Regents agree to merge Georgia Southern, East Georgia State
SWAINSBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia state regents on Tuesday voted to consolidate East Georgia State College and Georgia Southern University.
It came at the same meeting where regents also decided not to raise in-state tuition at most public colleges and universities in the state.
Final approval of the newly consolidated institution is expected after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges votes.
This comes a week after University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue recommended the consolidation.
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“It’s my expectation that by ing forces, opportunities for students in Emanuel County and our surrounding areas here will grow,” Perdue said Tuesday.
The 1,800-student East Georgia State is based in Swainsboro, while the 27,500-student Georgia Southern is based in Statesboro.
“Since its founding as Emanuel County Junior College, EGSC has been educating and serving our community for over 50 years and that won’t stop now,” said state Rep. Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro. “It’s essential that as the system streamlines and operates more efficiently, we safeguard access to higher education in the local area and keep the EGSC spirit going.”
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The consolidation will bring the number of institutions within the University System of Georgia to 25. The new institution will retain East Georgia State’s identity while becoming a part of Georgia Southern University, to be led by President Kyle Marrero.
An implementation team, with representatives from both institutions, will soon be formed to work out the many details associated with the consolidation.
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