In a bold step towards cost-saving and academic consolidation, the University System of Georgia announced its intention to consolidate East Georgia State College with Georgia Southern University. The Board of Regents will vote on the proposed consolidation next week.
East Georgia State College in Swainsboro has endured steadily decreasing enrollment, from 3,000 students in 2015 down to around 1,826 in fall term 2023. Since the enrollment directly relates to funding, the college budget has decreased yearly from $31.4 million to slightly above $24 million in recent history.
Chancellor Sonny Perdue underscored that this consolidation is part of the ongoing efforts since 2011 to consolidate the state's public university system. The institutions have decreased gradually from 35 to 25, if this latest plan were to be approved. The timeline for consolidation is not yet certain, awaiting final approvals.
"Those dollars saved by consolidation always have been reinvested on the ground to our campuses — supporting the recruitment of talented faculty, growing student support services and driving quantifiable gains in retention and graduation," said Perdue. "Our commitment to making this recommendation is not different.
This is Georgia Southern's not first consolidation. In 2017, it merged with Armstrong State University in Savannah. Perdue assured the public that the legacy of East Georgia State would be respected and preserved, particularly in the community of Swainsboro.
East Georgia State both grants four-year bachelor's degrees and two-year associate degrees. The consolidation must be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges before proceeding.
So far, the University System indicates saving $30 million in administrative expenses through consolidations. Officials claim these savings have improved student experience and academic outcomes systemwide.
To date, the University System reports saving $30 million in administrative costs through consolidations. Officials assert these savings have enhanced the student experience and improved academic outcomes systemwide.
The decision marks a continued shift in Georgia’s higher education landscape toward sustainability and student success.
