Georgia Southern University receives state funding for Georgia’s first college of optometry, literacy center

Georgia Southern University has received a state investment of nearly $40 million to support several projects that address critical needs throughout the state, including the first college of optometry in Georgia and an applied reading center.

College of Optometry

Following the signing of the state’s Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (HB 973), the University has received $29.8 million in state funding to establish the first college of optometry in Georgia, marking a historic milestone for Georgia Southern and the state’s healthcare landscape. The investment will support the renovation of the Highway 301 building in Statesboro, creating a modern facility designed specifically to train future doctors of optometry.

“Georgia Southern is grateful for the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the General Assembly, particularly Speaker Jon Burns, Chairman Parrish and our legislative delegation for making funding the college of optometry a priority,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “The new college of optometry will enhance Georgia Southern’s growing portfolio of health professions programs and further solidify the University’s role as a leader in meeting Georgia’s workforce needs.”

The creation of a college of optometry in Georgia addresses a critical need for expanded access to eye care across the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By training future optometrists in Georgia, Georgia Southern will help strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline and improve health outcomes for generations to come as an increased demand for modern, cost-effective eye care places new pressures on the healthcare system.

“Increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare in every corner of the state remains a top priority for the Georgia House, which is why we were proud to support this historic investment in our state’s first College of Optometry,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “The future graduates of this institution will serve communities across Georgia, helping expand access to critical vision care that is so important to our quality of life, and strengthening our healthcare workforce for generations to come.”

This valuable healthcare resource will also expand opportunities for students to pursue careers in vision care by exposing them to a new level and quality of academic preparation and clinical rotations that have not been available to them in the state of Georgia.

“The College of Optometry addresses a critical healthcare need in our region and state, and aligns closely with Georgia Southern’s Biomedical and Health Innovation Interdisciplinary Cluster of University Excellence (ICUE), which brings together scientists, health professionals, engineers, business leaders and public health experts to advance breakthroughs in advanced patient care and medical technology,” said Georgia Southern University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D. “This interdisciplinary approach enhances clinical training and prepares students to address complex health challenges and accelerate innovation in patient care.”

The new college, which will offer a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, is pending approval by the University System of Georgia (USG), and will complete the accreditation processes required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.

Georgia Southern University Literacy Center

In the FY 2027 budget, which was signed May 12, $5.5 million was allocated to establish an applied reading center known as the Georgia Southern University Literacy Center, through the historic Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 (HB 1193) championed by Speaker Burns and Mrs. Dayle Burns.

“Nothing is more important to our children’s future than their ability to read, and Georgia’s teachers are on the front lines of ensuring every student gets that opportunity,” said Mrs. Dayle Burns. “The Georgia Southern Literacy Center will play a critical role in giving educators the tools, resources, and support they need to implement evidence-based, science-backed literacy instruction, helping make a generational difference in the lives of countless young Georgians.”

The center will design professional development programs for teachers and literacy coaches, including competency assessments prior to training, and model teacher preparation programs. The work is grounded in the evidence-based practices of reading research, specifically the five pillars of the science of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Additional Support

Also in the FY27 budget, $4.2 million in funding was secured for the East Georgia Campus HVAC renovations and a $1 million endowment match for a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar at Georgia Southern.

An unprecedented $300 million investment will fund the DREAMS Scholarship Program, creating the state’s first statewide needs-based aid endowment. Administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the program will help more students remain enrolled and graduate on time. An additional $25 million in expendable scholarship funds will be available in fall 2026 as part of the program, which builds on an effort launched by USG last year to support both University System of Georgia students and those in the Technical College System of Georgia. The state’s investment also opens the door for additional private philanthropic support, expanding the program’s reach and impact for students.

Kemp also allocated $104.6 million to provide a one-time $2,000 salary supplement for full-time, regular state employees, including those in the USG.