RELEASE: Immediate

DATE: Thursday, May 24, 2012

South Georgia College, Waycross College Seek Input for Name of Consolidated Institution

South Georgia College and Waycross College have entered a new phase of the consolidation process – giving a name to the new institution.

“South Georgia College and Waycross College will form a multi-campus institution with statewide reach. This new institution will provide enhanced educational opportunities and additional economic impact for Georgia,” said Dr. Virginia Carson, president of South Georgia College who will also serve as president of the new institution. “Naming the new institution is a very important endeavor and establishes the institution’s identity.”

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni from both campuses, as well as members of the Douglas and Waycross communities, are welcome to submit suggestions, said Dr. Mary Ellen Wilson, interim president of Waycross College.

“Waycross College and South Georgia College jointly believe it is important to solicit feedback from our campus and community stakeholders,” she said. “Individuals, businesses, and community and government leaders are invited to participate in this process.”

Drs. Carson and Wilson have established five parameters to aid in the submission of potential names.

“The new institution will be a statewide institution, initially serving 3,000 students. Its name should support the institution’s mission and serve to strengthen its academic reputation,” said Dr. Carson.

Dr. Wilson said the name should aid in the institution’s long-term growth as well as be easily incorporated into the college’s branding efforts.

“The name should also aid in enhancing economic development for Georgia,” she said.

Because the new institution will be designated as a state college by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents, Dr. Carson said the word “university” cannot be included.

Suggestions may be received in writing or through the completion of an online suggestion form, a link to which will be provided on the homepage of each institution’s website. The suggestion form can be accessed on SGC’s site by clicking here: http://www.sgc.edu/namechange.

The deadline to receive suggestions is Monday, June 18. A final decision will be made by the Board of Regents in August.

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.”

For more information regarding the naming of the institution or to submit suggestions in writing:

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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.