GCSU settles in at Macon

The Macon Center for Graduate and Professional Learning is thriving as the newly renovated establishment enters into its first full year as the permanent home for GCSU graduate students in Macon. The Thomas Jefferson Building in Macon was purchased for $3 million at the end of 2006 by the GCSU Foundation, of which $500,000 came from a grant by the Peyton Anderson Foundation out of Macon. Dr. Doris Christopher, chief administrative officer for the Macon campus, said the 30,000 square foot building was chosen for its central location and great amenities. "The Macon Center for Graduate and Professional Learning offers all the amenities such as ample parking, state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, and student support services," Christopher said. "The downtown location provides easy access to cultural attractions, nearby restaurants and local business establishments." President Dorothy Leland reiterated this statement in a news release. "Public higher education has a special responsibility to contribute to economic development," Leland said, "and downtown Macon is undergoing a significant revitalization. We want Georgia College to be a part of that." Current students and faculty are enjoying their new space, Christopher said. "Students and faculty rave about the classrooms, labs and office facilities in the new Center for Graduate and Professional Learning," Christopher said. "The entire environment is very conducive to teaching and learning. Faculty and students really enjoy the facility with its state-of-the art technology." The Macon campus has seen an increase in enrollment since the Thomas Jefferson Building was completed. "The downtown location is easily accessible from all points, and this is indicative of our enrollment numbers, which have met and/or exceeded expectations," said Christopher. "The centralized location gives working professionals added opportunities to pursue their master’s degrees, as well as take advantage of professional enrichment courses and workshops." Anne Gormly, vice president for academic affairs, suggests high marketing and new classrooms as the reason behind the growth. "With the new space, we push the programs," Gormly said. The school is already adjusting to the rise in enrollment. "Due to the increased enrollment, plans are underway to renovate the fourth floor in the Macon Center," Christopher said. "These plans would include more classrooms, labs and office space to meet enrollment needs." GCSU does have full time graduate programs on the Milledgeville campus. The difference is that most of the students in Macon are part-time working professionals, so the classes are held at night with a few on Saturday. The Macon campus may look into offering full-time programs during the day. GCSU also offers graduate classes in Warner Robins on the military base, Gormly said. Anyone interested in The Macon Center for Graduate and Professional Learning should attend the open house on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Doors will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or visit the Macon campus website at http://www.gcsu.edu/macon/ to learn more.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 25 2008. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry