The University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, and Macon State College will receive a combined total of $570,000 from the funds recommended by Gov. Roy E. Barnes and approved by the Georgia General Assembly to bring high demand four-year degree programs to two-year college campuses statewide. The primary goal is to increase the number of Georgians earning bachelor's degrees. All three institutions will offer degree programs on the ABAC campus.
Board of Regents' Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Fiscal Affairs Daniel S. Papp said nine different four-year USG institutions will collaborate with 10 two-year colleges and three satellite centers in the statewide initiative.
UGA received $200,000 to offer a degree in Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Systems at ABAC beginning with the 2003 fall term. VSU received $220,000 to offer junior and senior level classes in Early Childhood Education at ABAC, Waycross College, and South Georgia College. The classes in Tifton begin this fall.
Macon State received $150,000 to place Information Technology classes at ABAC, Gordon College, and Middle Georgia College. Around 30 students are already enrolled in the Macon State classes at ABAC which will continue this fall semester.
ABAC President Mike Vollmer believes the funding will change the way students look at higher education in south Georgia.
"Students in our area of the state are now going to be able to get these degrees without leaving home," Vollmer said. "They can begin their college careers right here at ABAC, and then stay through the completion of their four-year degrees. It's a fantastic opportunity to boost the number of college graduates in south Georgia."
ABAC also hosts a four-year degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in accounting or management , and the Master's Degree in Business Administration program from Albany State University.
"Five different four-year schools on our campus opens lots of doors for ABAC graduates," Vollmer said. "I believe the Georgia legislature and the University System have presented us an opportunity which will benefit thousands of students for years to come."
Classes begin for the fall semester at ABAC on Aug. 19.
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