Institution Details

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is the largest and most comprehensive center of higher education in the southern half of Georgia. A residential campus of 16,100 students, Georgia Southern is one of the top universities of choice in Georgia for new freshmen and for HOPE Scholars. Students come from almost every U.S. state and 86 nations, bringing a broad spectrum of backgrounds, interests and talents to the University community.

The University's hallmark is a superior undergraduate experience emphasizing academic distinction, excellent teaching, and student success. Georgia Southern is foremost a teaching university that focuses first on students and what they value: a well-rounded college experience, a faculty where professors' first priority is teaching and a total campus environment that encourages learning and growing. The University offers 120 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels through seven colleges: Business Administration, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Science and Technology, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Information Technology and Graduate Studies. Georgia Southern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Founded in 1906 as a district agricultural school, Georgia Southern's century of history has built a tradition of spirit, pride and achievement. The institution advanced to become a teachers' college, a senior college, and in 1990 earned its status as the first university in the southern half of Georgia. Located in Statesboro, a safe, neighborly Main Street community of approximately 30,000 residents 50 miles northwest of Savannah, the University provides enriching cultural and educational opportunities to people of all ages, and reaches out to benefit the region and state through research and service.

Georgia Southern serves its mostly rural and coastal region through research and public services that promote educational, economic, cultural and social progress through creative solutions to regional challenges. Research varies from probing the genetic chemistry of disease-spreading parasites for keys to their biological control, to advancing the economic development of the region. Centers for business research and development, rural health, international studies, public affairs, teacher education, rehabilitation technology, water policy and biostatistics involve teams of experts working on regional and community concerns. The University extends educational opportunities at graduate centers in Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, Hinesville, Dublin and at numerous remote sites statewide via distance learning.

As a center of learning, the University's community of gifted scholars and talented artists bring alive educational and cultural experiences that enrich life for all people. Highlights include museum and gallery exhibits, concerts, art festivals, visiting performers and speakers. The University has a unique array of public centers, including the Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, the Botanical Garden, its Museum of cultural and natural history, a Performing Arts Center, featuring an 825-seat theater, and a continuing education center focused on lifelong learning and professional development.

Georgia Southern University's 675-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the state, featuring gently rolling lawns, scenic lakes and soaring pines. The historic heart of campus is a classic college portrait - red brick and white columns framed by live oaks and an archway of pecan trees. Beyond the circle of the original buildings, classic and contemporary lines blend in an expanding horizon of new facilities, connected by a paver-tiled walking boulevard called the Pedestrium. In the last two years, nearly $190 million worth of new construction and refurbishments have been completed or are underway, meeting the goals for enhanced academic, housing and athletics facilities.

The Georgia Southern University Foundation and Southern Boosters raise financial support for academic and athletics programs. Both organizations hold an annual, one-day fundraiser, A Day For Southern, in which community volunteers have raised more than $1 million for seven consecutive years. In 2003-2004, the Foundation awarded more than $838,000 in privately funded scholarships, awards and loans to Georgia Southern students.

Georgia Southern has gained recognition for its nationally competitive athletics program. The University's 15 Division I teams compete in the Southern Conference. Across-the-board commitment to excellence has resulted in an unprecedented six NCAA I-AA football national championships and NCAA participation in men's and women's basketball, baseball, golf, women's tennis, and volleyball.

The University also has an active alumni program, with Eagle Clubs for alumni, boosters and friends in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Alumni activities revolve around athletics events and Eagle Club meetings.

Georgia Southern approaches its 2006 centennial under the leadership of President Bruce Grube, who developed a strategy and master plan to lead the University to recognition as one of the best comprehensive universities in the nation within 10 years.

The strategic plan builds on six platforms where the University will lead:

• Academic distinction
• Student centeredness
• Technological advancement
• Trans-cultural opportunities
• Public-private partnerships
• Physical environment