Macon masters service mission

“One of the things that brings people to the center here, beside our wonderful GCSU reputation, that’s first and foremost, is that our location is really good for working professionals,” Christopher said. “The location is very accessible for those that are in the workplace, but the programs, that’s what (the students) are here for, to strengthen their own personal educational opportunities and experiences.”

The Macon campus may not boast Milledgeville’s college town feel, but most of the students who attend the Center for Graduate and Professional Learning have already had the college experience.

“The difference is that we primarily serve those that are in the business, healthcare and education fields and also in criminal justice administration,” Christopher said. “(Macon graduate programs are) similar to the ones in Milledgeville, but they are focused to the people who are already in the workplace.”

All classes are twice a week and held at night to accommodate students who may be otherwise engaged during the day.

Some graduate students find themselves taking classes at the Milledgeville campus and the Macon campus at the same time. Graduate student Stephen Hamilton is one of these and he has enjoyed the experience.

“The classrooms (in Macon) are nice and it’s a good facility,” Hamilton said. “Milledgeville is more like a campus, but the (Macon) classroom environment is fine.”

As for graduate student Jonathan McBryar, he is glad to be in Macon, but he has one main concern.

“The only thing I’d say is wrong with it is the drive,” McBryar said. “(My friends and I) try to carpool though.”

Many more students will find themselves making the forty-five minute drive from Milledgeville to Macon after graduation. Though it may be time consuming, the situation has been very well thought out.

“President Leland really wants to preserve what is going on with the liberal arts mission here at GCSU,” Christopher said. “In 2007, she literally made the decision to transfer most of the graduate programs so that the liberal arts could be maintained (in Milledgeville).”

Overall, GCSU’s Macon campus has the students’ best interest in mind and is expanding in morale and in numbers.

“We continue to reach out because our mission is that we’re a masters university with a public service mission,” Christopher said. “We are about really emphasizing that we are here to serve our state and to strengthen our programs with well-educated professionals.”