WAYCROSS — As agriculture continues to serve as a cornerstone of South Georgia’s economy, a new partnership between South Georgia State College and the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus is creating expanded opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The announcement event, held Monday (March 30), featured speakers on both the Douglas and Waycross campuses, who highlighted the significance of the partnership and its impact on students and the region.
Representatives from SGSC and the UGA Tifton campus shared insights on the program’s development, the growing demand for agricultural education, and the opportunities this pathway creates for students to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture while remaining in South Georgia.
According to the 2022 Georgia Agricultural Census, 64 percent of producers are over the age of 55, highlighting a growing need to educate and prepare future professionals in the field.
In response, SGSC is reintroducing its Agriculture Pathway within the Associate of Science degree beginning Fall 2026, providing students with a direct and affordable route into agricultural careers.
Through this partnership, students can begin their education at SGSC by choosing from focus areas such as agribusiness, agricultural education, biological sciences, or general agricultural studies, obtain an associate of science degree, and seamlessly transfer to UGA Tifton to complete a bachelor’s degree, with the option to continue into graduate studies.
The program is part of the “Georgia Grown Scholars: The BirdDawgs Agriculture Partnership”, and is designed to remove barriers often associated with pursuing an agricultural degree by allowing students to stay close to home while receiving a high-quality education.
Students enrolled in the pathway will benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized advising, all while completing core requirements that align with a seamless transfer to UGA Tifton.
“This partnership highlights our ongoing dedication to South Georgia and to strengthening one of the region’s most important industries,” said Dr. Greg Tanner, Interim President of South Georgia State College. “By establishing a clear and accessible pathway, we’re creating more opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture while staying connected to their communities.”
With affordable tuition, supportive faculty, and a strong sense of community, SGSC offers students a practical starting point for a future in agriculture and shows that they don’t have to leave South Georgia to achieve their goals.
For more information about the Agriculture Pathway, contact Tyler Lott, SGSC Admissions Recruiter, by email at [email protected] or Katy Warren - UGA-Tifton, Admissions Counselor & Academic Recruiter, by email at katy.warren@ uga.edu.
