Perimeter College at Georgia State University: A Legacy of Accessible Education and Notable Alumni
Perimeter College at Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, holds a distinguished place in the history of higher education in the region. Founded in 1958 by the DeKalb County Board of Education as DeKalb College, it commenced classes in Clarkston, Georgia, in 1964. Over the years, its service area expanded with the opening of new campuses, attracting students from across the metropolitan area. In 1997, it was renamed Georgia Perimeter College. While it is now consolidated with Georgia State University, its legacy continues through its contributions to the community and the achievements of its alumni.
A Hub of Academic Excellence
Perimeter College quickly became a significant institution within the University System of Georgia. It was once the largest two-year college and the fourth-largest institution in the system, boasting an enrollment of approximately 21,371 students. Its online program was the largest in the state university system, catering to over 9,000 students. The college played a vital role in facilitating academic progression, transferring almost 3,000 students annually to bachelor's degree programs within the University System of Georgia, which accounted for one-fifth of the system's total transfers.
The faculty at Perimeter College were highly qualified, with more than one-third holding doctorate degrees. Furthermore, the college had a strong focus on teaching excellence, demonstrated by the fact that it had more Governor's Teaching Fellows than any other institution in Georgia, with 40 since 1996.
Commitment to Military and Veteran Students
Perimeter College's Military Outreach program was a standout feature, serving a substantial population of military and veteran students. With over 1,100 military-affiliated students attending each semester, the program was consistently recognized as a Military Friendly and Best-For-Vets institution. The Military Outreach Center, with locations on all five campuses, provided comprehensive support services to student veterans, including academic and financial aid counseling, scholarships, and emergency grants for military/veteran students and their families. The program also extended personalized assistance to its many Online student veterans.
Arts and Culture
Perimeter College fostered a vibrant cultural environment through its Fine Arts program, which presented a diverse array of plays, art exhibits, and musical performances open to the public. The 2009-2010 season alone featured over 100 events. The college was also home to the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Academy for Literary Arts & Scholarly Research, which celebrated literature and scholarship and hosted visiting writers who engaged students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, the college published the nationally recognized literary magazine, The Chattahoochee Review.
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Community Engagement
In early 2010, Perimeter College established the Atlanta Center for Civic Engagement & Service Learning on its Clarkston Campus. This center aimed to enhance student learning by providing opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations through community service initiatives.
Student Voice
The Collegian served as the student newspaper of Perimeter College, reaching over 11,000 people throughout the metro Atlanta area, providing a platform for student voices and perspectives.
Notable Alumni
While a comprehensive list may be difficult to compile, several individuals who attended Perimeter College have gone on to achieve prominence in various fields:
- Eason Jordan: A news executive.
- Alek Wek: A model.
- Gucci Mane: A rapper, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and talents nurtured by the college.
- Janelle Monáe: An American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and producer.
- Drew Thomas: An American journalist, television personality, and communication expert.
- Marlon Byrd: A professional baseball player.
- Mike Sharperson: A professional baseball player.
- Herm Winningham: A professional baseball player.
- Achol Deng: South Sudanese politician and former child soldier.
Botanical Gardens
The Perimeter College Botanical Gardens are a significant asset, featuring a Native Plant Garden and the Ferns of the World Garden. The latter is particularly noteworthy for housing more species of ferns than any other garden in the United States, making it a valuable resource for botanical study and conservation.
Consolidation and Legacy
In January 2016, the Board of Regents finalized the consolidation of Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College. While Perimeter College no longer exists as an independent entity, its legacy of providing accessible education and fostering student success continues as a part of Georgia State University. The consolidation aimed to create a more streamlined and efficient institution, offering students a wider range of academic programs and resources. The 3-year graduation rate was 7% before amalgamation with Georgia State University.
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