#04-202
Aug. 16, 2004

GSW anticipates landmark year as Fall Semester 2004 commences with classes starting Aug. 18

AMERICUS--The 2004-05 academic year at Georgia Southwestern State University promises to be one like no other in the institution's 98-year history. Fall Semester 2004 classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 18. 

"Our campus community, and our alumni and friends in the larger community, are committed to purposeful growth and progress," said President Michael L. Hanes, Ph.D. "This will be a year of landmarks in the history of our campus." 

Revitalizing GSW's historic infrastructure, while continuing to explore new learning opportunities for students, are integral components of the University's commitment to education. 

"In the next 12 months, we will see the completion of the $22 million Student Success Center; the initiation of new academic programs on campus as well as programs reaching out to our various constituencies in Southwest Georgia; and the restoration of our most cherished historical structure, the Wheatley Administration Building," Hanes said. 

"Meanwhile, our campus is adding men and women's golf and soccer; enhancing facilities resources with the addition of the GSW Golf & Conference Center by the Georgia Southwestern Foundation; and continuing preparation to celebrate the institution's centennial in 2006," Hanes added. "This progress comes as the University pursues a $12 million capital campaign to raise money for much-needed scholarships, programs and facilities. To date, more than $7.2 million has been secured. 

"It's a great time to be a part of this very special institution," Hanes said. 

Academically, GSW is now collaborating with Albany State University and Dalton State College to offer the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management, or WebBAS. The degree program is designed with working professionals in mind and is offered entirely online. Graduates will be qualified for technical managerial positions in fields encompassing avionics, automotive technology, electronics, construction, telecommunications, and other areas. For more information, visit www.WebBAS.net. 

Construction of the 130,000 square foot Student Success Center, designed as the new hub of campus life, is expected to be complete in early 2005. Highlights of the domed, two-story facility include a convocation hall/sports arena with seating for 3,000; updated athletic facilities, including training areas and a fitness center; recreational facilities, including racquetball courts and a climbing wall; new and improved Health and Human Performance facilities, encompassing classrooms, conference space, fitness areas, and offices; room for various student organizations including Student Government and the Student Affairs Division. 

An anticipated renovation of the Wheatley Administration Building is expected to be underway by Spring Semester 2005. Academic Hall was built on the site in 1907 and cost approximately $28,000. On April 16, 1915, it was destroyed by fire. Architect Crawford Wheatley, a member of the local board, supervised rebuilding on the same site. The current building, with its trademark rotunda, was completed in 1918 and cost $75,000. It is named in honor of Charles Huntington Wheatley, son of Crawford Wheatley, who died in 1991 and bequeathed 55 percent of his $20 million-plus estate to the University. In Spring 2003, $700,000 in planning funds was approved to renovate the building and restore its previous grandeur.

PHOTO AVAILABLE 

Finishing Touches--Georgia Southwestern's $22 million Student Success Center should be complete in early 2005. The new "hub" of campus life will feature a 3,000-seat convocation hall and sports arena.

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