FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 5, 2012

Contact:  Taylor Hereford
              Dir., Dev. and Comm. Services, Waycross College
              thereford@waycross.edu

              Walda Kight
              Dir., Community and Foundation Relations
              South Georgia College
              walda.kight@sgsc.edu

Consolidation of Waycross College and South Georgia College Proposed

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) will receive a recommendation at its monthly board meeting Jan. 10-11 from USG Chancellor Henry “Hank” Huckaby to consolidate eight institutions, including Waycross College and South Georgia College in Douglas.

Dr. Virginia Carson, President of South Georgia College, comments, “I believe this proposal can further improve partnerships already in place among our respective institutions and offer additional economic impact for our region. SGC is a residential state College, which has been approved by the USG and SACS Commission on Colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees; this is just one example of how consolidating can enhance opportunities for students.”

Dr. Mary Ellen Wilson, Interim President of Waycross College, adds, “I recognize the desire of the Chancellor and the Board to be the best stewards possible of the funding that is allocated to the University System.” She further states, “Through this proposed consolidation and created efficiencies, more educational opportunities and student services would be provided to the students in the 15-county region of southeast Georgia.”

According to information released by the USG, Dr. Virginia Carson would serve as the President of the new proposed institution. Both campuses will remain open, creating a true regional institution with enrollment of over 3,000 students.

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This is the link to the USG press release regarding the Chancellor’s proposal for consolidations of eight institutions: http://www.usg.edu/news/

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is located in Douglas, Ga. The college's environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty. With over 20 majors and transfer opportunities, South Georgia College provides the finest education possible to the citizens of its service area.