Gordon State College and the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Host Annual Education Ecosystem Summit
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 16, Gordon State College in collaboration with the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) hosted an Education Ecosystem Summit. The two-day event took place at GSC’s Student Activity and Recreation Center (SARC) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on both days.
Dr. Dana Rickman, President of the GPEE, opened the event with a discussion about continuing to enhance and improve the college going-rate of students within the 14-county primary service region. On the first day of the event on Tuesday, Sept. 14th, the counties that were represented included Macon-Bibb, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Lamar, Meriwether and Monroe. On Thursday, September 16th, the second day of the event, the counties that were represented included Butts, Griffin-Spalding, Henry, Pike, Upson and Newton.
Dr. Dana Rickman said, “The pandemic has dealt a blow to Georgia’s economy and accelerated concerning trends in the workforce pipeline we were already watching. With technology and automation displacing low-skill workers at a rapid pace, there’s no doubt Georgia needs more students to receive and complete post-secondary training to meet our workforce needs. We are proud to partner with Gordon State College, as it recognizes the magnitude and urgency of these challenges and has assumed a leading role in crafting a regional plan to support their students. They’re exhibiting the kind of leadership we need to ensure Georgia weathers this storm and remains the number one state to do business.”
Gordon State College President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks led as the presenter for the remainder of the event which included an hour-long strategy discussion from the district team panel. Those in attendance included superintendents, chamber presidents, state and local officials, industrial development authority executive directors and college and career readiness specialists to name a few.
“An aspiration of our strategic plan – “Building the Power of WE”- became a reality today. I am proud of the commitment made by our institution, K12 partners and local community leaders. The Education Ecosystem Summit provided a space for the “WE” to come together and renew relationships that will demonstrate a desire to increase the college-going rate. The work accomplished, over the two-day summit, will contribute to meeting the milestones of ensuring our students have the support and resources needed to continue their education journey,” said President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks.
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education has led in improving education within the state of Georgia for over 27 years. Their mission includes informing and influencing Georgia leaders for the improvement of student achievement. They are said to accomplish their mission through research and non-partisan advocacy to impact education policies and practices.
Gordon State College has a mission to be a catalyst for exceptional and accessible education through innovative teaching, engaged learning, and transformative experiences for the benefit of their students, the communities they serve, and the world they live in.
