Armstrong State University

Armstrong State University
Former names
 Armstrong Atlantic State University
Armstrong State College
Armstrong College of Savannah
Armstrong Junior College
Type Public
Established 1935
President Linda M. Bleicken
Academic staff
 292
Students 7,094[1]
Undergraduates 6346
Postgraduates 748
Location Savannah, Georgia, Georgia, U.S.
31°58′44″N 81°09′36″W / 31.979°N 81.160°W / 31.979; -81.160Coordinates: 31°58′44″N 81°09′36″W / 31.979°N 81.160°W / 31.979; -81.160
Campus Suburban
268 acres (1.08 km2)
Colors Maroon & Gold
         
Athletics NCAA Division II,
Nickname Pirates
Mascot Captain George [2]
Affiliations Peach Belt Conference
Website www.armstrong.edu

Armstrong State University[3] is a four-year public university, part of the University System of Georgia. It is located on a 268-acre (1.08 km2) campus in suburban Savannah, Georgia, United States. The campus is approximately fifteen minutes from downtown Savannah and 25 miles (40 km) from Tybee Island beaches. Armstrong offers undergraduate and graduate degrees; it has a student enrollment of approximately 7,000 students, including close to 1,000 graduate students.

Armstrong was founded in 1935 by Thomas Gamble, mayor of Savannah, as Armstrong Junior College. The institution expanded into a four-year university in 1964.

Fielding athletic teams known as the Armstrong Pirates, the university competes at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. Armstrong's official colors are maroon and gold.

History

Students of Armstrong College, circa 1950
Students of Armstrong College (circa 1950).

Armstrong State University was founded as Armstrong Junior College in 1935 by Mayor Thomas Gamble.[4] Gamble pursued the issue during the height of the Great Depression to benefit Savannah's youth and the community, as well aid in stimulating the local economy.[5] The college was originally located in the historic Armstrong House adjacent to Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah.[4] The mansion was given to the city as a gift from the family of George F. Armstrong, a local businessman involved in the shipping industry.[5] The college eventually grew to encompass six buildings in the Forsyth and Monterey Square areas of Savannah.[5]

In 1959, Armstrong College of Savannah became part of the University System of Georgia as a community college, and in 1964 the Board of Regents conferred four-year status on Armstrong State College.[4] Donald Livingston and the Mills B. Lane Foundation provided the college 250 acres of land on the southwest side of Savannah.[4] Eight buildings were constructed on the property and the college moved from the Armstrong House downtown to the suburban location in January 1966.[4]

Over the years the college expanded, adding new buildings and expanding academic programs. In 1993, the college began extensive landscaping work that transformed the campus into an arboretum.[4] Armstrong College gained state university status in 1996 and changed its name to Armstrong Atlantic State University. The following year the university opened the Liberty Center in Hinesville, Georgia.[4] The university celebrated its 75th anniversary and inaugurated Dr. Linda M. Bleicken as its seventh president in 2010.[4]

In 2014 the school officially changed its name to Armstrong State University, to help minimize confusion regarding the school's location, make the name easier to say, and to create a stronger brand for the school. The name change became effective July 1, 2014.[3]

Armstrong is celebrating its 80th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the university's move to the Southside during the 2015-2016 academic year.[6]

Campus

The main campus of the university is located in a suburban setting close to downtown Savannah, just off Abercorn Expressway and near the Savannah Mall. The Armstrong campus is characterized by numerous flowers, ferns, magnolias, Spanish moss draped oak trees, and a wide variety of native plants scattered throughout the 268-acre (1,084,557.5 m2) arboretum-style campus.[7]

Lane Library is the main academic and research library on the Armstrong campus. Lane Library's collection comprises more than 200,000 books and printed materials as well as 18,000 audiovisual works.[7] The university recently invested $5 million in a renovation and expansion of the facility.[7]

The Science Center complex is a two-building complex connected by an enclosed glass walkway. The Science Center is home to many of the College of Science and Technology programs, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science, Physical Science, and Psychology.[7] It includes classroom and lecture space, faculty offices, and labs. The 126,056-square-foot (11,711.0 m2) facility opened in 2001 as the largest single increase in instructional space on campus since the campus opened.[8]

A 61,000-square-foot (5,700 m2), $24 million Student Union opened in 2010.[9] It is the university's first green building, built with rapidly renewable and recycled materials and featuring a high-efficiency chilled water cooling system.[10] The Union houses a 300-seat food court, 200-seat movie theatre, ballroom, bookstore, coffeehouse, convenience store, and expansive porches and lounges.[9] Next to the Student Union is the Memorial College Center. Commonly known as the MCC, it houses Student Affairs and Student Activities offices.[7]

Armstrong's athletic facilities are located in the southeast area of campus. The Student Recreation and Aquatic Center is a 38,000-square-foot (3,500 m2) athletic facility that includes a 5,200-square-foot (480 m2) fitness center, and two basketball courts.[7] The facility is home to the Armstrong Pirate volleyball team as well as the ROTC program.[7] The Alumni Arena is located adjacent to the Rec Center and includes an indoor running track, weight room, coaches offices, classroom space, and a 4,000-seat arena home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams.[7]

Windward Commons residential community
Windward Commons suite-style residential community opened in 2010

More than 1,400 students live on campus in four residential communities located in the southwest portion of the campus.[7] Windward Commons is Armstrong's suite-style freshmen residential community which opened in 2010 and is home to nearly 600 students.[11] It features private and semiprivate suites, music practice rooms, multipurpose classrooms, lounges/social areas, laundry facilities, courtyards with outdoor sitting space and barbecue areas, and two classrooms—all designed to make the campus experience the best it can be.[7] Compass Point, University Terrace, and University Crossings are apartment-style residence halls for upperclassmen and graduate students.[7]

On April 24, 2013, Armstrong completed renovations to the Memorial College Center, opening the Learning Commons. The 14,000-square-foot (1,300 m2) space was developed as an extension to the library. Features include Mac and PC labs, three Multi-touch tables, and group study rooms.[12]

Academics

Armstrong State University has more than 100 academic programs and offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its College of Education, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts, College of Science and Technology, and Graduate Studies programs. In addition, the university offers a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The university is classified as a Master’s college and university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.[13] For the 2010-11 academic year, Armstrong was not ranked and deemed a Tier 2 university by U.S. News & World Report.[14] The university has full accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[15] The university does not utilize graduate students to teach classes as all are taught by members of the Armstrong faculty. Armstrong has nearly 300 faculty members and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.[16] The university offers study abroad and honors programs and opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research across a variety of disciplines.

College of Education

Armstrong’s College of Education offers degree programs via two primary departments: Childhood & Exceptional Student Education and Adolescent & Adult Education. The programs prepare graduates for the education field as well as other positions in education administration.[17] In 2010 the college received continued accreditation through 2017 under performance-oriented standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).[18]

College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professionals is the largest academic college at Armstrong in terms of enrollment.[19] The college offers a range of academic programs that prepare students for careers in nursing, public health, health administration, and the allied health professions. It confers degrees ranging from associate's through master's and doctoral.[20]

College of Liberal Arts

Liberal arts have been the foundation of education at Armstrong since its founding. The College of Liberal Arts includes various departments and interdisciplinary programs that prepare graduates for careers in government, criminal justice, law, business, and entertainment. Students in the College of Liberal Arts study the arts, humanities, and social sciences in classroom environments and through internships, performances, exhibitions, undergraduate research projects, and study abroad programs. Departments include Art, Music and Theatre, Criminal Justice, Social & Political Science, Economics, History, Languages, Literature & Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Programs, and Military Science/ROTC.[21]

College of Science and Technology

The College of Science and Technology at Armstrong has a strong emphasis on student research opportunities that prepare students for graduate programs. Areas of study in the College of Science and Technology includes: Biology, Chemistry & Physics, Computer Science & Information Technology, Biochemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Psychology.[22]

Liberty Center

Armstrong State University’s Liberty Center in Hinesville, Georgia offers select academic programs to residents of Liberty County and surrounding areas. Armstrong's Liberty Center also provides special services to Fort Stewart military personnel and their families. A variety of programs are offered or supported, including associate’s degrees in arts and applied sciences, and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, nursing, early childhood education, middle grades education, and liberal studies.

A new state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in downtown Hinesville, Georgia in January 2016.[23]

Student life

Armstrong offers many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular programs, organizations, performances, forums, and athletics. The university has over 100 student organizations and an expanding Greek life system with nine fraternity and sorority organizations.[24][25] The Student Government Association, Graduate Student Coordinating Council, and Campus Union Board offer many opportunities for involvement, leadership, and entertainment. The Inkwell is the university's student-run award-winning publication, published every Thursday during the semester. The Calliope is Armstrong’s student literature and art magazine. It received a First Place/Special Merit award from the American Scholastic Press Association in 2010.[26] The university also sponsors a number of recreational intramural and club sports, including dance, flag football, tennis, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, baseball, bowling, basketball, and billiards.[24]

Celebrate Armstrong occurs in October and is planned by the Campus Union Board. It is a festival filled with activities, entertainment, and competition. The event has included notable performances by Gym Class Heroes and Maroon 5, as well as other comedians, speakers, and novelties.

Armstrong students have numerous opportunities to give back to the community. The university began the Initiative for Civic Engagement in 2009, making community service an active part of the curriculum. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni turn out for joint outreach projects or the biannual Treasure Savannah Day of Service.

Athletics

Armstrong State University athletics logo

Armstrong State University athletic teams are known as the Pirates. Armstrong competes at the NCAA Division II level as a charter member of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC). Armstrong fields 12 intercollegiate sports, five men's and seven women's:

Athletics at Armstrong State began at the start of the school's history in the 1930s with its teams known as the Geechees. The school won state championships as a junior college in 1938 in men's basketball and men's tennis.[27] Athletics were suspended during World War II. Following the war, the college added new athletic programs, and in 1948 men's basketball won a second state championship.[27]

Armstrong State joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1967 and became known as the Pirates after the college became a four-year institution.[27] in 1973 it joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and became a member of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) with in-state rivals Valdosta State, Columbus College, and Augusta College.[27] In 1983, Armstrong State College upgraded athletics to NCAA Division I and became a charter member of the Big South Conference in 1985.[27] Soon after in 1987, the Pirates returned to Division II, becoming a charter member of the Peach Belt Conference in 1990.[27] Armstrong holds 96 PBC championships. In addition, the university has appeared in 139 NCAA Championships, winning 13 titles. Armstrong has produced 296 All-Americans. The Armstrong men's and women's tennis teams have combined to capture 10 NCAA Division II national championships over the last nine seasons.[7][28][29]

References

  1. ↑ "Enrollment". U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Introducing Captain George". Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  3. 1 2 "A New Name, A New Chapter in Armstrong's History". Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Armstrong History". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 Stone, Janet. "History of Armstrong Atlantic State University". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  6. ↑ http://www.wjcl.com/news/local-news/armstrong-state-begins-fall-classes/50840138/story
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Virtual Tour". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  8. ↑ Staff (2001). "AASU dedicates new science center". SavannahNow.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  9. 1 2 Paynter, Michelle (April 23, 2010). "AASU celebrates new student center". WTOC-TV. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  10. ↑ DeYoung, Bill (August 31, 2008). "AASU adding new student center". SavannahNow.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  11. ↑ Staff (June 30, 2009). "AASU breaks ground for new residence hall". SavannahNow.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Learning Commons Ribbon Cutting". Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  13. ↑ "Carnegie Foundation Classification - Armstrong Atlantic State University". Carnegie Foundation. 2008–2010. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  14. ↑ "Armstrong Atlantic State University - Overview". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Institutional Accreditation". U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Programs". U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  17. ↑ "College of Education majors and programs". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Armstrong Atlantic State University Accreditation". NCATE. 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Armstrong Atlantic State University - Academic Life". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  20. ↑ "College of Health Professionals majors and programs". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  21. ↑ "College of Liberal Arts majors and programs". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  22. ↑ "College of Science and Technology majors and programs". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  23. ↑ http://savannahceo.com/news/2015/05/armstrong-liberty-center-hinesville-offer-new-masters-degree-starting-fall/
  24. 1 2 "Student Activities". Armstrong Atlantic State University. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Armstrong Atlantic State University - Student Life". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  26. ↑ Redding, Brittany (January 20, 2011). "'Calliope' wins big". The Inkwell. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Athletics Looks Back". Armstrong State University. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-05. Retrieved 2015-08-20.
  29. ↑ http://armstrongpirates.com/landing/index

External links

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