Georgia Military College Celebrates 135th Anniversary
Friday, October 10th, 2014
Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver has proclaimed October 14, 2014, to be Georgia Military College Day in recognition of its 135th Anniversary. On that day the Augusta Campus of GMC will host a celebration starting at 12 noon on its campus located at 115 Davis Rd. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the public are welcomed to attend.
The Augusta campus was established 40 years ago, with its first class offerings at Fort Gordon. Today, GMC proudly hosts classes at both Fort Gordon and Martinez with a student population of nearly 1,300 students.
Dean of Students and Assistant Campus Director Leia Bowman says, “We have enhanced the lives of Georgians for 135 years. This is a proud heritage! As we look into the future, we are eager to provide stellar educational opportunities for future generations.”
GMC was established in 1879 by act of the Georgia General Assembly and was originally called Middle Georgia Military and Agricultural College. In 1900, the name of the school was changed to Georgia Military College.
Georgia’s former Capitol Building in Milledgeville, then as now, serves as the center piece of the main campus and sits on the highest point within the Milledgeville city limits. In 1880, the school’s first session opened with 219 male and female students. Doctor W. S. Dudley, the school’s first president, guided this class.
In 1950, the War Department designated GMC a "Military Junior College." Today, GMC is one of only five United States Military Junior Colleges and has been designated by the Georgia General Assembly as ‘The Military Junior College of Georgia.’
GMC is the alma mater to many distinguished graduates including: actor, Oliver Hardy; aviation pioneer, Bert Atkinson; pioneering pediatric surgeon, Dr. Alfred Blalock; U.S. Secretary of Labor, W.J. Usery, Jr.; football coach, Bill R. Yoast; and Georgia Governor, George Busbee.
For over a century, graduates have fought in world conflicts including the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Iraqi War and the Afghanistan Conflict. Many alumni have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Today, in keeping with its founding principles, GMC—a liberal arts junior college—strives to reduce barriers to higher education. The school strives to make it easier for students with modest means to earn a college degree and to evolve a curriculum to meet an array of personal, economic, and societal needs.
For 135 years, students have come to GMC to invest in an education that inspires, challenges and provides opportunities for their future. GMC President, Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, of Milledgeville, GA, believes the school is unique in that it not only offers a challenging education but also strong character development, as well.
LtGen Caldwell says, “While attending GMC, students receive instruction designed to sharpen their intellect and elevate their character. They’re inspired to ask questions, then challenged to explore solutions and hone their critical thinking skills. And from here, they’re prepared to explore a world of opportunities.”
In 1879, a handful of students enrolled in GMC, most to pursue either a military path or agricultural studies. Today, more than 12,000 students attend GMC either online or at one of the nine campus locations throughout Georgia, including Columbus, to pursue limitless career options.
Caldwell adds, “Here, they’ve discovered an affordable education that sharpens their minds, broadens their perspectives and strengthens their character. To borrow an inspiring phrase from the students themselves, they know that from ‘GMC, you’re ready to go anywhere.’”
Today, in keeping with its founding principles, Georgia Military College strives to reduce barriers to higher education. The school strives to make it easier for students with modest means to earn a college degree and to evolve a curriculum to meet an array of personal, economic, and societal needs. In all degree areas, the curriculum is based on the model that emphasizes student learning. In courses at Georgia Military College, the learner is the essential focal point of the course with significant emphasis placed on mastery and assessment of student learning. We believe this unique approach provides students a most dynamic and successful educational experience.
