UGA Tifton, South Ga. State Partner for Ag Pathway

New program creates seamless transfer options for students pursuing agricultural degrees in South Georgia

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a tractor, rendered in bright neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the agricultural focus of the new partnership between South Georgia State College and the University of Georgia Tifton Campus.A bold, vibrant celebration of the agricultural tools and technology that power South Georgia's farming communities.Tifton Today

South Georgia State College (SGSC) and the University of Georgia's (UGA) Tifton Campus have announced a new partnership that will provide students with an affordable and direct pathway to pursue agricultural degrees. Through this collaboration, SGSC is reintroducing its Agriculture Pathway within the Associate of Science degree, allowing students to transfer seamlessly to UGA Tifton to complete a bachelor's degree.

Why it matters

This partnership aims to address the growing need for future agricultural professionals in South Georgia, where 64% of current producers are over the age of 55. By creating a clear and accessible pathway, the program seeks to remove barriers often associated with pursuing agricultural degrees and encourage more students to enter the field while remaining connected to their local communities.

The details

The 'Georgia Grown Scholars: The BirdDawgs Agriculture Partnership' will offer students the option to focus on areas such as agribusiness, agricultural education, biological sciences, or general agricultural studies at SGSC. After obtaining an associate's degree, they can then transfer to UGA Tifton to complete a bachelor's degree, with the opportunity to continue into graduate studies. The program features small class sizes, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized advising to support student success.

  • The partnership announcement event was held on March 23, 2026.
  • The Agriculture Pathway at SGSC will be reintroduced starting in Fall 2026.

The players

South Georgia State College

A public college in Georgia that is partnering with UGA Tifton to offer an agriculture pathway for students.

University of Georgia Tifton Campus

A campus of the University of Georgia that will receive transfer students from SGSC's agriculture program and provide bachelor's and graduate degree options.

Dr. Greg Tanner

The interim president of South Georgia State College, who highlighted the college's dedication to strengthening the agricultural industry in the region through this partnership.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This partnership highlights our ongoing dedication to South Georgia and to strengthening one of the region's most important industries. By establishing a clear and accessible pathway, we're creating more opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture while staying connected to their communities.”

— Dr. Greg Tanner, Interim President, South Georgia State College

What’s next

The new Agriculture Pathway at SGSC will officially launch in Fall 2026, providing students with the opportunity to begin their agricultural education close to home and seamlessly transfer to UGA Tifton to complete their bachelor's degree.

The takeaway

This partnership between SGSC and UGA Tifton represents a strategic effort to address the growing need for agricultural professionals in South Georgia by creating a streamlined and accessible pathway for students to pursue degrees in this vital industry. The program's focus on hands-on learning, personalized support, and the ability to remain connected to local communities aims to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders in the region.