Vision
Georgia Gwinnett College will be a premier 21st Century Liberal Arts college where learning will take place continuously in and beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Its cornerstones will be innovative use of educational technology and a commitment to an integrated educational experience that develops the whole person. Georgia Gwinnett College will be a wellspring of educational innovation. It will be a dynamic learning community where faculty engagement in teaching and mentoring students will be the hallmark. It will be a driving force for change in student success. As such, it will be a model for innovative approaches to education, faculty engagement with students and highly efficient student, facility and administrative services.
Mission
Georgia Gwinnett College provides access to affordable, high-quality associate, bachelor's, and selected professional graduate degrees that meet workforce and economic development needs in the Atlanta metropolitan region and beyond. Through an inclusive and supportive learning environment, we empower students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. Our graduates are prepared to adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By delivering education with lasting impact, we create opportunities that strengthen families, drive economic growth, and transform communities
Operating Principles
Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to:
- Continuous review, assessment, change and experimentation
- Holistic development of students
- Building partnerships with its business and community constituents
- Developing a workforce of highly competent teachers and staff who are also action oriented and innovative
- Innovatively integrating technology into educational experiences
- Diversity and building a multicultural environment to prepare students to succeed in a global society
- Being the community of choice to work for faculty, administrators and staff
- Providing a supportive work environment that encompasses involvement, open communications, a spirit of collegiality and an appropriate reward system
History of Georgia Gwinnett College
Founding Years
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) was established in response to the rapid population growth and educational needs of Gwinnett County. In October 2004, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to create a new four-year college in the county. The following year, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 33, authored by Sen. Don Balfour and signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue, formally establishing the institution.
In September 2005, the Board of Regents named Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, as the college's inaugural president. One month later, the Regents officially named the institution Georgia Gwinnett College.
GGC opened its doors on August 18, 2006, with 118 students. The college holds the distinction of being the nation's first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first four-year public institution created in Georgia in more than 100 years. The college welcomed its first freshman class in 2007 and celebrated its first commencement in 2008 with 17 graduates.
Growth and Accreditation
The college experienced rapid growth in its early years. In 2009, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges granted GGC its initial accreditation in record time, allowing the college to expand its academic programs and pursue research and grant opportunities. That same year, enrollment surpassed 3,000 students.
Campus development quickly followed the college's expanding student body. In 2010, GGC opened the Library and Learning Center and its first residence halls, transforming the institution from a commuter campus to a residential college. The Student Center opened in 2011, followed by a new laboratory building later that year. Enrollment reached more than 9,400 students by fall 2012.
Expanding Campus Life
The 2012-13 academic year marked another milestone as the Grizzlies launched their first season of intercollegiate athletics competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The completion of varsity athletic facilities further strengthened campus life and student engagement.
In 2013, President Kaufman departed to lead the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Stanley C. "Stas" Preczewski served as interim president before being named president in
May 2014. That same year, GGC opened the Allied Health and Sciences building, home to the School of Science and Technology and the newly formed School of Health Sciences and its nursing program.
Leadership and Continued Development
The college celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015 with a year-long "GGC10" celebration highlighting its rapid growth and impact.
Following President Preczewski's retirement in January 2019, Dr. Mary Beth Walker served as interim president. Dr. Jann L. Joseph assumed the presidency on July 1, 2019.
A College on the Rise
In 2024, GGC opened a 72,280-square-foot Convocation Center, a $48 million state-funded project that provides space for major campus events, including commencements, orientations, athletic competitions and community gatherings. The facility also includes flexible learning and collaboration spaces for students.
Today, Georgia Gwinnett College enrolls 12,782 students (fall 2025).
GGC offers 21 bachelor's degree programs and more than 60 programs of study. The college consistently ranks highly in measures of student engagement, a key indicator of academic success. According to University System of Georgia economic impact studies, GGC has generated more than $7 billion in cumulative economic impact for Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metropolitan area and supported nearly 4,000 jobs.
With more than 15,000 alumni serving communities across Georgia and beyond, Georgia Gwinnett College continues to transform lives through its innovative academic model, strong culture of support and commitment to access, affordability and student success.
In 2025, the Georgia Board of Regents approved GGC's request to launch a Master of Arts degree in teaching in secondary education. Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, GGC plans to begin offering classes for the new degree in spring 2027.
Hours of Operation
Georgia Gwinnett College is open for classes between the following times:
Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday - 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Administrative Offices at Georgia Gwinnett College are open between the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fitness Center-Monday through Thursday - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Observation of Religious Holidays By Students
In accordance with the University System of Georgia policies and procedures, Georgia Gwinnett College provides students the option of observing religious holidays unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the college. Students who miss class to observe a religious holiday during scheduled class times must make arrangements in advance with the faculty member. Faculty should be sensitive to the student issues regarding religious holidays and are encouraged to provide an alternative option for making up class work.
This policy is aligned with that of the USG Academic Affairs Handbook, Section 2.1, "Semester System, Uniform Academic Calendar, Cancellation of Classes, and Religious Holidays." An excerpt dealing with the observance of religious holidays by students is provided below:
Religious Holiday Schedule
Decisions as to which religious holidays are covered by institutional policy are left to the discretion of individual USG institutions since the characteristics of the student body and faculty may vary considerably among institutions.
|
