Macon State College’s Award-Winning Student Newspaper

VolumeVolume 43, 43, Issue Issue 88 Jan. 25,Jan. 25, 2012 2012studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatementstudentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement

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Wednesday, Jan. 25

Student Gov’t Assoc. Campus ConversationArts Complex Theater1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Macon State Dance ClubArts Complex Theater3 p.m. – 4 .m.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Warner Robins Learning FestivalThomas Hall5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

College Town Film Series:Repo ManDouglass Theater 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 30Orientation Mixer Student Life Center Faculty Conference Room5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Club Rush

Professional Sciences

Center: 1st fl oor 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Georgia Poetry Circuit:Willis and Tony Barstone

Arts Complex Theater 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Blue Storm Basketball

Home Game

Wellness Center Gym

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

View complete information about campus events by clicking on the “Campus Calendar” link at studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement.

What’s happening around campus and community

Merging colleges: Welcome, work, and understandBY DANIELLE QUESENBERRY

Hank Huckaby, chancellor for the University System of Georgia recommended a merger to consolidate eight of Georgia’s 35 universities and colleges. Of these eight, Macon State College and Middle Georgia College were chosen to conjoin. On Jan. 10, 2012 it was decided by the Board of Regents to approve the consolidation.

The merger will unite fi ve locations: three of Middle Georgia’s campuses located in Dublin, Cochran and Eastman with Macon State’s Macon and Warner Robins campuses. As the USG website states the proposal was to allow “[s]tudents in the institutions...[to] see an increase of educational offerings, through traditional classroom delivery and the increased use of distance learning” and the economic implications would afford for any savings made to be, “...reinvested into the instructional mission to serve students.” Macon State’s president, Jeffrey Allbritten, held a faculty meeting on Jan. 11, 2012 to announce the Board’s decision to approve the plan. “It is happening, and it will work,” Allbritten stated. Wet docking is a process in ship building in which the vessels being worked on are still afl oat, therefor allowing the main components of the ships to remain functioning, “This is what the merger of Macon State and Middle Georgia College will be like,” Allbritten said.

According to Allbritten the fi rst step will be to establishan implementation team, which will consist of nominated persons from students, faculty, staff and community leaders. After creating the committee, chancellor Huckaby will appoint the team’s president. But it wasn’t the implementation that was the faculty’s main concern. When the fl oor opened for questions, many posed concern for the implications on students at both institutions. Would any classes or programs be lost?

Story continued on page 3

2 SPECIAL Jan. 25, 2012

BY JESSICA SPENCER

The Georgia Board of Regents’ decision to consolidate Macon State College and Middle Georgia College will begin a new history by fall 2013. By this time, Macon State’s president Jeffrey Allbritten will be leading the new institution. Although Macon State has been an establishment since the 1960s, Middle Georgia has been around since 1884. Because of its dates and long running establishment one idea is to simply use the name “Middle Georgia” to title the schools. Lindsey Morris, a freshman Biology major at Macon State said she believes the consolidated institution should be named, “Middle Georgia.” Originally, Middle Georgia was chartered with the help of Baptist fi nancial investment. It was fi rst called New Ebenezer College. According to Middle Georgia’s history website (www.mgc.edu/about/history.cfm), the fi rst building of the institution was built in 1886. Classes began in 1887. The College of the New Ebenezer Association helped found Middle Georgia College. Baptist churches in Pulaski, Dodge, Laurens, and Telfair counties authorized the institution on Oct. 20, 1884. According to the Middle Georgia website “During the early period, the institution was divided into preparatory and collegiate departments. A stated purpose of the curriculum, as described in the catalog of 1887, was ‘to prepare pupils for business or for the Junior Class in Universities. This includes Latin, Greek, Mathematics, Natural Science and several modern languages, with English studies and Music.’ ”

Middle Georgia is a school that has undergone several consolidations passed down by the Board. The original establishment did not include the agricultural and mechanical school or its aviation concentrations. Almost 40 years after the Middle Georgia was established, the Agricultural and Mechanical Junior College was added in 1929. The agriculture and mechanical divisions were “placed under a nine-man board of trustees on Aug. 28, 1929” by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Macon State’s Eisenhower Parkway campus opened in 1968 under

the name Macon Junior College. The fi rst campus welcomed 1,110 students in its initial enrollment. According to Macon State’s history, (www.maconstate.edu/about/history.aspx), “Macon Junior College has the largest charter enrollment of any new college in Georgia history.” Both Macon State and Middle Georgia have a history of community-based enrollment. Gary King is a junior business administration duel spanish major at Middle Georgia. King said, “I like the idea that the merger could create a Central State University , but saddened by the face that Middle Georgia would lose its history as the oldest traditional

two year college in the nation.” Another concern with bridging a new history for the two schools is the name. King said, “I will probably not be effected much by the merger but I do have concerns.” As a student who will have graduated when the consolidation is expected to be complete King asked, “What will future colleges and potential future careers think of my educational background

when they see I have a degree or two from a school that no longer exists?” To address concerns, the Board has published a factsheet about the merger on their website. The sheet discusses the names on students’ diplomas. According to the factsheet, (www.usg.edu/consolidation/faq), “The implementation working group will address these and other issues in a way that meets the needs of students. In some cases students already enrolled may have choices as to the institutional name on their diploma.” Macon State student, Mary Epps, is a freshman education major. Epps, who would like to keep the name Macon State College said, “I think Macon State has accomplished a lot since it was Macon Junior College and this is just another example of how much Macon State can grow.”

One thing that comes along with the consolidation is that Middle Georgia will be inheriting a student written and student operated newspaper. Tyler Newberry, a Macon State student, said the name for the new school paper should be, “The Middle Georgia Statement.”

For questions about the new merger students should consult the Georgia

Board of Regents’ website at www.usg.edu/consolidation/msc-mgc.

History paves the way for new beginnings

Jan. 25, 2012 SPECIAL 3

Continued from page 1

Students currently enrolled have been promised that the commitments to the education that they have applied for will be honored. “It is paramount that they fi nish,” Allbritten commented. Allbritten stated continuity is what the implementation team would look at: what is and is not working. There will be an impact on the accreditation process, but what that will be is not yet known. As for any alterations to Macon State’s degree programs for the future, Allbritten said he’d “considered the example of the University of Wisconsin. You have large state campuses where you must honor the cultural and academic traditions...I’ve looked for the best practices, how to have multi-options for multi-campus institutions.” Also, proposals for fi ve master’s degrees were submitted to the Board of Regents. Within the underlying text of the merger was the acknowledgement that some jobs would be lost, Allbritten confi rmed that loss would be a natural part of the merger and that “we will do everything we can to be humanistic.” As for plans for future student facilities, there will be no impact. The recreation center for Macon State’s Macon campus will still be built. The question on most people’s minds right now is: will this merger bring our institution closer to university status? Allbritten could neither confi rm nor deny the claim, but hinted that it was being pushed for. Smaller details such as the new institution’s name, colors, mascot, and advertisement will be worked out further along the route. The process itself is planned to take from 12-18 months. The president’s main concerns are accounting systems, faculty promotion, credentials, salaries, and admissions policies. The main point that Allbritten stressed was that the campuses are culturally different, and each person must do their best to understand and honor the other’s culture, “Culture is the most diffi cult thing to change. We must be cautious and deliberate.” He stressed that, Macon will not be the main hub, the decision making will be distributed equally. After questions ended, Allbritten paused, looking slowly around the room before stating, “Patience. There’s going to be angst. It’s a lot to consume. I’ve got good people, and I’m looking at them.” For more information concerning the merger and the Board of Regent’s

decisions please visit these sites from the University System of Georgia: www.usg.edu/news/release/eight_usg_institutions_recommended_for_consolidation or www.usg.edu/news/r e l e a s e / r e g e n t s _ a p p r o v e _ c a m p u s _ c o n s o l i d a t i o n _ p l a n .

Albritten addresses faculty, staff questions

Dr. Jeffrey Allbritten

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24-5 Students voice opinions about the merger

Macon State College students Middle Georgia College students

DaShawn Rumph – “I think it would be great to add the Macon State family with the Middle Georgia family. Since there will be fi ve schools within the merger, all within Middle Georgia region, will benefi t all of us. MGC brings the historic brand of athlet-ics, and Macon State brings its outstanding degree programs to a small college atmo-sphere. Dropping the ‘Macon’ and adding ‘State’ to the MGC name will bring multi-tudes to all the colleges. It would signify that Middle Georgia is a united regional force within the area that has to be reckoned with.”

Brodrick Bynum – “I am excited, yet nervous, about the consolidation. I am excited because I would now have more opportunities for classes and locations. I also like that there would be more ma-jor options. However, I am scared be-cause I don’t know if my tuition would go up, I’m afraid of my class size in-creasing, and I also don’t know if my campus would be eventually closed.”

Khirri Virgil – “The consolidation of the eight University system schools is going to be very affective, not fully in favor of the stu-dents, but more so for the Education (Univer-sity) System Of Georgia so that fi nancial needs could be met. In terms of current and future students, these schools will not be demolished and forgotten about; therefore, students will have the same access to these schools like in previous times. I am almost certain that the val-ue of the education system will be greater and much more competitive statewide. This for the University system is very important fi nancial-ly and I do hope that future students take ad-vantage of the rise in the value of the system.”

Skye Layson – “I believe it could be a good idea. However, the name should stay Middle Georgia College seeing as how Ma-con is known as middle Georgia. I would hope some housing would be added to the Macon location. Also, the city of Macon has a lot more to offer than Cochran, so I believe it could be a good expansion on the college.”

Nathan Sieg – “Initially it’s going to be a nightmare. I think it was approached all wrong, under the guise of saving money but it has been mentioned several times that if there is a savings, no one knows how much. I have even heard it may cost more money because of the services that will now be offered. Also the job loss issue is a concern...even for me. Long term I think it’s great. It will offer programs to students that did not have access to them before, jettisoning MGC into the realm of universityhood.”

Jonathan Anderson – “I think it is a good opportunity for the schools to expand. However, I do question why these two schools, located so far apart, were asked to merge before other schools in the state that would have been easier to merge. I have a feeling there was some political pressure involved that wasn’t necessarily in the best interest of the schools. I hope the merger is a positive change and will remain optimistic. The one thing that concerns me the most though, is the history

of Middle Georgia College. I don’t think it would be good to replace that name with a newer school like Macon State.”

LaShonda Slaughter – “I think that there is a positive and a negative side to the merger. On the positive side, the merger of the two schools creates a variety of opportunities for students... On the other hand, when there are consolidations, usually as departments merge, there is a loss of jobs somewhere and I am weary of this for multiple reasons.”

Candace Dorr – “I am concerned about the quality of education if the two institutions were to merge. One of the reasons that I am happy to attend MSC is that it is well known, in the area at least, as a fairly tough school. I don’t want an easy A. I want a thorough education. I want to be hired based on my knowledge of Information Technology and I need to know, as an adult, student, and parent, that my time spent investing in my education is worthwhile.”

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Merger brings broader possibilities to students BY JESSICA SPENCER

According to the Georgia Board of Regents’ website, no campuses will close. Consolidating the schools will be done with the focus of making college-level education more accessible to greater numbers of students. The projected date for the merger to reach completion is in the fall semester of 2013.Students have different feelings about the Georgia Board of Regents’ decision to merge both Macon State and Middle Georgia, but most of the feelings are positive ones. One student, Terri Hutcheson, who graduated from Middle Georgia and is currently a junior at Macon State, says, “I’m optimistic about the merger. The merger will give students from Laurens County a chance to pursue higher education without transporting to far away towns to achieve their goals. For the current students of Macon State, they will have great professors and will have the opportunity to learn from a larger group of educators.” Jonah Owens is a graduate of Macon State’s history program. He is currently still attending classes on the Macon campus to complete a BS degree in information technology. Owens says he is “feeling pretty good about it.” Owens says, “I’m optimistic that it can lead to more educational opportunities that are not currently offered at either of the two schools, such as a Master’s degree in history.” Amber Fedon is a Middle Georgia nursing student. Fedon says, “I think that this is a good idea .” The idea that there will be room for more programs as a result of consolidating the two schools is also a desire of Shonda Wilson, who is another Macon State alumnus. Wilson said, “I believe that the merger will be benefi cial to the school and hopefully open up new doors for more programs, more

classes, and even higher degrees. As a student who has already graduated with my BA in history, and a student who has worked for years with student organizations and worked tirelessly to really bring some positive attention to Macon State, I only see good things coming from an opportunity to get more students, more professors, more programs, and perhaps even graduate level programs.” Skye Layson, a nursing student at Middle Georgia, also thinks the merger will be good for the students. Layson says, “I believe it could be a good idea. However, the name should stay Middle Georgia College seeing as how Macon is known as middle Georgia.” Layson says if she decided to relocate to the Macon campus that, “I would hope my housing would be added to the Macon location. Also, the city of Macon has a lot more to offer than Cochran, so I believe it could be a good expansion on the college.” In addition to expanding the number of degrees the college will offer, Nedra Hobson, a business major in her junior year at Macon State hopes for more online classes. Hobson says, “I hope the change brings about more online classes, which should be less expensive as opposed to being more expensive. Also, I would like more options for upper level classes as well.” Michael Glass, a Macon State biology major, wonders about his tuition. Glass says, “The prices of tuition at Macon State are the reasons for the number of people the school has but an increase in prices to attend the school may leave people angry.” Consolidating the two schools while simultaneously keeping all of the campuses open will mean there will be changes. Whether or not the tuition for students will increase has not be decided. To further discuss Macon campus’ Student Government Association will be hosting a discussion forum on Wednesday Jan. 25th from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Arts Complex.

Do you like to write? Would you like to see your name in print?

Join The Macon Statement today! The Statement is looking for staff writers and

editors to write news, sports, features, and opinions.

Apply today! Go to studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement to fill out an application, or stop by

the student media center room 120 of the Student Life Center.

Jan. 25, 2012 SPECIAL 7

Want to know what we offer? Here’s a look at some programs from both colleges

Macon State College

Biology (B.S.) •Applied Biology •Biology EducationBusiness & Information Technology (B.S.) •Accounting •General Business •Management •Marketing •Production/Operations ManagementEducation, Early Childhood (B.S.) •Early Childhood EducationEducation, Middle Grades (B.S.) •Middle Grades EducationEnglish (B.A.) •English Education •English (Traditional)Health Information Management (B.S.) •Health Information ManagementHealth Services Administration (B.S.) •Health Services AdministrationHistory (B.A.) •History Education •History (Traditional)Information Technology (B.S.) •Informatics •Information Assurance and Security •Information Technology Management •Integrated Digital Media •Gaming Design & Development •Network Technologies & Administration •Software DevelopmentInterdisciplinary Studies (B.A.)Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.)Mathematics (B.S.) •Applied Mathematics •Mathematics EducationNew Media & Communications (B.S.) •Communications & Culture •New Media & Communications Theory •New Media ProductionNursing (Pre-licensure) (B.S.) •Nursing (Pre-licensure)Nursing (RN - BSN) (B.S.) •R.N. to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Psychology (B.S.) • PsychologyPublic Service (B.S.) • Human ServicesRespiratory Therapy (B.S.) • Respiratory Therapy

For more degrees and information: www.maconstate.edu

Associate of Applied Science • Nine Degrees in Aviation Science Associate of Arts •AA Economics •AS Business Administration Course FlowAssociate of Science •Business Administration Course Flow (A.S.) •Business Administration Degree Plan (A.S.) •Computer Science (A.S.)Bachelor of Science in Business Administration •10 Degrees in Aviation Management (B.S.B.A.) • Entrepreneurship-Small Business Course Degree Plan Health Sciences •Nursing (A.S.) •Occupational Therapy (A.S.) •Physical Therapy (A.S.)Natural Sciences •Agriculture (A.S.) •Chemistry (A.S.) •Geology (A.S.) •Surveying (A.S.) •Veterinary Medicine (A.S.)Social Sciences • Law, Pre (A.A.) •Psychology (A.S.) •Social Work For more degrees and information: www.mgc.edu

Middle Georgia College

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All images courtesy of Google Images.

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