Georgia Highlands College

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In its 47-year history, Georgia Highlands College has served the northwest region of Georgia by providing students with a high quality educational foundation and solid career paths for its expanding student population. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College in Floyd County, the local community provided the campus site and funding for the construction of the initial facilities by enthusiastically approving a $3.2 million bond issue by a margin of nearly three to one. That bond was paid in full by 1985 and a ceremonious bond-burning took place, as Rome proclaimed that day as "Floyd Junior College Day."

As an integral part of the University System of Georgia (USG), the college began to expand beyond Floyd County, and in 2005, the name was changed to Georgia Highlands College (GHC) to reflect its more regional nature and growing mission. The location in Cartersville was open for classes that same year. GHC now serves over 6,000 students and operates in five locations in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville.

Originally established as an associate degree granting institution, GHC proudly added its first four-year degree in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. In 2015, a second baccalaureate degree was formed - a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. GHC currently offers over 30 areas of study with associate degree and bachelor's degree options. Two new bachelor's degrees began fall 2017: healthcare management and logistics and supply chain management

GHC is well rooted in Northwest Georgia and has a proud legacy of leadership and impact on the regional economy. GHC boasts a $149 million economic impact on the communities within its service area, according to the May 2016 USG report. In 2014, USG Board of Regents named Dr. Donald Green as the fourth president of GHC with the mission to lead the charge and take the college to new heights. His inauguration was held in 2015.