RELEASE: Immediate

DATE: Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Regents approve mission statement for new institution

ATLANTA – The consolidation of Waycross College and South Georgia College took another step forward today with Board of Regents’ action on a mission statement for the new institution.

The statement reads as follows:

“New college, a state college of the University System of Georgia, is a multi-campus, student-centered institution offering high-quality associate and select baccalaureate degree programs. The institution provides innovative teaching and learning experiences, a rich array of student activities and athletic programs, access to unique ecological sites, and residential options to create a diverse, globally-focused, and supportive learning environment.”

The new mission will be effective upon approval and accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Board of Regents approval in January 2013.

“I am excited about our new mission and believe it is reflective of what we will strive to provide for higher education and students in our region,” said Dr. Virginia M. Carson, president of South Georgia College, who will also serve as president of the new institution.

Dr. Mary Ellen Wilson, interim president of Waycross College, said input was received across both campuses during the creation of the new mission.

“The mission statement was initially drafted and revised numerous times with input from various campus constituencies,” Dr. Wilson said. “It establishes a solid foundation for the consolidated institution.”

Shelley Nickel, associate vice chancellor for Planning and Implementation, said the approval of the mission was “another milestone in the road to full consolidation.”

“(It is) really the foundation that is essential for all future work as the consolidation moves forward,” she said. “(The statement) will be the guide that the campus implementation teams follow in creating (the) new institution focused on expanding opportunities for students and strengthening our ability to serve these students.”

In addition to approving the new institution’s mission statement, the Regents approved mission statements for three other consolidated institutions as well as name changes for two of those institutions. A name change for the WC-SGC consolidation will be submitted for board approval later this year.

The consolidation process is the initiative of USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby, who envisions consolidation as an important part of his program to create greater efficiencies in the USG’s operations while enhancing academic opportunities for students.

When he announced the consolidation plan in January, Huckaby said, “Georgia needs more of its citizens completing some level of postsecondary education. But we have to achieve this goal by considering some different approaches – approaches that put the needs of our students and the imperative to reach this goal first and foremost.”

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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.