moving seamlessly through a fully accredited online education program while working as a public-school paraprofessional in their local area.
The third articulation agreement signed involves the partnership with Albany State University. This partnership enables qualified GSC students holding a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree to gain admission to a selection of ASU’s Master of Science degree programs.
“We are proud to partner with Gordon State College to enhance the educational and career opportunities across the state for students within the fields of health professions, business and more,” said Marion Ross Fedrick, ASU president.
The concluding articulation of the day entails the formalization of a dual-degree agreement with Georgia Tech. This partnership enables GSC undergraduate students to earn an Associate of Science degree in engineering, then transfer to Georgia Tech's academic engineering program to pursue and obtain a Bachelor of Science in engineering.
Before recessing to their executive sessions, the Board of Regents had the opportunity to hear testimonials from GSC educators and students representing three key academic programs: K-12 education, human services, and nursing. Dr. Joseph Jones, GSC professor of education along with student Kacy Cox from Bibb County discussed GSC’s Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher track. Then, Dr. Jessica Traylor, GSC assistant professor of psychology and student Valerie Presley from Lamar County highlighted GSC’s role in supplying social service professionals. Finally, Dr. Victor Vilchiz, GSC dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences along with student Mercedes Preston from Henry County provided insights into GSC’s nursing program.