Macon State College
Encyclopedia
Macon State College, formerly Macon College and Macon Junior College, is a four-year, residential, baccalaureate degree institution of the University System of Georgia
located in Macon, Georgia
with a satellite campus in Warner Robins, Georgia
, as well as the Robins Resident Center, located on Robins Air Force Base.
The college offers 33 programs of study in 18 bachelor's degree programs -- biology
, business & information technology
, communications & information technology, early childhood education
, middle grades education, English
, health information management
, health services administration, history
, information technology
, interdisciplinary studies (B.A. and B.S.), mathematics
, nursing
, RN-to-BSN, psychology
, public service and respiratory therapy
. Associate degrees also are offered.
With an affordable tuition designed to encourage access to the University System, as well as excellent instruction offered in convenient locations, Macon State has become the largest college in Central Georgia. In the fall of 2011, Macon State had 5,702 students. Macon State continues to fulfill its mission of serving the region's residents and its economic interests by providing higher education programs of recognized quality.
Residence Life programs began for the first time in the fall 2010 semester when the college started offering housing and expanded student life activities. The college took over operation of a 300+ unit apartment complex adjacent to the Macon campus and renamed the complex College Station. The apartments are student-only units with resident advisers and security on site.
Macon State's main campus is located on more than 400 acres (1.6 km²) on College Station Drive, along Eisenhower Parkway (US 80), in western Bibb County, Georgia
. The Warner Robins campus, with three administrative and academic buildings, is located on 79 acres (319,701.9 m²) Watson Boulevard, just a half-mile from the main gate of Robins Air Force Base
. The Robins Resident Center is located in one of the many office buildings located on the Air Force base.
1998–2011: Dr. David A. Bell
1985-97: S. Aaron Hyatt
1984-85: Jack Ragland, served as interim president
1972-84: William W. Wright
1968-72: Jack K. Carlton, the first president of the institution
Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs: Dr. Martha Venn
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs: Nancy Stroud
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management: Dr. Melanie McClellan
Vice President for External Affairs and Continuing Studies: Albert J. Abrams
Chief Information Officer: Roger Dixon
Dean of Students: Lynn W. McCraney
Interim Dean of the Warner Robins Campus: David Carpenter
passed a resolution to create a public two-year college
in Middle Georgia. Subsequently, the voters of Bibb County
approved a bond issue to fund the college.
Macon Junior College, as it was then known, opened its doors in 1968 to the largest enrollment ever for a new state college in Georgia
. In 1970, the Board of Regents directed Macon Junior College to serve civilian and military employees at Robins Air Force Base
. The Robins Resident Center, located on the base, was subsequently established.
As several other junior colleges had recently gained four-year status, many speculated that Macon's would as well. However, the change took some time. It was not until 1983 that a statewide needs assessment indicated that the Macon area was underserved by state higher education. In 1987, the Regents removed "Junior" from the college's name but Macon College remained a two-year school.
In 1989, the college's president, S. Aaron Hyatt, asked the state to grant the college senior status. The following year, 25,000 local citizens signed a petition supporting the move, but state budget cuts prevented the issue from advancing.
Over the next several years, the topic was repeatedly discussed, and "senior status" was often recommended by University System consultants, but it would be 1996 before the Regents finally approved a change in mission and the introduction of the Bachelor of Science
degree. Later that year, the school became known as "Macon State College" to indicate the new status. Both changes formally took effect in 1997. The first bachelor's degrees were awarded in May 1999.
During the fall 2007 convocation President Bell mentioned that the Board of Regents estimates Macon State’s enrollment will hit 10,000 by 2020. To accommodate these expectations the College will have to grow to include a more complex mission with additional four-year programs, graduate degrees in appropriate areas and residential housing.
In the same speech, President Bell also announced that with this growth the college would have to reorganize from divisions into schools. He then announced the official foundation of the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Information Technology, the School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the School of Business. Dr. Robert Kelly was then named the first dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
In April 2010, the president announced that the college had assumed operations of a 300+ apartment complex adjacent to the Macon campus. The units are available only to Macon State students and opened as student housing for the Fall 2010 semester. The housing initiative is part of a new Residence Life program that includes new student activities. It is anticipated the college will add additional housing and new facilities for student activities.
In the fall of 2010, Dr. Bell announced that he would end his term as president in June 2011.
In July 2011, Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten, who had been serving as president of the Collier County Campus of Edison State College in Naples, Florida, assumed office as Macon State's new president.
The School of Arts and Sciences, located in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building on the Macon Campus, offers programs of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas: biology, communications and information technology, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, psychology and public service. Additionally, students may pursue an A.A. or A.S. degree in any one of 23 areas of study. Dr. Ronald Williams is dean of the school.
The School of Business is located in the Professional Sciences Center on the Macon Campus. The school offers bachelor's degrees with majors in accounting, management, marketing, general business and production/operations management. Also, an associate of science degree is offered, along with several certificate programs. Dr. Varkey Titus is dean of the school.
The School of Education is temporarily located on the second floor of the Student Life Center on the Macon Campus while construction takes place on the new School of Education building. The school offers the bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education, the bachelor's in middle grades education with the opportunity to earn dual certification in general and special education, and a bachelor's degree in secondary education tracks in biology, English, history, and mathematics for candidates interested in teaching at the high school level. Dean of the school is Dr. Pamela Bedwell.
The School of Information Technology is located in the Professional Sciences Center on the Macon Campus. The school's bachelor's degrees prepare graduates for critical roles in the rapidly evolving IT profession. The major concentrations within bachelor's degrees include: Network Technologies and Administration; Information Assurance and Security; Integrated Digital Media; Software Development; and Information Technology Management. Dean of the school is Dr. Alex Koohang.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences is located in the Charles H. Jones Building on the Macon Campus. The school offers quality healthcare bachelor's degree programs in patient care and non-patient care careers: Health Information Management/Health Information Technology, Health Services Administration, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy. Dean of the school is Dr. Rebecca Corvey.
With the expansion of Student Life programs in the fall of 2010, the college has seen an increased interest in sports activities. The college has formed clubs with teams that compete against other college club teams in baseball, basketball, rugby, soccer, tennis and cheerleading.
University System of Georgia
The University System of Georgia is the organizational body that includes 35 public institutions of higher learning in the U.S. state of Georgia. The System is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents. It sets goals and dictates general policy to educational institutions as well as administering...
located in Macon, Georgia
Macon, Georgia
Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia...
with a satellite campus in Warner Robins, Georgia
Warner Robins, Georgia
Warner Robins is a city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located primarily in Houston County with a small portion in Peach County. The city has its own metropolitan statistical area . As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 48,804...
, as well as the Robins Resident Center, located on Robins Air Force Base.
The college offers 33 programs of study in 18 bachelor's degree programs -- biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, business & information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
, communications & information technology, early childhood education
Early childhood education
Early childhood education is the formal teaching and care of young children by people other than their family or in settings outside of the home. 'Early childhood' is usually defined as before the age of normal schooling - five years in most nations, though the U.S...
, middle grades education, English
English studies
English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
, health information management
Health Information Management
Health information management is the practice of maintenance and care of health records by traditional and electronic means in hospitals, physician's office clinics, health departments, health insurance companies, and other facilities that provide health care or maintenance of health records...
, health services administration, history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
, information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
, interdisciplinary studies (B.A. and B.S.), mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, nursing
Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
, RN-to-BSN, psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
, public service and respiratory therapy
Respiratory therapy
Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession in which specialists work with patients suffering from either acute or chronic respiratory problems. These specialists are termed Respiratory Therapists in most places internationally but may also be referred to as Respiratory Scientists or...
. Associate degrees also are offered.
With an affordable tuition designed to encourage access to the University System, as well as excellent instruction offered in convenient locations, Macon State has become the largest college in Central Georgia. In the fall of 2011, Macon State had 5,702 students. Macon State continues to fulfill its mission of serving the region's residents and its economic interests by providing higher education programs of recognized quality.
Residence Life programs began for the first time in the fall 2010 semester when the college started offering housing and expanded student life activities. The college took over operation of a 300+ unit apartment complex adjacent to the Macon campus and renamed the complex College Station. The apartments are student-only units with resident advisers and security on site.
Macon State's main campus is located on more than 400 acres (1.6 km²) on College Station Drive, along Eisenhower Parkway (US 80), in western Bibb County, Georgia
Bibb County, Georgia
Bibb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 153,887. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 154,709...
. The Warner Robins campus, with three administrative and academic buildings, is located on 79 acres (319,701.9 m²) Watson Boulevard, just a half-mile from the main gate of Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force base located in Houston County, Georgia, United States. The base is located just east of and adjacent to the city of Warner Robins, Georgia, SSE of Macon, Georgia, and about SSE of Atlanta, Georgia...
. The Robins Resident Center is located in one of the many office buildings located on the Air Force base.
Presidents
2011-present: Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten1998–2011: Dr. David A. Bell
1985-97: S. Aaron Hyatt
1984-85: Jack Ragland, served as interim president
1972-84: William W. Wright
1968-72: Jack K. Carlton, the first president of the institution
Current Administrative Officers
President: Dr. Jeffery S. AllbrittenProvost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs: Dr. Martha Venn
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs: Nancy Stroud
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management: Dr. Melanie McClellan
Vice President for External Affairs and Continuing Studies: Albert J. Abrams
Chief Information Officer: Roger Dixon
Dean of Students: Lynn W. McCraney
Interim Dean of the Warner Robins Campus: David Carpenter
History
The history of Macon State College began in 1965, when the University System of Georgia's Board of RegentsBoard of Regents
In the United States, a board often governs public institutions of higher education, which include both state universities and community colleges. In each US state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual colleges and universities, or both. In general they operate as...
passed a resolution to create a public two-year college
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
in Middle Georgia. Subsequently, the voters of Bibb County
Bibb County, Georgia
Bibb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 153,887. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 154,709...
approved a bond issue to fund the college.
Macon Junior College, as it was then known, opened its doors in 1968 to the largest enrollment ever for a new state college in Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. In 1970, the Board of Regents directed Macon Junior College to serve civilian and military employees at Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force base located in Houston County, Georgia, United States. The base is located just east of and adjacent to the city of Warner Robins, Georgia, SSE of Macon, Georgia, and about SSE of Atlanta, Georgia...
. The Robins Resident Center, located on the base, was subsequently established.
As several other junior colleges had recently gained four-year status, many speculated that Macon's would as well. However, the change took some time. It was not until 1983 that a statewide needs assessment indicated that the Macon area was underserved by state higher education. In 1987, the Regents removed "Junior" from the college's name but Macon College remained a two-year school.
In 1989, the college's president, S. Aaron Hyatt, asked the state to grant the college senior status. The following year, 25,000 local citizens signed a petition supporting the move, but state budget cuts prevented the issue from advancing.
Over the next several years, the topic was repeatedly discussed, and "senior status" was often recommended by University System consultants, but it would be 1996 before the Regents finally approved a change in mission and the introduction of the Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree. Later that year, the school became known as "Macon State College" to indicate the new status. Both changes formally took effect in 1997. The first bachelor's degrees were awarded in May 1999.
During the fall 2007 convocation President Bell mentioned that the Board of Regents estimates Macon State’s enrollment will hit 10,000 by 2020. To accommodate these expectations the College will have to grow to include a more complex mission with additional four-year programs, graduate degrees in appropriate areas and residential housing.
In the same speech, President Bell also announced that with this growth the college would have to reorganize from divisions into schools. He then announced the official foundation of the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Information Technology, the School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the School of Business. Dr. Robert Kelly was then named the first dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
In April 2010, the president announced that the college had assumed operations of a 300+ apartment complex adjacent to the Macon campus. The units are available only to Macon State students and opened as student housing for the Fall 2010 semester. The housing initiative is part of a new Residence Life program that includes new student activities. It is anticipated the college will add additional housing and new facilities for student activities.
In the fall of 2010, Dr. Bell announced that he would end his term as president in June 2011.
In July 2011, Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten, who had been serving as president of the Collier County Campus of Edison State College in Naples, Florida, assumed office as Macon State's new president.
Schools within the College
- School of Arts and Sciences http://www.maconstate.edu/artssciences/
The School of Arts and Sciences, located in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building on the Macon Campus, offers programs of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas: biology, communications and information technology, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, psychology and public service. Additionally, students may pursue an A.A. or A.S. degree in any one of 23 areas of study. Dr. Ronald Williams is dean of the school.
- School of Business http://www.maconstate.edu/business/
The School of Business is located in the Professional Sciences Center on the Macon Campus. The school offers bachelor's degrees with majors in accounting, management, marketing, general business and production/operations management. Also, an associate of science degree is offered, along with several certificate programs. Dr. Varkey Titus is dean of the school.
- School of Education http://www.maconstate.edu/education/
The School of Education is temporarily located on the second floor of the Student Life Center on the Macon Campus while construction takes place on the new School of Education building. The school offers the bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education, the bachelor's in middle grades education with the opportunity to earn dual certification in general and special education, and a bachelor's degree in secondary education tracks in biology, English, history, and mathematics for candidates interested in teaching at the high school level. Dean of the school is Dr. Pamela Bedwell.
- School of Information Technology http://www.maconstate.edu/it/
The School of Information Technology is located in the Professional Sciences Center on the Macon Campus. The school's bachelor's degrees prepare graduates for critical roles in the rapidly evolving IT profession. The major concentrations within bachelor's degrees include: Network Technologies and Administration; Information Assurance and Security; Integrated Digital Media; Software Development; and Information Technology Management. Dean of the school is Dr. Alex Koohang.
- School of Nursing & Health Sciences http://www.maconstate.edu/nursing/
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences is located in the Charles H. Jones Building on the Macon Campus. The school offers quality healthcare bachelor's degree programs in patient care and non-patient care careers: Health Information Management/Health Information Technology, Health Services Administration, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy. Dean of the school is Dr. Rebecca Corvey.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Biology http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#biology
- Business & Information Technology http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#BIT
- Communications & Information Technology http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#CIT
- Early Childhood Education http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#education
- English http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx
- Health Information Management http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#HIM
- Health Services Administration http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#HSA
- History http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#history
- Information Technology http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#it
- Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Arts) http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#InterdisciplinarystudiesBA
- Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Science) http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#InterdisciplinarystudiesBA
- Mathematics http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#math
- Middle Grades Education http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#education
- Nursing (RN to BSN completion)http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#nursing
- Nursing (generic)http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#nursing
- Psychology http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#psychology
- Public Service http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#publicservice
- Respiratory Therapy http://www.maconstate.edu/Academics/bachelorsexplain.aspx#respiratorytherapy
Student life
The college has developed a Student Life Program that encourages participation. More than 40 student organizations are offered, along with a wellness program that has facilities and health programs available to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Additionally, an honors program has been developed to help academically advanced students develop their intellectual potential through even more challenging educational activities. An extensive Residence Life program kicked off in Fall 2010 with the college assuming operations of a nearby 300+ unit apartment complex. Ample parking also is available for commuters, and the campus is served by public transportation.With the expansion of Student Life programs in the fall of 2010, the college has seen an increased interest in sports activities. The college has formed clubs with teams that compete against other college club teams in baseball, basketball, rugby, soccer, tennis and cheerleading.