Georgia Southern University establishes University College, announces Delana Schartner, Ph.D., as founding dean
Georgia Southern University’s newest college, the University College, is a major milestone in advancing the institution’s access mission and supporting learner success across multiple campuses and modalities. The college was established upon the consolidation of Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College.
The University College will be led by Delana Schartner, Ph.D., who has been appointed as the college’s founding dean. Schartner is an experienced academic leader committed to student access, success and interdisciplinary learning.
“University College strengthens Georgia Southern’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and accessible educational pathways for every student we serve,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “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.”
The new college will serve as the academic home for students in associate degree programs, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degrees, dual enrollment, ROTC, Continuing and Professional Education, and a variety of minors, centers and academic pathways. The formation of the University College follows the recommendation of the Consolidation Action Team, a team of faculty, staff and administrators from Georgia Southern, East Georgia State College and University System of Georgia (USG) personnel, to formalize a unified structure that elevates and supports Georgia Southern’s access-focused programs and students.
“The establishment of University College represents a transformative step in how Georgia Southern provides opportunity, momentum and support for a wide range of learners,” said Delana Schartner, Ph.D., dean of the University College. “Our mission is to expand access, accelerate student success and connect educational experiences to careers, communities and lives of meaning.”
The consolidation provided an opportunity to align and envision programs in a way that strengthens student pathways and enhances regional workforce development. University College will provide seamless stackable pathways from non-credit learning, microcredentials and associate degrees into bachelor’s and graduate programs—ensuring students maintain momentum even if their path to their goal is interrupted or not linear.
University College is poised to bring visibility, coherence and prominence to Georgia Southern’s longstanding commitment to educational access and attainment. No matter where or how students enroll at Georgia Southern University, they will benefit from a clearly defined academic home and a streamlined pathway from entry through graduation.Georgia Southern University establishes University College, announces Delana Schartner, Ph.D., as founding dean