Georgia Highlands College has distinguished itself as the most admired college for logistics and supply chain management degrees, by putting student and community needs first. GHC chose to offer this degree due to the increase in manufacturing and logistics f irms opening in our community, where 85% of our students choose to live and work upon graduation. GHC has made a consisted effort to work with local business partners to ensure students receive the quality education needed to gain employment and succeed in these industries and has many strengths that contribute to their success. In addition to our strong relationship with our local community, our faculty have the bonus of having career experience outside of academia, which gives our students the benefit of their real world knowledge in addition to the course material. These dedicated faculty members take student success personally, going above and beyond to make certain they are prepared for graduation and the workplace.
Another strength that sets us apart lies within the structure of our BBA core. In addition to our principles courses in f inance, management, marketing, international business, accounting, economics, and human resources, GHC has added a course in Professional Career Management, which teaches students the needed soft skills to enhance their chances for success. These skills include such basics as interview skills and networking, but also dining etiquette, how to dress for success, and the proper social media protocol. These skills set our students apart from other graduates who have not had the opportunity to explore this view of the workplace.
With 85% of our graduates choosing to remain in our local service area, GHC has become not only a talent pipeline to local employers, but a friend of the community. Our impact on such is multiplied as our leadership is involved in civic groups and hosts events on our campuses. These events are for local organizations, but also student camps and leadership conferences designed to increase awareness of the opportunities for the rising generation both within and outside of GHC. Building a better community for current and future generations is a high priority in the mission of GHC.
Logistics education has grown in importance since GHC established this degree 10 years ago. Changing social and economic conditions have caused the words “logistics and supply chain management” to be part of normal lexicon. Skilled professionals in this area have become notable among employers, which is a change for the better. As the national and global economies grow exponentially, improved logistics in storage, transportation, procurement, etc., become more specialized and essential. Recent economic challenges have brought the need for proper supply chain management to the forefront, requiring additional training in areas of procurement, planning, optimization, and IT, among others.
Since its inception over 50 years ago, Georgia Highlands College has evolved from a junior college to a state college with 10 bachelor’s degrees and more on the horizon. Providing a more educated and qualified workforce has attracted economic development to the local communities it serves. With instructional sites in four distinct areas, GHC has become a leading educator for Northwest Georgia’s labor force. Employing faculty having real world work experience and fostering relationships with local businesses and industries has ensured its students have not only the education necessary to succeed and contribute, but the applied knowledge as well. By keeping a close watch on the Georgia Governor’s list of high demand careers, GHC looks to create and offer programs that would meet those growing needs but can also adapt as needs may change. Maintaining connections with the local Chambers of Commerce, Workforce and Economic Development officials, and industries themselves keeps GHC on the cutting edge of industry demands, as has the creation of advisory boards comprised of local industrial partners. To meet the needs of adults working full-time who wish to earn a degree in their chosen field, GHC has not only made their program available fully online, but is offering it in 8-week sessions, giving students the ability to take additional classes each semester to graduate sooner while still maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.
All of this is only the beginning! By keeping abreast of education and industry trends, longstanding needs, being adaptable, and maintaining quality relationships with stakeholders, Georgia Highlands College is equipped to grow exponentially as the preeminent education destination in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. For students looking to enter the world of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, I encourage you to check out GHC online to receive high quality education with little or no debt at graduation.
