SR 817: Clayton State University Day; recognize March 4, 2026

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Clayton State University. It lists a series of achievements the university has reached recently, including a rise in national social mobility rankings, recognition for supporting first-generation students, a perfect nursing board exam pass rate, a new cybersecurity degree, a data-sharing partnership with Clayton County, a wildlife conservation research initiative, and an economic impact of nearly $300 million. The resolution formally recognizes March 4, 2026 as Clayton State University Day at the state capitol and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the university's president, Georj L. Lewis. It does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose any requirements on any person or agency.

• Formally commends Clayton State University for a list of recent academic, workforce, and community achievements.
• Designates March 4, 2026 as Clayton State University Day at the state capitol.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the university's president.

Clayton State University, its students, faculty, and administration, particularly President Georj L. Lewis, who receives a copy of the resolution. The resolution has no direct effect on the general public, other institutions, or Georgia law.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it is a symbolic honor from the Georgia Senate recognizing the university's achievements and giving it a designated day of recognition at the state capitol.

• The whereas clauses recite specific achievements, including a No. 21 U.S. News & World Report social mobility ranking, a 100 percent NCLEX nursing exam pass rate, and an economic impact of nearly $300 million.
• The resolving clause formally commends the university and designates March 4, 2026 as Clayton State University Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the university's president.

1. 2026-02-19Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-18Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)Primary sponsor
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• higher education
• Clayton State University
• state capitol recognition
• Georgia Senate resolution