Rob Watts, Interim President

In January, the consolidation of Georgia Perimeter College with Georgia State University is scheduled to receive final approval, ushering in a new chapter of this institution’s life. Perimeter College at Georgia State University will be born.
This takes place as GPC wraps up its 50th anniversary celebration, an opportunity we have used to look at what our institution has been and done since it opened its doors as DeKalb College in 1964.
During this fall’s convocation, I reminded faculty and staff that change has been a constant throughout this institution’s history. It has carried us from our beginnings as a DeKalb County college with 736 students to a University System of Georgia college serving more than 21,000 students on five campuses and online.
This issue of The Chronicle looks at a few highlights of our storied past: students who received the national Jack Kent Cooke scholarship, sports programs that enriched our college experience, special memories and people and—of course—our beloved mascot, Jaggy. I hope you’ll enjoy the offerings.
I also hope you will remember that some things about the college have not changed:

• We remain the college for students who otherwise couldn’t or wouldn’t be in college.

• We remain a college where classes are taught when, where and how students need them.

• We have kept our costs low and remain a tremendous value for students.

• We remain a better way forward for students who intend to transfer to Georgia State and other USG and non-USG colleges and universities.

• And we continue to be the place where students receive a quality of instruction that enables them to be successful, in academics and in life.

• Thank you to all who support this remarkable institution of learning. Exciting things lie ahead—I’m sure of it.

Rob Watts
Interim President
Georgia Perimeter College