FCS (future) School of the Day #40 - Georgia State

[dbackjon]

Georgia State Panthers
Public
Founded 1913
Atlanta, Georgia
Students: 27,134
Colonial Athletic Association
Colors: Blue and White
Georgia Dome (71,250)

Georgia State University was established in 1913 as the Georgia School of Technology's "School of Commerce." The school focused on what was called "the new science of business." A reorganization of the University System of Georgia in the 1930s led to the school becoming the "Atlanta Extension Center of the University System of Georgia," and allowed night students to earn degrees from several colleges in the University System. During this time, the school had two informal names: "Georgia College," which granted business degrees, and "Atlanta College." In September 1947, the school became affiliated with the University of Georgia and was named the "Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia." The school received its independence in 1955 and became the "Georgia State College of Business Administration." In 1961, other programs at the school had grown large enough that the name was shortened to "Georgia State College." It became Georgia State University in 1969. In 1995, the State Board of Regents accorded Georgia State "research university" status, joining the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, and the Medical College of Georgia.


College Football
Georgia State's athletic program completed a feasibility study that examined the interest and potential cost to add a Division I-AA college football team. The feasibility study included a survey in which the majority of the students, faculty, staff and alumni expressed their support for this addition. The study included various the financial cost ranging from the renovation of a local stadium in Atlanta to the complete transformation of the current sports arena to a football and basketball arena. In April 2007, Georgia State held a pair of town-hall meetings on the subject of football, in which students, alumni, and faculty were able to comment on the addition of football. At this time, it was stated that if football were to proceed at Georgia State they could play at the Georgia Dome.[6] Later the same week, Georgia State announced that former NFL coach and native Georgian Dan Reeves was to assist with the study of football, and to help with fundraising for the sport.[11]

On October 19, 2007 the Georgia State University Mandatory Student Fee Committee unanimously approved a proposal from the Athletics Department for an $85 per semester increase to support football, additional women’s sports and a marching band program. The committee also unanimously approved a $35 increase request from the Student Activity Fee Committee that would increase funding for student organizations, fine arts programming and a lecture and concert series. Georgia State University was approved by the Board of Regents the total amount of $85 per semester for support of football, and approved for $21 out of $35 for the Student Activity Fee increase.

On April 17, 2008, Georgia State officially announced that Panthers would play Division I-AA college football starting in 2010. The school would compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, with home games at the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome; the school plans to build a new practice field and training facilities, both a few blocks away from campus.[12][13]

On June 12, 2008, Georgia State announced that Bill Curry would become the University's first Head Football coach.[14]

Notable alumni
Ken Lewis, CEO of Bank of America
Ludacris, musician, actor
Julia Roberts, actress (attended)
Ray Stevens, musician

[kemajic]

Why the CAA instead of the SoCon? I would think you would want a rivalry with GA Southern. Just what the CAA needs - more members.

[dbackjon]

Why the CAA instead of the SoCon? I would think you would want a rivalry with GA Southern. Just what the CAA needs - more members.

Georgia State is currently a member of the CAA in all other sports

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Is FCS just wayside rest for GA State? I thought they were headed for FBS post-haste... or was i misinformed?

[dbackjon]

Is FCS just wayside rest for GA State? I thought they were headed for FBS post-haste... or was i misinformed?

Not officially, but I would imagine so.

[NorthernCOU]

Luda went to Georgia State? Didn't know that.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

where are they hoping to land in FBS?

it's not like Tech will let them join ACC and SEC also seems unlikely...

[dbackjon]

where are they hoping to land in FBS?

it's not like Tech will let them join ACC and SEC also seems unlikely...

I would imagine C-USA to start

[slycat]

where are they hoping to land in FBS?

it's not like Tech will let them join ACC and SEC also seems unlikely...

I would imagine C-USA to start

I really see CUSA breaking up and forming two new conferences. The conference is too far spread out and this would allow Georgia St and others out East to join and Texas St and UTSA to join in the West.

[Fresno St. Alum]

If C-USA splits there will be room for all the FBS hopefuls. If they don't and the Sun Belt doesn't add anyone the only other option would be a new all sports conference.

The WAC could be interested in UTSA if they are worried about Boise St. leaving and/or helping La. Tech out with a travel partner and basketball scheduling

UTSA
Texas St.
Lamar
Sam Houston St.
Jacksonville St.
Georgia So.
Georgia St.
Charlotte

If these schools went FBS all but Charlotte would be kicked out of their conference anyway because they don't follow the conf. by-law for FB. The drawback would be they'd have to wait 5 years for a basketball auto-bid becuase you need 6 core members to play together for 5 years. (Great Midwest Conf in the 90's did this)

[slycat]

If C-USA splits there will be room for all the FBS hopefuls. If they don't and the Sun Belt doesn't add anyone the only other option would be a new all sports conference.

The WAC could be interested in UTSA if they are worried about Boise St. leaving and/or helping La. Tech out with a travel partner and basketball scheduling

UTSA
Texas St.
Lamar
Sam Houston St.
Jacksonville St.
Georgia So.
Georgia St.
Charlotte

If these schools went FBS all but Charlotte would be kicked out of their conference anyway because they don't follow the conf. by-law for FB. The drawback would be they'd have to wait 5 years for a basketball auto-bid becuase you need 6 core members to play together for 5 years. (Great Midwest Conf in the 90's did this)

Rumors have it the Texas St AD has been talking with the WAC as well. The traveling for that conference just doesn't sit well with me.

[Fresno St. Alum]

Fu*k we can't be picky UNT didn't want us, I'll take you guys. Sly if you join us fly out to Fresno and watch the game with me.

[slycat]

Fu*k we can't be picky UNT didn't want us, I'll take you guys. Sly if you join us fly out to Fresno and watch the game with me.

Hell yeah it would be a blast.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

I've always wondered why LA Tech was in the WAC and not the Sun Belt... seems random

[Fresno St. Alum]

back when the WAC had all the Texas schools it made sense kinda. They all left and LaTech wasn't good enough so they were left behind. If there is an opening in C-USA I bet they'd take UTSA, S.Alabama, Charlotte, or Georgia St. before La Tech again. All the cities have bowl tie-ins and have a larger market than La.Tech. Charlotte is a former member even.