Georgia Southwestern State University facts for kids
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Former name
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Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School (1906–1926) Third District Agricultural and Normal College (1926–1932) Georgia Southwestern College (1932–1996) |
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| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1906 |
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Parent institution
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University System of Georgia |
| Endowment | $31.2 million (2020) |
| President | Michelle Johnston |
| Students | 2,840 (fall 2021) |
| Location |
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U.S.
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| Campus | 250 acres (100 ha) |
| Colors | (Navy blue and gold) |
| Nickname | Hurricanes |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference |
| Mascot | "Surge" |
Georgia Southwestern State University, also known as GSW, is a public university in Americus, Georgia. A public university is a school that is supported by the government. GSW is part of the University System of Georgia. It was founded in 1906 as a school for farming and hands-on skills.
The oldest part of the university's campus is so special that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is protected as an important part of American history.
Contents
History of the University
The university has changed its name and purpose several times since it first opened.
A School for Farming (1906–1926)
In 1906, the state of Georgia decided to open a special school in each of its eleven districts. These were called agricultural and mechanical schools. They taught students practical skills. The school for the Third District was built in Sumter County because the community offered 300 acres of land and $40,000 to help build it.
The school was called the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School. Boys as young as 14 and girls as young as 13 could attend. Boys learned about farming, building, and working with tools. Girls learned many of the same subjects, plus household skills like cooking and sewing.
A College for Teachers (1926–1932)
In 1926, the school changed to become a college for training teachers. Its name was changed to the Third District Agricultural and Normal College. A "normal college" was an old term for a school that prepares students to become teachers.
Becoming a University (1932–Present)
In 1932, the school became part of the University System of Georgia and was renamed Georgia Southwestern College. At first, it only offered two-year degrees.
In 1964, the college began offering four-year bachelor's degrees. The first students with these degrees graduated in 1968. To show that it had grown, the school changed its name one last time in 1996 to Georgia Southwestern State University.
Over the years, GSW also added master's degree programs. These are advanced degrees students can earn after finishing a bachelor's degree.
What You Can Study at GSW
GSW has four main colleges where students can take classes and earn degrees.
The College of Arts and Sciences
This college offers many different subjects, from art to science. GSW is the only public university in Georgia where students can study glassblowing as part of its art program.
College of Business and Computing
This college focuses on subjects like business and computer science. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which means it meets high standards for business education.
College of Education
The College of Education trains students to become teachers. It is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which shows it has a high-quality teacher training program.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
This college prepares students for careers in healthcare. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The buildings for this college are named the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, in honor of the former First Lady.
Sports at GSW
The sports teams at Georgia Southwestern State are called the Hurricanes. The university's mascot is a character named "Surge." GSW competes in NCAA Division II, which is a division for college sports organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
GSW has ten main sports teams:
- Men's sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer.
- Women's sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and tennis.
The university also has a club team for eSports, which is competitive video gaming.
Campus Life and Buildings
GSW has several important buildings and facilities for students.
Dorms
There are four main dorm complexes where students live. First-year students, or freshmen, live in Southwestern Oaks 1 and 2. These dorms have suites with shared or private bedrooms. Older students can live in apartment-style housing in Southwestern Pines or private suites in Southwestern Magnolia.
James Earl Carter Library
The university's library is named after the father of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Students can borrow books from GSW's collection or from any other library in the University System of Georgia. The library also has computers and study areas for students.
Student Centers
The Student Success Center is a place for fun and fitness. It has a gym, racquetball courts, a rock-climbing wall, and a Chick-fil-A restaurant.
The Marshall Student Center is another busy spot on campus. It has the main cafeteria, a coffee shop, a convenience store, the university bookstore, and the campus post office.
Historic Campus Core
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Third District A & M School--Georgia Southwestern College Historic District
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| Location | 800 Wheatley St., Americus, Georgia |
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| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | 1906 |
| Architect | Haralson Bleckley, et. al. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001002 |
| Added to NRHP | September 27, 2007 |
The central part of the GSW campus is a recognized historic district. This means its old buildings are preserved for their historical importance. The district covers 13 acres and includes eight historic buildings, such as the Wheatley Administration Building (built in 1918) and the Florrie Chappell Gymnasium (built in 1939).
Student Life
GSW offers many clubs and activities for students to join.
Organizations and Clubs
There are clubs for different majors, like the Chemistry Club, History Club, and the Nursing Students Association. There are also clubs for hobbies, like the Outdoor Club, and groups for students of different faiths.
Students who get good grades can join honor societies. These are special groups that recognize students for their hard work.
Fraternities and Sororities
GSW has several fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women). These groups are often called "Greek life" because they use Greek letters in their names. They focus on friendship, community service, and leadership.
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Fraternities
Sororities
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Special Institutes
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter leads the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) at GSW. The institute was started in 1987. It works to support people who take care of family members or others with long-term illnesses, disabilities, or other health problems. The RCI provides resources and training for these caregivers.
Famous People from GSW
Many notable people have studied at or worked for Georgia Southwestern State University.
Alumni
- Jimmy Carter: The 39th President of the United States.
- Rosalynn Smith Carter (1946): Wife of Jimmy Carter and former First Lady of the United States.
- Griffin B. Bell (1936): Served as the U.S. Attorney General, the nation's top lawyer, under President Carter.
- Jaha Dukureh (2013): An activist who works to protect women's rights around the world.
- Major General Thomas M. Carden, Jr (1992): The Adjutant General of Georgia, a top leader in the state's military forces.
Faculty
- Michelle Johnston: The current president of the university.
