Senate Resolution 564
By: Senators Burns of the 23rd, Hickman of the 4th, Hatchett of the 50th, Summers of the
13th, Albers of the 56th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the Georgia Independent College Association for its
leadership in private higher education and its enduring commitment to making Georgia the
top state for talent and economic development; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) serves as the unified and
trusted voice of Georgia's private, not-for-profit colleges and universities, advancing the
cause of independent higher education with purpose and integrity since its founding; and
WHEREAS, GICA's 24 colleges enroll more than 75,000 students annually and provide a
variety of choices in academic excellence, including nationally recognized colleges and
universities, historically Black institutions, faith-based campuses, and regionally anchored
colleges serving rural and underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, the association works collaboratively with the University System of Georgia
and the Technical College System of Georgia to strengthen Georgia's workforce, supporting
the state's goal of becoming the top state for talent by producing graduates prepared for high-
demand careers and lifelong civic leadership; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Independent College Association serves as a trusted partner to the
State of Georgia, providing research, analysis, and institutional insight to the General
Assembly, the Office of the Governor, as well as key state agencies and commissions
involved in education and workforce development; and
WHEREAS, GICA has championed affordability and access through its direct scholarship
programs, awarding over $630,000 in scholarships last year, as well as through steadfast
advocacy for critical state-funded programs, including the HOPE Private Scholarship and the
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant; and
WHEREAS, the association fosters innovation and shared efficiency through collaborative
services such as a Multiple Employer Retirement Plan, compliance training, and formal
articulation agreements with the Technical College System of Georgia that expand student
mobility and reduce administrative barriers; and
WHEREAS, the colleges and universities of GICA are not only academic institutions but
also economic engines producing graduates in healthcare, education, business, and STEM
fields, contributing significantly to Georgia's economic vitality, and achieving graduation
rates that consistently exceed national and regional benchmarks; and
WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper to recognize the Georgia Independent College
Association for its leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to advancing opportunity,
excellence, and making Georgia the top state for talent.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend the Georgia Independent College Association for its outstanding
contributions to higher education and extend deep appreciation for its continued service to
the students, families, and communities of Georgia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia
Independent College Association.