Welcome to the 2009 – 2010 Academic Year
Dr. Valerie Hepburn, President

Spring Semester President's Update

Welcome to the College of Coastal Georgia. We begin this academic year with many exciting changes underway and on the horizon. This year, we are joined by our first group of rising juniors and our inaugural class of first and second year students who intend to complete bachelor’s degrees at the College. The College is now accredited as a Level II institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges, authorized to offer associate and baccalaureate degrees along with transfer and transient credit coursework.

This fall, we recognize our students who have enrolled in our new teacher education and business administration degree programs. In the spring, we will enroll students in our bachelor of science in nursing program. Our associate degree programs remain the backbone of our College portfolio, providing a springboard of outstanding quality for students seeking a career pathway or a portal to pursue a baccalaureate degree at our College or elsewhere around the state and nation.

Look around and you will see numerous changes to the campus’ operations, look and feel. The College’s Strategic Master Plan was adopted in May 2009 and we are working to become a vibrant education community filled with activities that are sure to make you feel like you are indeed part of something quite special. More than twenty exceptional new faculty members have joined an already impressive academic family. We have new, highly accomplished Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs (Dr. Phil Mason) and Student Affairs (Dr. Jerry Kiel), who have joined us to help build our dynamic 21st century learning environment. Our faculty and staff are fully committed to your success. Along with unsurpassed academic quality, the College is focusing on quality of student life and healthy life styles.

Take advantage of our libraries, technology, learning communities and support programs, and a full array of student services and life activities. We are transitioning to a pedestrian and bicycle friendly campus. Enjoy mobility and green space as you make your way to classes. Study and meet your friends on the grounds. Use the new campus WiFi. A fitness center has opened in the Coffin Education Building. The campus is now totally tobacco-free, and we thank you for adhering to this strict policy designed to promote a healthy environment for everyone on campus. For your convenience, student services have been consolidated in the Andrews Center, centrally located and housing the campus’ first ATM and the Coastal Café. Student life and support services are located in the newly renovated Student Activity Center near the lake.

The exciting times are just beginning. This year, we will break ground on the new Health and Science Building, our first new academic building on the Brunswick Campus in nearly three decades. We plan to occupy the new building in late 2010. We are working to develop additional degree offerings. On-campus residences, a new campus center, enhanced classroom space, and expanded athletic programs are on the horizon. The beautiful Camden Center continues to be a vibrant and expanding campus setting.

Thank you for joining us at the College of Coastal Georgia. Students are the central reason for our transformation, and we encourage you to take an active role in helping us build the College. We hope your time here is enjoyable, enlightening and memorable. We look forward to supporting your continued success and helping you expand your horizons.