Gordon State College Convened Regional Leaders for Rural Workforce Summit
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College began the new year by bringing together regional leaders for a discussion on rural development, education pipelines and workforce collaboration during its inaugural Rural Workforce Summit on Jan. 6.
The summit was hosted in partnership with Central Georgia Technical College and Southern Crescent Technical College and was sponsored by Georgia Power. More than 100 guests from across the region registered to attend, reflecting broad interest in strengthening rural workforce pathways through education and collaboration.
“As Georgia continues its economic expansion, it is imperative we develop human and technological resources fostering and retaining business expansion in the rural areas of our state,” said Dr. Donald J Green, GSC president. “This begins with a convenient and affordable education for our region.”
The agenda featured keynote remarks from Rashard J. Johnson, president of Atrium Health Navicent, and Michael Liss, co-founder of Three Bulls Capital. Two panel discussions addressed rural workforce partnerships and regional needs, and student testimonials from each institution highlighted successful pathways from education to employment.
Speakers emphasized that rural communities play a critical role in Georgia’s economic and workforce landscape, with healthcare serving as a major driver of growth and stability. Johnson noted that roughly 20% of Georgia is rural and highlighted Atrium’s $3 billion investment in rural healthcare to expand access, advance technology, and strengthen workforce pipelines.
Throughout the summit, panelists reinforced the need to “grow our own” workforce by aligning education with real-world opportunity. Discussions centered on removing barriers through collaboration with K-12 partners, expanding work-based learning, and ensuring students gain exposure to industry through internships, travel and entrepreneurial projects.
“Ensuring rural students have access to high-demand manufacturing roles requires regional collaboration,” said Dr. J. Ardovini, GSC provost and vice president of academic and student affairs.
GSC’s commitment to affordability, flexible online options and reduced student debt was highlighted alongside workforce-focused initiatives such as microcredentials offered through partnerships with organizations like IBM. Recent transfer articulation agreement with the Technical College System of Georgia further expand access to bachelor’s degrees by providing clear, efficient pathways for students to apply eligible coursework and transition seamlessly into select programs at GSC.
