Georgia Southern University has announced the creation of University College, a new academic unit formed as part of its consolidation with East Georgia State College. The move is aimed at expanding access to higher education and supporting student success across multiple campuses and learning formats.
Delana Schartner, Ph.D., has been named the founding dean of University College. Schartner brings experience in academic leadership and a focus on student access, interdisciplinary programs, and educational achievement.
Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Georgia Southern, stated: “University College strengthens Georgia Southern’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and accessible educational pathways for every student we serve. By unifying programs that support academic readiness, interdisciplinarity and applied learning, we are building a structure that not only empowers students from the moment they enroll but also amplifies the university’s role in driving innovation and regional workforce development.”
University College will oversee associate degree programs, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degrees, dual enrollment initiatives, ROTC programs, continuing and professional education offerings, as well as various minors and centers. The college was established following recommendations from the Consolidation Action Team—comprising faculty, staff from both institutions involved in the merger with input from University System of Georgia personnel—to formalize support for access-focused programs.
Delana Schartner commented on her appointment: “The establishment of University College represents a transformative step in how Georgia Southern provides opportunity, momentum and support for a wide range of learners. Our mission is to expand access, accelerate student success and connect educational experiences to careers, communities and lives of meaning.”
The consolidation process allowed university leaders to realign academic offerings with an emphasis on strengthening pathways for students while enhancing regional workforce development. University College plans to offer stackable credentials that allow students to progress seamlessly from non-credit courses or microcredentials through associate degrees into bachelor’s or graduate-level study.
According to university officials, this new structure aims to provide all enrolled students with a defined academic home regardless of entry point or program modality.
