SR564: SR564 Georgia Independent College Association; recognize

26 LC 129 0518 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 Asso ciation for its1 leadership in private higher education and its enduring commitment to making Georgia the2 top state for talent and economic development; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) serves as the unified and4 trusted voice of Georgia's private, not-for-profit colleges and universities, advancing the5 cause of independent higher education with purpose and integrity since its founding; and6 WHEREAS, GICA's 24 colleges enroll more than 75,000 students an nually and provide a7 variety of choices in academic excellence, including nationally recognized colleges and8 universities, historically Black institutions, faith-based campuses, and regionally anchored9 colleges serving rural and underserved communities; and10 WHEREAS, the association works collaboratively with the Univers ity System of Georgia11 and the Technical College System of Georgia to strengthen Georgia's workforce, supporting12 the state's goal of becoming the top state for talent by producing graduates prepared for high-13 demand careers and lifelong civic leadership; and14 S. R. 564 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0518 WHEREAS, the Georgia Independent College Association serves as a trusted partner to the15 State of Georgia, providing research, analysis, and institution al insight to the General16 Assembly, the Office of the Governor, as well as key state agen cies and commissions17 involved in education and workforce development; and18 WHEREAS, GICA has championed affordability and access through its direct scholarship19 programs, awarding over $630,000 in sc holarships last year, as well as through steadfast20 advocacy for critical state-funded programs, including the HOPE Private Scholarship and the21 Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant; and22 WHEREAS, the association fosters innovation and shared efficiency through collaborative23 services such as a Multiple Employer Retirement Plan, complianc e training, and formal24 articulation agreements with the Technical College System of Georgia that expand student25 mobility and reduce administrative barriers; and26 WHEREAS, the colleges and universities of GICA are not only aca demic institutions but27 also economic engines producing graduates in healthcare, education, business, and STEM28 fields, contributing significantly to Georgia's economic vitali ty, and achieving graduation29 rates that consistently exceed national and regional benchmarks; and30 WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper to recognize the Georgia Independent College31 Association for its leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to advancing opportunity,32 excellence, and making Georgia the top state for talent.33 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body34 recognize and commend the Georgia Independent College Associati on for its outstanding35 S. R. 564 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0518 contributions to higher education and extend deep appreciation for its continued service to36 the students, families, and communities of Georgia.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed38 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia39 Independent College Association.40 S. R. 564 - 3 -