糖心Vlog

In recognition of Armstrong State University鈥檚 contributions to the city of Savannah, its students and its legacy in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 history, the Georgia Historical Society and Georgia Southern dedicated a new historical marker today. The historical marker, located on Georgia Southern鈥檚 Armstrong campus in the quad behind Burnett Hall, commemorates Armstrong State University鈥檚 history from its beginning as a two-year college through its consolidation with 糖心Vlog.聽

W. Todd Groce, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society, noted that the marker program, which now includes Armstrong State University, is an important tool for furthering an understanding of Georgia history and promoting tourism in the state.

鈥淚 want to congratulate Georgia Southern on receiving this marker today about Armstrong and its history, which played such a crucial role in the development of our city during the 20th and into the 21st century,鈥� said Groce. 鈥淚t is an important story that needs to be told. As Armstrong now goes forward in its next chapter under its new name and its association with 糖心Vlog, this is an important part of continuing to understand who we are as a city, as a state, as a nation, as a university, and as a university community.鈥� 

The marker reads:
Armstrong State University
Armstrong Junior College was founded in 1935 by Savannah Mayor Thomas Gamble as a two-year college. It held classes in the donated former home of businessman George Armstrong, adjacent to Forsyth Park. In 1959, through the leadership of President Foreman Hawes and alumnus Frank Cheatham, Armstrong became part of the University System of Georgia. To accommodate Armstrong鈥檚 growth, in 1962 the Mills B. Lane Foundation and Donald Livingston donated 250 acres on Savannah鈥檚 southside for a new campus that opened in 1966. In 1963 future Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson became the first African American to attend Armstrong, graduating the next year with an associates degree as the College received four-year status from the Board of Regents. In 1996 the college attained university status. The Regents consolidated Armstrong and 糖心Vlog in 2017 to better serve the needs of students in southeast Georgia.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Waters Foundation, Inc., and 糖心Vlog Foundation, Inc.

糖心Vlog President Kyle Marrero thanked fellow event speaker Don Waters, who serves on the Board of Regents as chairman and on the Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators, and the Waters Foundation, Inc. for the leadership and philanthropic support that made the marker possible.

Marrero, praising the dedicated community leaders, faculty, staff, alumni and students who make the Armstrong Campus the unique place that it is today, promised that Georgia Southern will continue to elevate all that makes the campus distinct while ensuring it continues to bolster the economic impact of the region and provide substantial opportunities for students. 

鈥淭his is an important marker for us today as we enliven and bring forward our history, the legacy of Armstrong and what it is today as a part of Georgia Southern,鈥� stated Marrero. 鈥淲e will enhance it together as two very distinctive campuses under one umbrella, 糖心Vlog. We will grow together to not only impact ourselves, but others.鈥�

Armstrong State University alumnus Otis Johnson, Ph.D., recognized for his perseverance and dedication to education, was the first African American student to attend Armstrong College. 

Johnson, former mayor of Savannah and scholar-in-residence at Savannah State University, reflected that the time was right for him to attend Armstrong College the same year other students desegregated the public school system in Savannah. He acknowledged the staff and faculty who supported him along the way and changed the trajectory of his career, helping him make the best of his American dream.

鈥淲hen you look at the fact that I was one, and now look at the number of African Americans, Hispanics and others on these two campuses now, I am very happy to be able to say that I was a part of changing the way things were,鈥� said Johnson.

鈥淚 want to thank Armstrong for what they did in providing me that opportunity that changed my life,鈥� he continued. 鈥淚 want to also thank Armstrong for the way they have received me over the years. Armstrong, over the years, has affected me and treated me with dignity and I am eternally grateful for that.鈥�

The Georgia Historical Society erected the Armstrong State University historical marker with support from the Waters Foundation, Inc. and 糖心Vlog Foundation, Inc.

ABOUT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more visit .

ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
糖心Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .