The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents is set to vote next week on a proposal to consolidate East Georgia State College with Georgia Southern University, marking another potential shift in the state’s higher education landscape. The proposed merger comes after years of declining enrollment at East Georgia State College (EGSC), located in Swainsboro, approximately 180 miles southeast of Atlanta. Student numbers have dwindled from around 3,000 in 2015 to just 1,826 last fall, impacting the school’s budget, which has decreased from $31.4 million to just over $24 million in the last five years.
The USG began consolidating institutions in 2011 to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. If the Board of Regents approves the merger, the number of USG institutions will shrink from 35 in 2011 to 25. Georgia Southern University previously absorbed Armstrong State University in Savannah in 2017. According to USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, the savings from past consolidations have been reinvested into campuses, benefiting students through increased faculty, enhanced student support services, and improved graduation rates. “The dollars saved through consolidation have always been reinvested directly in our campuses — fueling the hiring of strong faculty, expanding student support services and driving measurable improvements in retention and graduation rates,” Perdue said in a statement. “Our commitment in making this recommendation is no different. We will preserve access to higher education locally while ensuring that we keep improving the experience and success of our students.”
The University System of Georgia estimates that past consolidations have saved approximately $30 million in administrative costs. While the timeline for the completion of this potential consolidation remains unclear, Chancellor Perdue emphasized the importance of maintaining East Georgia State College’s legacy in the Swainsboro community. Before the merger can proceed, it requires approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. East Georgia State College is a four-year institution offering both bachelor’s degrees and two-year associate degrees. The future of these programs under the proposed consolidation will likely be a key point of discussion in the coming weeks.
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