Hello Armstrong, Meet Georgia Southern.

The rumors have finally been confirmed and the merger between Armstrong Atlantic State University and Georgia Southern University is a go. For weeks this is a situation that has been plagued with speculation on both campuses. The recent confirmation of the consolidation between the two universities was complimented by town halls at both universities today. These were called to alleviate worry and address some burning questions that faculty and students had about the elephant in the room, their place in all this.

Both President Linda Bleicken of Armstrong State and President Jamie Herbert of Georgia Southern University graced the stage of the Performing Arts Center to talk a little about the consolidation efforts and answer questions that the public had about the situation.

Among the questions asked were concerns on the time frame, financial concerns, and inquires on the student stability between both universities as they merge. The conversation was focused on what the alliance meant for the universities as well as expanded on what benefits would be a product of the decision.

Armstrong Atlantic State University brings a number of different accolades to the Georgia Southern name. As well as a diverse group of students that are very involved in the communities of Savannah and Statesboro. As well as a strong, stable financial situation and growing enrollment rates.

Georgia Southern University, a well-known name in the university system of Georgia, brings its own benefits to the table. A strong infrastructure developed by a student population that is tight knit and diverse in its own right. As well as a community of faculty that is experienced and determined to work toward improving the culture of education here in Statesboro.

Cultural blending was the topic of the hour as they stressed that even though these are both significantly different organizations the union would force both sets of students and faculty to come together and work toward a smooth transition. This is a necessary part of cultivating a new culture of partnership.

Administration beware, the merger comes with a downside. As the universities unite space in upper division administration positions will become a little smaller. As we all know you can’t have two Vice Presidents of Finance. President Herbert was very honest when answering this question among others during the Q & A portion of the meeting. While stressing that neither university will lose sight of the human impact during this endeavor, and constantly reaffirming that this is all an attempt to serve students in the most strategic way possible. Professors can breath a sigh of relief if tenure is on their agenda. Both presidents reassured the audience that the standards established at the respected universities for professors before the merger will still apply for a while. The goal of fostering a healthy community for higher education in South East Georgia is still at the top of the agenda and students should look at this as a way for both schools to operate more effectively.

A 54 minute drive won’t feel as long after the 18 month consolidation effort ties the schools together to form the new Georgia Southern University. Both presidents stressed the importance of regular communication during this effort and are currently working together to draft a new mission statement that suits the university. Realistically, only time will tell how beneficial the merger is; however, after seeing both Presidents on stage it looks like we are off to a great start.