Gordon State College Awarded More Than $568,000 to Advance Nursing, STEM, Teacher Education
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College has been awarded $568,123 in supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Education through its Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant. The investment will support advanced instructional technology, experiential learning opportunities and academic resources designed to strengthen student success and workforce readiness across multiple disciplines.
The supplemental award includes $474,550 designated for GSC's School of Nursing, Health and STEM (NHS) and approximately $93,573 for initiatives within the School of Education, Arts and Humanities (EAH).
Among the proposed investments, the School of NHS plans to acquire two Anatomage tables. These are advanced three-dimensional anatomy visualization systems that allow students to explore human anatomy through interactive digital dissection and detailed anatomical models.
Additional planned resources include wearable assessment trainers, intravenous (IV) pumps, human torso models, a plasma processing system, a low-temperature seed incubator and specialized instructional software.
These resources are intended to provide students with opportunities to strengthen technical competencies, apply classroom knowledge and develop practical skills essential to their future professions.
“The new assessment wearable trainers and technology will significantly enhance instruction and hands-on learning for nursing students by providing realistic, interactive experiences that bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice,” said Dr. Samantha H. Bishop, dean of the School of NHS. “The Anatomage tables allow nursing and STEM students to explore the human body in ways that traditional models and textbooks cannot replicate.”
The School of EAH will use its allotted funding to advance literacy, mathematics and special education programming, with an emphasis on experiential learning and preparation for Georgia's evolving educational standards.
Planned investments include mathematics course redesign consulting, literacy education materials, model laboratory classrooms and an adaptive resource lab for special education.
These initiatives will provide future educators with opportunities to engage with instructional resources and classroom environments that reflect the diverse learning needs of today's students. The enhancements will also support alignment with Georgia's updated literacy requirements and forthcoming mathematics standards.
“Our vision is to create a state-of-the-art laboratory classroom where teacher candidates can strengthen their instructional skills and learn to meet the needs of all students,” said Dr. Julie Little, chair of the Department of Education and associate professor of education.
“Through collaboration with our local education partners, we hope to provide hands-on experiences that prepare confident, capable educators for the realities of today's classrooms.”
Dr. Stephen A. Raynie, dean of the School of EAH, emphasized the significance of the supplemental funding in building upon GSC’s established academic strengths.
“Gordon State College is already recognized for the quality of its education and nursing programs, and this additional funding will allow us to further strengthen those offerings while preparing graduates to meet Georgia's growing workforce needs,” Raynie said.
The supplemental award supports GSC’s expansive Title III initiative, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, improving student outcomes and expanding educational opportunities.
“These funds will support our educational offerings in these areas and ensure that our students are ready to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities that they will serve,” said Dr. William "Drew" Smith Jr., Title III project coordinator.”
Smith also credited GSC leadership and Title III project staff for their collaboration in securing the supplemental funding and expressed appreciation to the U.S. Department of Education for its continued investment in GSC's educational mission.