South Georgia State College (SGSC) joined with other state colleges from the University System of Georgia to celebrate State College Day at the Georgia Capitol Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Student leaders, staff and community partners from each institution were given the opportunity to meet with legislators and thank them for investing in higher education in Georgia. Participants were recognized in the House and Senate galleries and met briefly with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in the Office of the Governor.
This year’s inaugural State College event allowed the college to share the SGSC story with elected officials and visitors at the Capitol. SGSC’s mascot, Tally, was on hand to represent the college and have photos taken with guests inside the Capitol’s atrium. Participants attending this year’s event in support of SGSC included SGSC’s President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers; Dr. Greg Tanner, vice president of advancement, government relations and athletics; Dr. Jim Cottingham, SGSC Foundation trustee; Ms. Lisa Hodge, Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce president; Ms. Jaleen Washington, director of recruitment and special programs, Ms. Amy Hancock, communications outreach manager; Ms. Sandra Adams, dean of students, Ms. Barbara Obrentz, communications coordinator, Mr. Ernest Wesley and Ms. Zoe Thompson, student leaders and Phi Theta Kappa members. The group was welcomed at the Capitol by Senator Tyler Harper from District 7, the Governor’s Floor Leader Representative Dominic LaRiccia from District 169 and Representative Clay Pirkle from District 155.
“It is always exciting and an honor to visit our beautiful Georgia State Capitol. We are especially grateful to take part in this annual event when we have an opportunity to showcase SGSC and thank those who support higher education in Georgia,” said President Thompson-Sellers. “We understand the impact higher education has on people’s lives and the State of Georgia. We are so fortunate our elected officials, community partners and the university system remain committed to accessible and affordable public higher education for all Georgians,” she continued.