Spring 2006, Volume 9, No. 2

Macon State College continues to demonstrate the strength of a new model in higher education.

The model is that of a focused baccalaureate institution flexible enough to build bachelor’s degree programs quickly and aim them toward the demonstrable economic needs of the region it serves. We are capable of redirecting resources to support emerging career opportunities in technology, health and business and well-positioned to respond to the current realities of fiscal accountability and program relevance. And we remain a great value among institutions of higher education where students can complete a bachelor’s degree for a grand total of under $11,000 in tuition and fees.

Last fall, Macon State reached an important milestone when the total number of students graduating with bachelor’s degrees exceeded a thousand. That number is now more than 1,200 and counting, and we know that most of these graduates remain in Central Georgia. Clearly, Macon State’s lineup of bachelor’s degrees that build on strong liberal arts foundations while preparing students for professional careers is an appealing option for many in our region.

Just last month, the Board of Regents approved new bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and biology for Macon State. Scheduled to begin in 2007, these degrees will appeal to students interested in the variety of careers in this area that build upon strong backgrounds in math and science. They will also allow Macon State to begin producing top-notch high school math and biology educators who are able to develop stronger academic foundations in these disciplines than would be possible in traditional teacher education programs.

This academic year also saw Macon State make great strides in increasing the number of professional nurses for Central Georgia healthcare facilities. In addition to now accepting two cohorts (formerly it was just one) of students for the professional nursing program on the Macon campus, we introduced the degree to our Warner Robins Campus this spring.

We also received funding from the University System’s Intellectual Capital Partnership Program to help a select group of LPNs working for Houston Healthcare Complex to become Registered Nurses, more of whom are desperately needed in today’s sophisticated hospital environments, through our program. I am always especially proud to announce nursing program expansions because they are prime examples of how economic development initiatives and the helping professions are intricately linked.

As you might imagine, it was with great pride and honor that I shared all of this news and more with Erroll B. Davis Jr., the University System’s new chancellor who made his first visit to Macon State on April 4. He is a fascinating man with a strong corporate business background who brings new ideas about efficiency, economic development, achievement and boosting the number of first-generation college students. I am excited about the potential Macon State has to help the new chancellor realize his vision for the University System.

I am, as always, grateful for your support of Macon State College and invite you to stay tuned as we keep moving forward for Central Georgia.

Dr. David A. Bell
President