Page 9 - MGATODAY-Spring2019

“I see the difference, just in one semester,” to-face classes, video conferencing, and online
said Baker, who first enrolled at MGA last spring offerings. (See chart on page 11.)
and over the fall served as student president of the “Expanding degree options in Cochran is a
Campus Activities Board (CAB) in Cochran. continuous and ongoing effort,” said Dr. Deepa
Parnell, an Albany State University graduate Arora, associate provost for Academic Affairs,
who previously worked in the student activities whose tenure with the University dates to 2009,
office of Howard University in Washington, D.C., when the Cochran Campus was still Middle
said the new approach to planning and promot- Georgia College.
ing activities is resulting in fewer students going “It’s good for Cochran and the surround-
home on weekends. ing communities,” she said. “It also makes the
“When I first arrived in Cochran I knew we Cochran Campus a more attractive option for
would have to plan a lot of day and night events, students from outside the region who want to
including Friday events so students wouldn’t feel attend a residential university.”
they needed to go home,” she said. “Most of our When Hunter Holland, a 22-year-old senior
activities have been pretty well attended.” from Hawkinsville, decided to pursue his bach-
Academic programs are expanding in elor’s degree in history, he initially had to take
Cochran as fast as student life opportunities. many of his classes on the Macon Campus. Now
At the time of consolidation with Macon State he takes them in Cochran, which better suits him.
College, Middle Georgia College had begun to “I know this campus like the back of my
offer a few four-year degrees, some connected to hand,” said Holland, who is captain of the eques-
what is now the School of Aviation on the East- trian team and a member of the MGA President’s
man Campus. Torch Society. “It’s scenic, and everything just
Today, students can pursue bachelor’s degrees seems a little more relaxed. The University with
in 15 majors entirely in Cochran through face- a small-town feel is epitomized in the Cochran
Campus.”

Continued on page 10

Students begin to fill the sidewalks near Russell Hall as classes let out. Sheron Smith MGA TODAY 9
Spring 2019