Georgia State University

Georgia State University
Name	Georgia State University
Established	1913
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$324.2 million (2022)
President	M. Brian Blake
City	Atlanta
State	Georgia
Country	United States
Students	52,000+ (Fall 2022)
Faculty	1,500+
Campus	Urban
Colors	Blue and white
Nickname	Panthers
Affiliations	University System of Georgia, APLU, URA

Georgia State University. Founded in 1913 as the Georgia School of Technology's "Evening School of Commerce," it has evolved into a major public research institution and a national leader in graduating students from diverse backgrounds. A member of the University System of Georgia, it is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." The university's urban campus in downtown Atlanta serves over 52,000 students across ten colleges and schools.

History

The institution originated in 1913 as an evening program for professionals, initially operating from a rented room in the Healey Building. It became the independent Georgia State College of Business Administration in 1947 and was renamed Georgia State College in 1955, awarding its first master's degrees. A pivotal moment came in 1961 when it was designated a university by the Georgia General Assembly, becoming Georgia State University. Under the leadership of presidents like Noah Langdale Jr. and Carl Patton, it expanded its academic scope and physical footprint. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw significant growth in research stature, the establishment of the College of Law in 1982, and its merger with Georgia Perimeter College in 2016, dramatically increasing its student body and reach.

Academics

The university comprises ten academic units, including the leading J. Mack Robinson College of Business, the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, and the College of Arts and Sciences. It offers over 250 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral levels. Georgia State is renowned for its innovative use of data analytics to boost student success and its pioneering Honors College. Research expenditures exceed $200 million annually, with notable strengths in neuroscience through the Neuroscience Institute, public health, and cybersecurity. The university is also a national leader in awarding degrees to African-American and Hispanic students.

Campus

The primary campus is an integral part of downtown Atlanta, centered around Woodruff Park and encompassing over 70 acres. Key facilities include the University Library in Library South, the Student Center East, and the College of Law building. The campus features a mix of historic structures like Sparks Hall and modern additions such as the Creative Media Industries Institute. Recent development includes the acquisition and renovation of the former Atlanta Life Building and the development of the University Lofts residence hall. The university also operates significant facilities at the Center Parc Stadium and the Convocation Center.

Student life

With a highly diverse student body, the university hosts over 400 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other councils. Major events include Panther Preview and Weeks of Welcome. Student media includes the independent newspaper *The Signal* and radio station WRAS. The university's location provides students with direct access to internships and cultural institutions like the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Fox Theatre.

Athletics

Georgia State's athletic teams, the Georgia State Panthers, compete in the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference. The football program, inaugurated in 2010, plays its home games at Center Parc Stadium. The men's basketball team competes at the Convocation Center and has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Other sports include baseball, softball, and soccer. The university's mascot is Pounce.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include William B. Hartsfield, former mayor of Atlanta, and Alonzo Herndon, a pioneering businessman. In entertainment, alumni include actors Ludacris and Brenda Wood. Business leaders include John Portman, the renowned architect and real estate developer. Other distinguished alumni include scientist M. Joycelyn Elders, former Surgeon General of the United States, and journalist Monica Pearson.

Category:Universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1913