From its founding as the Evening School of Commerce in 1913, Georgia State University has been home to people pursuing opportunities to elevate their lives through education. Our first seven graduates —all with full-time jobs — received degrees in Commercial Science in 1916.
Cheerleaders from the 1950′s show their spirit in the city. Georgia State’s location in Atlanta has been an integral part of the university’s history throughout the decades, offering students unparalleled connections to the city’s business, government and cultural communities.
George Manners, the first dean of the College of Business, worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the institution in the 1960s. His creativity and enthusiasm for educating working professionals helped set the university on a course to national and international prominence.
Georgia State University’s Dean of Men Tim Singleton welcomed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to campus in 1967. King’s messages of peace and equality have long resonated at Georgia State, one of the nation’s most diverse institutions. Singleton went on to found Atlanta’s well known Peachtree Road Race.
Mrs. and Miss Homecoming queens Gloria Shurbutt Beachham (left) and Marcia Biscoe celebrate their victories in 1970. Georgia State’s commitment to women spans back to 1917, when the university enrolled Annie Teitelbaum Wise who earned her degree from the institution in 1919. Since then, more than 50,000 women have earned degrees from Georgia State.
WRAS disc jockey Laura Hynes rocks out in 1986 in the station’s on-campus studio. Georgia State’s 100,000-watt radio station has been broadcasting its eclectic blend of music since 1971. The station, one of Georgia State’s jewels, embodies the university’s independent and enterprising spirit.
The Village, Georgia State’s first housing complex, was originally built for Olympic athletes participating in the 1996 Games. The complex helped bring more than 2,000 students closer to campus, and changed the the university from one with predominantly commuter students to one with a growing residential student community.
In 2010, Georgia State opened its world-class Petit Science Center, where our faculty educate students and conduct pioneering research in its 32 labs and classrooms. More than 2,000 students use the center each day.
Be Part of History
Check out our banners across campus and the city
In the 100 years since its founding, Georgia State University has undergone dramatic changes and amazing growth. Through campus expansion, enterprising research, city connections and student success, Georgia State has been a place where history is made. Our banners hanging throughout downtown Atlanta tell the stories of our history. Now we’d like to hear from you. Send us your photos and stories of your time at Georgia State, along with a photo, and your image could appear on our Centennial banners in the fall.
Centennial Photo Submissions
Submit your photos!
Want to be a part of Georgia State history? Submit your photo and you could appear on one of our Centennial banners in the fall.
