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EVANS TALKS WITH STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES AT COASTAL GEORGIA
learning that prepares them for careers in sustainability
and environmental stewardship. “Our environmental
science program started with just four students in
2019,” says Evans. “Now we’re over 160— and that’s
even through the challenges of COVID.”
Changing the Trajectory for Students and Families
Evans says the College of Coastal Georgia stands
apart for its commitment to affordability and real-world
readiness. Tuition and fees total just over $4,300 a year,
and a robust scholarship program— fueled by generous
donors and community partners— provides nearly $1
million annually in private aid.
“We want to not only change our students’ lives, but
also the trajectory of their families,” Dr. Evans emphasizes. “That’s our vision.” For many, that trajectory includes
immediate career readiness, he says. Through the
innovative Compass Center for Career and Academic
Advising, for example, students begin planning for life
after graduation before their first class starts.
“We combined career services with academic
advising to guide students from day one,” he explains.
“Whether it’s internships, research opportunities, or
workforce connections, we prepare them holistically.”
The college’s partnerships with local employers— like
Southeast Georgia Health System— further ensure graduates have pathways to success. Nursing students, for
example, can earn tuition forgiveness in exchange for
working in the region after graduation.
Glynn County, students benefit from both the classroom
and the coast.
“We are of Coastal Georgia, not just in Coastal Georgia,” Evans underscored. “That means we’re invested in
this region— its people, its environment, and its future.”
“We’re still building— literally and figuratively,”
Evans concluded in his interview with this writer. “At
the same time our foundation is strong: a caring community, high-quality programs and a belief that every
student matters.”
Cindy Morley is a staff writer for James and James Magazine Online.
A Vibrant Student Experience
Campus life at the College of Coastal Georgia is far
from ordinary. The new president points to the 40-plus
student organizations and a growing athletics program— including basketball, tennis, golf, and softball—
that keep the campus buzzing with activity. E-sports,
launched by student demand, now boasts over 100
participants and dedicated gaming spaces.
And, of course, the natural surroundings are part
of the student experience. From free annual passes to
Jekyll Island to service-learning opportunities across
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