ABOUT US

GAAHBSU: Empowerment Through Advocacy

...since 1982

What is GAAHBSU?

GAAHBSU is a nonprofit entity organized to advocate for the public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in Georgia.

What does GAAHBSU do?

GAAHBSU unites alumni, students, and community leaders to make a lasting impact through informed action and bold engagement.

OUR MISSION:

To inform and mobilize alumni, of the public HBCU’s in Georgia, to action that lead to impactful, meaningful outcomes.

OVERVIEW

Through the course of history at Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State Universities, alumni and supporters have met to assure the continued existence, growth and advancement of these three (3) unique higher educational institutions.

As early as 1982, three alumni from these institutions (David Gibson - ASC; Tommy Dortch - FVSC; and Roy L Jackson - SSC) collaborated to create a mechanism to foster a collective effort to generate support for the institutions. That mechanism evolved into the "Tri College Alumni Group" and the purpose was to bring alumni from each institution together in January as a unified group for an Annual Legislative Conference during the Georgia General Assembly. In January 1986, the name was changed to “Georgia Alumni Association of Black State Colleges” (changed to Universities in 1997).

In 2009 the name was officially changed to "Georgia Alumni Association of Historically Black State Universities” to reflect the unique distinction of the three universities. The association continues to convene its Annual Legislative Conference in January in Atlanta, during the Georgia General Assembly, to fulfill the purpose for which it was founded.

OUR PURPOSE

Georgia Alumni Association of Historically Black State Universities is a consortium of the National Alumni Associations of Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State Universities. GAAHBSU was established to advance the missions, enhance the image and help ensure the future of these universities. The association represents more than 60,000 graduates worldwide, with some 45,000 residing in Georgia.

The Annual GAAHBSU Legislative Conference provides a forum for alumni, university officials, state policy makers and other key state leaders to engage in effective dialogue, assess needs and to develop and implement strategies which will assure the continued growth and equitable enhancement of Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State Universities within the University System of Georgia.

Our Core Objectives

Champion the Needs of Georgia’s public HBCUs by engaging with the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and the Georgia Legislature.
Support University Leadership in obtaining financial and programmatic resources to elevate student success.
Advocate for Policy that prioritizes and protects the interests of Georgia’s public HBCUs.
Fuel Enrollment and Funding Growth by promoting access and financial assistance initiatives.
Drive Civic Participation by partnering with local organizations to support voting and policy awareness efforts.

WHY GAAHBSU

Because we are committed advocates for Georgia’s public HBCUs.

We Advocate
- For our universities—in boardrooms, legislative chambers, and throughout the state.
We Inform
- Through conferences, strategic outreach, and our powerful Day at the Capitol.
We Engage
- With state legislators, the USG Board of Regents, and higher education leaders.
We Empower
- Students. Alumni. Universities. Communities.

MESSAGE FROM
OUR CHAIRMAN

Welcome to GAAHBSU! For over 40 years the Georgia Alumni Association of Historically Black State Universities (GAAHBSU) has served as a consummate advocate for the three public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in the state of Georgia. Organized for the purpose of assisting Albany State, Fort Valley State, and Savannah State Universities obtain the adequate resources to service their students and propel them through a successful matriculation, GAAHBSU stands resolute to continue the work of keeping the needs of these institutions at the forefront of our efforts.

Each year GAAHBSU hosts a conference comprised of topics of interest to HBCU’s from esteemed thought leaders in this sphere. With topics like The Economic Impact of Georgia HBCU’s on their Local Economies and The History of 1890 Land Grant Institutions explore the contributions and intrinsic value our institutions. Our annual GAAHBSU Day at the Capitol presents an opportunity to meet with state elected officials and school administrators, to discuss opportunities that empower our institutions. Students are also invited to experience this powerful exchange of information and ideas at this event. Moreover, we host a student recruitment event at several local high schools to assist in enrollment growth for our institutions. The conference finale is the annual financial scholarship contribution to each of our universities.

While we have made many great strides thus far, we still have many challenges ahead. The race is not always given to the swiftest or strongest, but to the one who endureth to the end. GAAHBSU will endure and continue to uplift the rich legacy of advocacy for three of Georgia’s most influential institutions of higher learning.

Yours in Service,

Kenneth M. Dandy