GCSU Foundation, Alumni Association boards merge

GCSU Foundation, Alumni Association boards merge

To streamline governance and operations of two organizations that have long shared the common mission of supporting Georgia College & State University and its students, the GCSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the GCSU Alumni Association Board unanimously voted to integrate into one strategic unit at a meeting June 4.

The new, unified organization will now operate under the existing Georgia College & State University Foundation, Inc.

"The strategic integration positions us to more effectively engage our more than 60,000 living alumni while building upon the strong financial stewardship and investment performance that the Foundation has delivered in recent years," said Dr. Seth Walker, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the GCSU Foundation. "This new structure allows alumni leaders to remain deeply involved in shaping the future of alumni engagement while ensuring that we continue to provide critical resources and opportunities for students, faculty and staff."

The need for integration of these units emerged following several recent administrative changes, including the Alumni Association's transition away from a dues-based membership model, as well as the transfer of scholarship administration responsibilities to the GCSU Office of Financial Aid in 2024.

Throughout the past year, both boards engaged in extensive conversations about the future structure of alumni engagement and philanthropic support at GCSU. A joint task force was established to evaluate options and make recommendations to the full boards.

The Alumni Association representatives on the task force included Michelle Hendricks, Dell Mason and Mindy Miller, under the leadership of Alumni Association President Brandie Mock. The Foundation representatives included Trustees Pam Booker, Zach Mullins, and Maria Sheffield, under the leadership of Foundation Board Chair Derek Chitwood.

"I am grateful for the thoughtful leadership demonstrated by both boards throughout this process and honored by their unanimous support for this path forward," Walker added.

The strategic integration allows the financial operations and assets of the Alumni Association to be fully managed through the GCSU Foundation. Upon completion of the integration, the Foundation's combined endowment and managed assets will approach $80 million, further strengthening its ability to support students, faculty, and institutional priorities.

Importantly, the GCSU Alumni Association will continue as a standing committee of the GCSU Foundation, ensuring that alumni engagement remains a central focus of the institution's advancement efforts.