Middle Georgia State College to become a state university

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia State College is becoming the state’s newest university this year.

The college will officially become Middle Georgia State University on July 1.

The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents unanimously approved the changes during its meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday. The board also approved Middle Georgia’s first master’s degree program in information technology, which is set to roll out in the fall.

“Today’s vote is an important milestone—a moment foretold nearly three years ago, when the board resolved to create Middle Georgia State College out of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College,” Middle Georgia’s president Dr. Christopher Blake said in a statement. “I am excited about the opportunities university status will allow us to provide for Middle Georgia, and grateful to the many people who have supported our journey from consolidation to this momentous occasion.”

Blake says the new name will boost the reputation of the whole middle Georgia area. He adds the new university has no plans for a football team.

College officials say this change will allow the school to provide more pathways for people in the workforce.

“We will be able to provide tremendous opportunities for employers to address workforce demands that go beyond the bachelor’s degree level,” Middle Georgia’s provost Dr. Martha Venn said in a statement.

Middle Georgia also submitted a proposal to the Regents for a master’s degree in nursing. If approved, that program would also start in the fall.

There are five campuses located in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins.