SR817: SR817 Clayton State University Day; recognize March 4, 2026

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate honoring Clayton State University. It does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it lists a series of accomplishments the university has achieved, including its national rankings for social mobility, recognition for supporting first-generation college students, a 100 percent pass rate on the nursing board exam, a new cybersecurity degree program, a data-sharing partnership with Clayton County, a wildlife conservation research initiative, and an estimated $300 million economic impact. The resolution formally commends the university and designates March 4, 2026, as Clayton State University Day at the state capitol. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the university's president.

• Formally commends Clayton State University for a range of academic, research, and community achievements listed in the resolution.
• Designates March 4, 2026, as Clayton State University Day at the Georgia 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, including the university's president, who will receive a copy of the resolution. The resolution is symbolic and does not impose obligations on any other Georgia residents or institutions.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect but serves as an official public recognition of Clayton State University's achievements, giving the institution formal acknowledgment from the Georgia Senate and a designated day at the state capitol.

• The whereas clauses recite specific achievements, including national social mobility rankings, first-generation student recognition, a 100 percent NCLEX nursing exam pass rate, and a new cybersecurity degree.
• The resolved clause formally commends the university and names March 4, 2026, as Clayton State University Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause 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
• legislative recognition
• Georgia colleges