Gordon State College faced its share of challenges in the years following COVID-19—enrollment dips, student disengagement, and academic disruptions.
However, the Highlander community has reason to celebrate this fall. Gordon State has recorded its highest student retention rate since becoming a four-year institution in 2006.
Gordon’s fall 2024 cohort posted a 64.5% retention rate, up 11.3% from last year, as more students chose to continue their education at Gordon. That number measures the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return from one fall semester to the next.
Also, enrollment in Gordon’s fall B-term nearly doubled. Student credit hours jumped from 2,926 in 2024 to 4,963 in 2025.
Dr. Scott Shubitz, Executive Director of Workforce Development, said the progress reflects a campus-wide effort to make every student feel supported and valued.
“There’s no single solution to improving retention,” Shubitz said. “We’ve approached it through consistent effort, collaboration, and an investment of time and care to ensure every student feels supported in their journey.”
This thorough effort is sustained by Gordon’s student services, like the Student Success Center, which offers advising and tutoring to help students reach their academic goals. Specialized cohorts in nursing, education, business, engineering, and first-generation pathways are helping students grow together in their studies.
Also behind growing retention numbers is a faculty deeply committed to student success, serving as mentors who help guide students every step of the way.
Shubitz expects more success in the near and distant future. He added, “As more students across the region recognize the quality of programs like nursing, education, and business, the results speak for themselves. Things are great at [GSC], and they’re getting even better every day.”
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
