Georgia Southern University–Armstrong Campus

Situated on the Atlantic coast in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, Armstrong Atlantic State University is a dynamic public university known for excellent arts and sciences, along with outstanding professional programs. With approximately 7,600 students, Armstrong is a teaching-first university, small enough to foster a hands-on learning environment with a genuine sense of community and large enough to offer more than 100 academic programs that prepare graduates for success in their professions and leadership in their communities. Our location, just fifteen minutes from historic downtown Savannah and 25 miles from Tybee Island beaches, makes this 268-acre arboretum campus a popular destination for students who seek a unique college environment that brims with learning and career opportunities. Students at Armstrong immerse themselves in historic Savannah once a window to the past and a forward-thinking city of career opportunities from health care to science and engineering, to education and the arts. Armstrong is part of the University System of Georgia.

History

Armstrong Atlantic State University was founded as Armstrong Junior College in 1935 by Mayor Thomas Gamble and city supporters. The inaugural class consisted of 168 students and a group of eight faculty and staff. The college was housed in the historic Armstrong House in downtown Savannah, a gift to the city from the family of George F. Armstrong.

In 1959, as Armstrong College of Savannah, it became a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia. In 1964, the Board of Regents conferred four-year status on Armstrong State College.

In January 1966, the college moved to its present suburban campus, a gift from Donald Livingston and the Mills B. Lane Foundation. Eight buildings were constructed on the campus' original 250 acres. Additional buildings joined the original structures as Armstrong added professional and graduate programs. In 1993, work began on transforming the grounds into an arboretum, a popular destination of garden groups from nearby cities and states.

In 1996, the institution gained state university status and a new name: Armstrong Atlantic State University. It opened the Liberty Center in Hinesville in 1997. The university celebrated its 75th anniversary and inaugurated Dr. Linda M. Bleicken as its seventh president in 2010.

Today, Armstrong serves more than 7,600 students of all ages from across the U.S. and more than 75 countries.

Armstrong in the Community

Since its inception as a city-owned junior college, Armstrong has been a strong partner with its neighbors in Savannah and the low country. Armstrong graduates have taught generations of school children, cared for thousands of patients, and helped to keep the community safe. In addition, the university has created a wide variety of courses and degrees to meet the ever-changing needs of business, industry and the military.

From the moment the lights went up on the first Masquers' theatrical production, the college has enriched the life of the community through hundreds of cultural offerings from plays and concerts to art gallery exhibits and lectures each year. The Pirates' athletic teams bring excitement and an impressive string of national championships.

A culture of leadership and community service sends Armstrong students into surrounding localities as volunteers and interns in a variety of activities from fundraising to delivering vital assistance to those who need it most.

Academics

Armstrong is Savannah’s teaching-first university, where professors devote themselves to the classroom and equip ambitious students with the skills and habits of mind to transition confidently into the professional world. All classes are taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Study abroad and honors programs offer enriching opportunities on campus and beyond. Undergraduates participate in research across a variety of disciplines.

Armstrong offers more than 100+ academic programs via its College of Education, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts, College of Science and Technology, and Graduate Studies programs. In addition to bachelor and master’s degrees, the university offers a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

College of Education

Nationally accredited and recognized, Armstrong’s College of Education offers a variety of degree programs via two primary departments: Childhood & Exceptional Student Education and Adolescent & Adult Education. Our graduates consistently excel in their field, earning leadership positions in education administration and recognition as master teachers and teachers of the year. In 2010 the college received continued accreditation under performance-oriented standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

College of Health Professions

As one of the largest health education centers in the state of Georgia, Armstrong’s College of Health Professions offers a range of academic programs that prepare students for careers in nursing, public health, health administration, and the allied health professions. Armstrong graduates are highly recruited in their fields. From associate through masters and doctoral degrees, the College of Health Professions continually responds to the health and wellness needs of an ever-growing and changing population. Departments include: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Sciences, Medical Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Sciences and Respiratory Therapy. Online degrees are available in Medical Technology and Radiologic Science.

College of Liberal Arts

Liberal arts have been the foundation of education at Armstrong since our founding. Graduates from our many departments and interdisciplinary programs are among our region's finest and most successful leaders in such areas as government, criminal justice, law, business, and entertainment. Students in the College of Liberal Arts study the arts, humanities, and social sciences in the classroom and beyond through internships, performances, exhibitions, undergraduate research projects and study abroad programs. Departments include Art, Music and Theatre; Criminal Justice; Social & Political Science; Economics; History; Languages, Literature & Philosophy; Interdisciplinary Programs; and Military Science/ROTC.

College of Science and Technology

With an emphasis on creating student research opportunities and preparing students for exciting careers and challenging graduate programs, the College of Science and Technology provides programs of study through these departments: Biology, Chemistry & Physics; Computer Science & Information Technology; Engineering; Mathematics; and Psychology. Incoming freshmen may compete for participation in research projects before they begin their first semester thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Location and Campus

Armstrong welcomes students to a one-of-a-kind college environment. The main campus of the university is located in a suburban setting 15 minutes from historic downtown Savannah on a 268-acre arboretum campus. Students can immerse themselves in historic Savannah, which teems with art galleries, cafes, fountains and historic squares and festivals. The Armstrong campus is an educational gem, a peaceful and purpose-driven ?? – missing a word on beautiful botanical grounds.

A 61,000 square foot Student Union that opened in 2010 quickly became the hub of student academic activities and entertainment. Featured in architectural magazines, the Union houses a 300-seat food court, 200-seat movie theatre, ballroom, bookstore, coffee shop, convenience store, and expansive porches and lounge areas that overlook campus. Next door is the Lane Library where students can work, study and conduct research among thousands of books, journals, and online resources.

The Student Recreation Center has fully equipped workout areas and a swimming pool. Intramural fields are home to spirited on-campus rivalries as well as club sports teams.

Liberty Center/Hinesville Location

Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Liberty Center in Hinesville offers quality academic programs and dedicated faculty, bringing higher education to residents of Liberty County and surrounding areas, and also providing special services to Fort Stewart military and military families. A variety of programs are offered or supported, including associate’s degrees in arts and applied sciences, and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, nursing, early childhood education, middle grades education, and liberal studies.

Student Housing

More than 1,400 students live on campus. Prospective students are happy to learn about Windward Commons. This brand new suite-style residential community which opened in 2010 especially for freshmen, features key-card entry, wireless Internet, common social areas, two full kitchens, two laundry facilities, outdoor barbecue areas, and two classrooms—all designed to make the campus experience the best it can be. Housing facilities are just minutes from classroom buildings, the Student Union, Lane Library, and recreational facilities and fields.

Campus Life

With Savannah as your playground, students have access to all of the history, culture, and beauty the low country has to offer. And inevitably, the southern hospitality of the city spills into the lives and hearts of everyone at Armstrong—a tight-knit community with plenty of opportunities for students to find their place and participate in extracurricular programs, organizations, performances, forums and athletics.

More than 95 student organizations and activity groups provide events that promote personal and organizational development. Greek life is growing, with nine fraternity and sorority organizations. The Student Government Association, Graduate Student Coordinating Council, and Campus Union Board offer many opportunities for involvement, leadership and entertainment. For those interested in communications and publishing, The Inkwell student newspaper is published on Fridays when classes are in session. Armstrong’s student literature and art magazine, Calliope, received a First Place/Special Merit award from the American Scholastic Press Association in 2010.

Celebrate Armstrong is a favorite tradition which happens every October—a day full of festival activities, entertainment, and friendly competition. Comprised of student volunteers, the Campus Union Board is responsible for planning campus entertainment, from big time music acts like Gym Class Heroes and Maroon Five to comedians, speakers, and novelties.

Armstrong students have numerous opportunities to give back to the community. The university began the Initiative for Civic Engagement in 2009, making community service an active part of the curriculum. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni turn out for joint outreach projects or the twice yearly Treasure Savannah Day of Service.

Athletics

Armstrong Atlantic State University is a premier NCAA Division II athletic department and is a charter member of the Peach Belt Conference. The Armstrong men's and women's tennis teams have captured five NCAA Division II national championships over the last three seasons alone and Armstrong owns eight NCAA Division II national championships overall. The Pirates also own 33 Peach Belt Conference champions, 82 NCAA Championship appearances, and 174 All-Americans in the history of Armstrong athletics. Armstrong fields 11 intercollegiate sports - baseball, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, men's cross country, women's soccer and volleyball.

Students also enjoy a fun and friendly array of intramural and club sports from flag football and ultimate Frisbee to bowling, basketball, and billiards.

Alumni

Armstrong has more than 23,000 alumni who are assets to their professions and their communities across the state of Georgia, the U.S. and the world. Armstrong Magazine is published for alumni and other key constituents twice a year.

External links

Official Armstrong website Pirate Athletics Armstrong Magazine Armstrong News Archives Armstrong Alumni Armstrong Facebook