Trends in Georgia Higher Education

African American students in Georgia have always looked forward to attending a historically black college or university in the University System of Georgia.  Many have enrolled as first-generation college students or followed a path set by their parents.  But with a unique phenomenon now taking place in the State,  such may no longer be the case.

Historically black State institutions of higher learning in Georgia may be forced to combine with predominantly white public colleges and universities to help reduce cost or overlapping services if the Board of Regents has its way. It could spell the end of one endangered HBCU's motto of "education on a personal level."

Only Albany State University,  one of three State-supported HBCUs in Georgia,  has seen its mission altered thus far when it merged with Darton State College in  2015, a predominantly white institution on the city's Westside, with ASU as its flagship campus. It has expanded course offerings in nursing,  biology, and education, making it a force to be reckoned with in Southwest Georgia.  The two campuses recently combined athletic teams to serve a student body of nearly eight thousand men and women.  It should translate into jobs in an area suffering economically.

Savannah State University,  another of Georgia's three State-funded HBCUs, is being considered for a merger with mostly white Armstrong State,  a public university also in Savannah.  With the consolidation of other institutions in proximity to each other already finalized by the  Board of Regents,  Savannah State, and Armstrong may not escape their fate despite being located on Georgia's booming coast.  But unlike Albany and other places where downsizing has become the new normal on the college level,  Savannah boasts old money capable of fighting such a move,  which could make it to the State capital.  If the two institutions should become one, it could lead to an educational powerhouse in the State's oldest city,  with better opportunities for those in the area. 

Lastly, historically black Fort Valley State University may be spared due to logistics and politics. There is no compatible institution nearby that hasn't merged. For instance, Macon State College recently joined forces with Middle Georgia State College in nearby Cochran.  In addition,  African Americans in Georgia may insist that at least one state-sponsored HBCU remain intact to welcome students from challenging backgrounds.

Reaction to the likely mergers has been mostly positive so far,  which could bolster post-secondary education in the state.