Georgia Perimeter College fulfills a vital role in higher education in Georgia. From its beginning as a DeKalb County junior college, the institution has opened the door to higher education for hundreds of thousands of students during the past half-century. As part of the University System of Georgia, the college grew to serve more than 21,000 students on five campuses and online. Its 2016 consolidation with Georgia State University will create the largest university in the state and one of the largest in the nation.
FEBRUARY 1958
Georgia’s Junior College Act
The State of Georgia’s Junior College Act authorizes local communities to develop and operate colleges. This allowed DeKalb County Superintendent of Schools Jim Cherry to build a county school system that educates citizens from primary grades through a collegiate associate degree.
Portrait of Jim Cherry. Photo by Lamar Bates.
APRIL 1964
The First President
Dr. Thad Hollingsworth selected to be the first president of a new junior college—DeKalb College.
Dr. Thad Hollingsworth, photo from 1965 Baron Yearbook.
SEPTEMBER 1964
DeKalb College Opens in Clarkston
Founded by citizens of DeKalb County and the DeKalb Board of Education, DeKalb College opens in Clarkston with 763 students. It was the only public two-year college in Georgia supported and controlled by a local board of education.
Students arrive at the new DeKalb College campus. Photo from 1965 Baron Yearbook.
JUNE 1966
First Commencement
DeKalb College graduates its first class of 26 students.
Faculty and students line up for graduation. Photo from 1967 Baron Yearbook.
1967
SACS Accreditation and a New President
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Dr. James Hinson becomes the second president.
Portrait of Dr. James Hinson, by Owida Canaday 1977.
APRIL 1972
South Campus Opens, and College Get New Name
College opens its second location¬ with more than 1,100 students—in Decatur—and joins with DeKalb Technical Institute and the GED program of DeKalb County to become DeKalb Community College.
DeKalb Community College South Campus in Decatur. Photo by Lamar Bates.
APRIL 1977
The Third President
Dr. Wayne Scott becomes the college’s third president.
Dr. Wayne Scott, photo by Bill Roa.
SEPTEMBER 1979
North Campus Opens
DeKalb Community College opens its third location—in Dunwoody.
Future site of DeKalb Community College North Campus in Dunwoody. Photo by Lamar Bates.
1981
Old Name but a New President
The college returns to its earlier name, DeKalb College, under college’s fourth president, Dr. Marvin Cole.
Dr. Marvin Cole, photo by Lamar Bates.
1986
Joins the USG
DeKalb College joins the University System of Georgia as the USG’s 34th institution and sheds its affiliation with vocational programs. DeKalb Technical College remains with the DeKalb School System.
DeKalb College joins the USG. Photo by Lamar Bates.
SEPTEMBER 1987
Lawrenceville Campus Opens
College opens fourth location, the DeKalb College Gwinnett Campus (called Lawrenceville Campus) in the University System Center–Gwinnett. It was part of a consortium including DeKalb College, Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.
DeKalb College Lawrenceville Campus in the University System Gwinnett Center. Photo by Lamar Bates.
1993
Rockdale Center Opens
DeKalb College, joined by Clayton State College, DeKalb Technical Institution and the Rockdale County School System, opens the Rockdale Center for Higher Education.
Rockdale Center for Higher Education, photo by Lamar Bates.
MAY 1995
The Fifth President
Dr. Jacquelyn Belcher becomes the college’s fifth president.
Dr. Jacquelyn Belcher, photo by Bill Roa.
1998
Name Changes Again
College changes name to Georgia Perimeter College.
Sign is replaced at GPC Clarkston Campus.Photo by Lamar Bates.
SEPTEMBER 2000
Alpharetta Site Opens
Classes begin at new Georgia Perimeter College site in Alpharetta.
GPC Alpharetta site, photo by Lamar Bates.
AUGUST 2006
The Sixth President
Dr. Anthony Tricoli becomes the college’s sixth president.
Dr. Anthony Tricoli, photo by Bill Roa.
MAY 2007
Newton Campus Opens
The college opens a Newton County campus near Covington. Rockdale Center classes relocate to the Newton location.
GPC Newton Campus. Photo by Bill Roa.
2008
Lawrenceville Campus Closes
GPC discontinues courses at its Lawrenceville Campus as the USG launches a new four-year institution: Georgia Gwinnett College.
GPC Lawrenceville Campus. Photo by Bill Roa.
AUGUST 2010
GPC Alpharetta Campus
Georgia Perimeter expands its presence in Alpharetta to become a full educational partner with Georgia State University.
GPC Alpharetta Campus. Photo by Bill Roa.
2011
GPC Growth Continues
Georgia Perimeter enrollment rises above 25,000 students. The college is the third largest institution in the University System of Georgia.
Commencement Spring of 2011, photo by Bill Roa.
MAY 2012
Rob Watts Becomes Interim President
Rob Watts, former chief operating officer for the USG, takes the reins as interim president. Watts also served as GPC’s interim president from 2005-2006 and earlier was a member of the college’s faculty.
Rob Watts, photo by Bill Roa.
2015
Consolidation Announced
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approves plans to consolidate Georgia Perimeter College with Georgia State University and change the college’s name to Perimeter College of Georgia State University.
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