GCSU President Cathy Cox named one of Georgia’s 500 Most Influential Leaders of 2023

President, Office of the     Tuesday October 31, 2023
Produced by University Communications

GCSU President Cathy Cox.
GCSU President Cathy Cox.
G eorgia College & State University President Cathy Cox is one of the state’s “500 Most Influential Leaders” chosen by Georgia Trend in its second edition of “Georgia 500.”

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It’s a humbling experience to be included in a group of people who make a difference across Georgia. That’s certainly what I hope to accomplish here at a university that is already known for educating students in a different way and preparing them as leaders for a different future.

The new strategic plan we have just launched, “Imagine 2030,” requires that innovation and experiential learning permeate all parts of our curriculum, so that our students are ready for a globally complex world. I’m proud to work with a campus that is committed to making a difference for our students.

– President Cathy Cox
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This is the second time Cox has been selected for this distinction. She was also  named a “500 Most Influential Leader” in the education section of last year’s inaugural issue.

“Georgia 500: Georgia’s Most Influential Leaders” identifies prominent economic developers, managers and trailblazers in Georgia who have accomplished great strides that positively impact the state and their communities, according to the Georgia Trend website.

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This recognition isn’t just for me but everyone who teaches, works and studies at Georgia College & State University. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to students as the state’s designated public liberal arts university. We are preparing students for the careers and challenges of tomorrow and cultivating them to be next-generation leaders.
– Cathy Cox
”
The 2023 edition highlights more than 20 industry sectors in the state like education, government, tourism, retail, automotive, banking, agriculture and healthcare.

“This recognition isn’t just for me but everyone who teaches, works and studies at Georgia College & State University,” Cox said. “It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to students as the state’s designated public liberal arts university. We are preparing students for the careers and challenges of tomorrow and cultivating them to be next-generation leaders.”

Prior to leading Georgia College & State University, Cox was dean of Mercer University’s School of Law and served 10 years as president of Young Harris College in North Georgia. She served two terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and two terms as Georgia’s Secretary of State.

Under Cox’s leadership the past two years, Georgia College has seen record-high increases in applications and enrollment; contributed a $303 million impact to the local economy; and earned top-10 ratings among public universities in Georgia and the Southeast. These include Georgia College as the number-six top public school in U.S. News & World Report’s Regional Universities South category for 2023.

The university was recently recognized with an A+ grade by the National Council on Teacher Quality for teaching the science of reading.

Georgia College also received American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ prestigious 2023 Excellence & Innovation Award for Student Success and College Completion. This was given for the university’s GC Journeys—a program that ensures all students participate in numerous high-impact practices like undergraduate research, internships, career readiness, engaged community learning, study abroad and leadership.