SR 340: Georgia State University; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Georgia State University, founded in 1913, for a wide range of achievements, including rankings from U.S. News and World Report, growth in graduation rates, a large research funding portfolio, a major gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and academic performance by its student-athletes. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy for distribution to Georgia State University. It does not create any new programs, spending, or legal requirements; it is an official statement of praise adopted by the Senate.

• Formally recognizes and commends Georgia State University for its achievements during 2024.
• States that the Senate honors the university's students, staff, and alumni for the pride and prestige it brought them.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Georgia State University.
• Creates no new laws, funding, or regulatory requirements, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia code.

The resolution directly names Georgia State University, including its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and student-athletes. It has no legal effect on other institutions, agencies, or the general public.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or requirements for Georgians. Its main effect is an official, public statement from the Georgia Senate praising the university's recent accomplishments.

• The whereas clauses list the university's achievements, including national teaching rankings, graduation rate growth, and an $80 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.
• The resolution notes over $1.2 billion in research expenditures over six years and nearly $186 million in research funding in Fiscal Year 2024.
• The resolving clause formally commends Georgia State University for its 2024 successes.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to the university.

1. 2025-03-06Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Max Burns (R, SD-023)Primary sponsor
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)

• Georgia State University
• higher education
• legislative recognition
• university research funding