Dear GGC Community,
I hope you are enjoying the summer months and finding time to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. While my weekly blog highlighting the people, progress and priorities shaping Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) will return this fall semester, I wanted to share exciting news that marks a historic milestone for our institution.
I am pleased to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved GGC’s first graduate degree program, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education.
Designed for adult learners, career changers and provisionally certified educators, the program will provide new opportunities for professional growth and advancement while helping address the growing demand for highly qualified teachers. Applications for admission will open Aug. 1, and we look forward to welcoming our inaugural cohort in spring 2027.
The approval of GGC’s first graduate degree represents a significant chapter in our institution’s evolution. Since opening our doors in 2006, GGC has remained focused on expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities while responding to the needs of our students, community and region. The MAT builds on that commitment and strengthens our ability to prepare educators who will positively impact future generations of learners throughout Gwinnett County, Georgia and beyond.
This achievement would not have been possible without the support and partnership of many individuals and organizations. I extend my sincere appreciation to Chancellor Sonny Perdue and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents for their confidence in GGC and their support of this important step forward. Their commitment to expanding educational opportunities and meeting workforce needs across our state helped make this milestone possible.
I also want to recognize Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Chavonda Mills and her outstanding team for shepherding this initiative through a rigorous approval process. From concept development and strategic planning to program design and accreditation review, their leadership, persistence and dedication were instrumental in bringing this vision to reality.
In addition, I thank the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the GGC Cabinet, the Strategic Planning Committee and its subcommittee, and the many faculty and staff members whose expertise, collaboration and hard work contributed to this successful outcome.
This is a proud moment for our college and a testament to what can be accomplished when talented people work together in pursuit of a shared vision. As we celebrate this achievement, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the impact this program will have on future educators, their students and the communities they will serve.
Thank you for helping shape the next chapter in the history of Georgia Gwinnett College.
Warm regards,
Dr. Jann L. Joseph
President, Georgia Gwinnett College