Armstrong University Georgia: A Legacy of Education and Transformation
Armstrong University, formerly known as Armstrong State University, holds a significant place in the history of higher education in Georgia. Founded in 1935 as Armstrong Junior College, it evolved into a comprehensive university before consolidating with Georgia Southern University in 2018. This article explores the rich history of Armstrong, from its humble beginnings to its role as a vital educational institution in Savannah and beyond.
The Founding and Early Years (1935-1959)
Armstrong Junior College was established in 1935 by Savannah Mayor Thomas Gamble during the Great Depression. Gamble envisioned a local institution that would benefit the youth of Savannah, stimulate the economy, and provide access to higher education for those who could not afford to attend college elsewhere. The college was initially located in the Armstrong House, a historic mansion adjacent to Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah. The Armstrong House was donated to the city by the family of George F. Armstrong. Early patrons of the college included banker Mills B. Lane Sr. and Savannah newspaper owner Herschel V. Jenkins.
The college's first president, Ernest A. Lowe, fostered connections with the University of Georgia and the newly formed university system. In 1943, Foreman M. Hawes became the college's third president. During World War II, Armstrong became predominantly a women's school, with enrollment dropping to around 100 students. The college yearbook, "The Geechee," was first published in 1937 and provides a glimpse into student life during this era.
Transition to a Four-Year College and Expansion (1959-1996)
By the late 1950s, the city of Savannah faced increasing difficulties in funding the college. In 1959, through the efforts of President Foreman Hawes and alumnus Frank Cheatham, Armstrong became part of the University System of Georgia. This transition marked a significant turning point in the college's history, providing it with much-needed state funding. In 1962, the Mills B. Lane Foundation and Donald Livingston donated 250 acres on Savannah's southside for a new campus. This new campus opened in 1966, providing modern facilities to accommodate the college's growing student body.
Henry Ludlow Ashmore became president in 1964, the same year the Board of Regents conferred four-year status on Armstrong State College. In 1963, Otis Johnson became the first African American student to attend Armstrong, graduating the following year with an associate's degree. Johnson later became the mayor of Savannah.
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Under Ashmore's leadership, Armstrong developed new programs in health-related fields, such as dental hygiene and nursing, as well as a teacher education program. In 1971, Armstrong began offering graduate courses in conjunction with Savannah State College, leading to a master's of education degree.
Navigating Desegregation and Continued Growth (1971-1996)
In 1971, Georgia was named in a federal lawsuit accusing eight southern states of operating a dual system of racially segregated colleges and universities. The presence of Armstrong State College and Savannah State College in Savannah raised questions about racial segregation in higher education. Between 1971 and 1979, Georgia submitted multiple desegregation plans, with the potential merger of Armstrong and Savannah State being a recurring topic of discussion. Ultimately, the final plan did not mandate a merger but stipulated that Armstrong would award all teacher education degrees in Savannah, while Savannah State would offer all business degree programs.
Despite the challenges of the 1970s, Armstrong continued to expand its curriculum, adding graduate degrees in nursing, health sciences, criminal justice, and history. In 1984, Robert Adair Burnett became the fifth president of the college. In 1990, Georgia Southern College in Statesboro was designated as a regional university and authorized to oversee all graduate programs in southeast Georgia, including Armstrong's master's degree programs.
Achieving University Status and Expansion (1996-2018)
In 1996, the Board of Regents decided that all state-supported four-year colleges with graduate programs would become universities. This decision led to Armstrong State College becoming Armstrong Atlantic State University. The name change aimed to reflect the institution's growth and expanded mission.
Thomas Z. Jones became president in 1997. In 1997, the university opened the Liberty Center in Hinesville to serve residents of Liberty County and military personnel and their families at Fort Stewart.
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In 2003, the Goizueta Foundation awarded a grant to establish the Hispanic Outreach and Leadership at Armstrong Atlantic program to provide academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities to Latino students. Armstrong's total enrollment exceeded 7,000 in 2004.
Linda M. Bleicken was inaugurated as president in 2010, the university's 75th anniversary. In 2010, a new 61,000-square-foot Student Union opened, featuring a food court, movie theatre, ballroom, bookstore, coffeehouse, and convenience store. In 2014, the school officially changed its name to Armstrong State University.
Consolidation with Georgia Southern University (2017-2018)
On January 11, 2017, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted to consolidate Armstrong State University with Georgia Southern University. Under the consolidation plan, Armstrong State would inherit Georgia Southern's name, leadership, academics, and athletics. The merged institution became the fourth-largest public university in the state: the "New Georgia Southern University". The consolidation was completed in 2018.
Campus and Facilities
The Armstrong campus is located on a 268-acre area on the southside of Savannah. It is situated near the Savannah Mall and has direct access to downtown Savannah via the Abercorn Expressway. The campus features a variety of academic and recreational facilities, including:
Lane Library: The main academic and research library on the Armstrong campus.
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Science Center: A two-building complex housing science and technology programs, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Physical Science, and Psychology.
Student Union: A 61,000-square-foot facility featuring a food court, movie theatre, ballroom, bookstore, coffeehouse, and convenience store.
Memorial College Center: A building that houses the Learning Commons, an extension to the Lane Library.
Windward Commons: A suite-style residential community on the Armstrong campus.
Academics and Programs
Armstrong offered a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. The university was organized into several colleges:
- College of Education
- College of Health Professions
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science and Technology
- Graduate Studies programs
Armstrong was accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university did not utilize graduate students to teach classes; all courses were taught by members of the Armstrong faculty.
Student Life and Activities
Armstrong provided numerous opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, organizations, performances, forums, and athletics. The university had over 100 student organizations and a Greek life system with nine fraternity and sorority organizations. The Student Government Association, Graduate Student Coordinating Council, and University Programming Board offered opportunities for involvement, leadership, and entertainment.
The Inkwell was the university's student-run publication, published weekly during the semester. The university also sponsored recreational intramural and club sports, including dance, flag football, tennis, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, baseball, bowling, basketball, and billiards. Celebrate Armstrong was an annual event planned by the University Programming Board.
Athletics
Armstrong's athletic teams were known as the Pirates. Athletics at Armstrong began in the 1930s, with the teams initially known as the Geechees. The school won state championships as a junior college in 1938 in men's basketball and men's tennis. Athletics were suspended during World War II. Armstrong holds 96 PBC championships. In addition, the university has appeared in 139 NCAA Championships, winning 13 titles. Armstrong has produced 296 All-Americans. The university ended intercollegiate competition following the 2016-17 season.
Legacy and Impact
Armstrong University played a vital role in providing access to higher education in Savannah and the surrounding region. Over its history, the university educated generations of students, contributed to the local economy, and fostered a vibrant campus community. While Armstrong State University no longer exists as an independent institution, its legacy continues through the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University. The Armstrong campus remains an important center for teaching, research, and community engagement, carrying forward the traditions and values of its predecessor institution. The Georgia Historical Society will dedicate a new Georgia Historical Marker commemorating the history of Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia. The marker highlights the history of Armstrong State University from its founding in 1935 as a Junior College in downtown Savannah, through its growth and move to Savannahâs southside in 1966, through the merger with Georgia Southern in 2017.
The "Geechee" Yearbook: A Window into Armstrong's Past
"The Geechee" is Armstrong's college yearbook, published annually since the first graduating class in 1937. These yearbooks offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the university. For example, the 1966 Geechee showcases the brand-new campus on Savannah's southside. The 1973 Geechee includes a photo of The Black American Movement, a growing African American student organization, featuring Otis Johnson, who was teaching at Armstrong in 1973 and was also the College's first black graduate ten years earlier. Examining "The Geechee" yearbooks provides valuable insights into the evolution of Armstrong University and the experiences of its students over the decades.
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