Even with projected student growth for the next decade in the six-figure range, Georgia Highlands College President J. Randy Pierce said the college does not expect to offer four-year degrees any time soon.

Pierce said if there is a perceived need for a bachelor’s degree program, then the college could apply to the Board of Regents to change its mission; however, he said, “our mission is appropriate at this time.”

“The obvious rationale is that our area is also served by the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Dalton State College,” said Pierce.

GHC now provides “comprehensive collaboration” programs that synch with other institutions to enable students to earn a bachelor’s degree.

In South Georgia, two traditionally two-year colleges are preparing for change.

According to the Albany Herald, Abraham Baldwin College, which is also in the University System of Georgia, officially opens its doors as a four-year school today, offering advanced degrees in diversified agriculture and turf grass and golf course management.

Also, according to the Brunswick News, Coastal Georgia Community College in Brunswick has requested four-year status. Even if it were granted, the college would not see a four-year program for a few more years at the earliest.

Robert Watts, chief operating officer of the University System of Georgia, told the Brunswick News the reason for consideration is residents need “improved access to baccalaureate degrees.”

The control of changing the mission of a college lies in the hands of the Board of Regents. Georgia Highlands applied to offer four-year programs a few years ago but was denied.

“We did submit a request to offer some four-year degrees,” said Dana Davis, who handles public relations at the college. “At that time the Board of Regents denied it. They felt we had too much on our plate then.”

However, there is a large student growth potential in Georgia and much of it is in metro Atlanta, where GHC has sites in Acworth and Marietta.

“Data indicates the system statewide will grow 100,000 students within the next 10 to 15 years,” said Pierce. “Sixty percent of that 100,000 is expected to be in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta area.”

He also said growth probably wouldn’t affect GHC because “in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area there are certainly a number of comprehensive four-year colleges.”