Atlanta — January 13, 2017

College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) President Gregory F. Aloia has announced that he will retire effective June 30, 2017.

“It has been my honor to serve as president of the College of Coastal Georgia,” said Aloia. “The efforts of our leadership team, the faculty, and staff, to create a high quality learning environment for current and future students has been remarkable. With the continued support of our community, the College of Coastal Georgia has a bright future ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this institution’s growth and advancement.”

Aloia was named president of the College of Coastal Georgia in July 2013. Prior to being named president of CCGA, he was president and professor at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia.

“From day one, President Aloia focused on how Coastal Georgia could better serve students,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “President Aloia’s emphasis on college affordability, access, and student support has made CCGA an institution sought after by students from across the state. On behalf of the University System, we thank Greg for his service and commitment to our students and the State of Georgia.”

Under Aloia’s leadership, Coastal Georgia’s student enrollment has grown 18 percent from fall 2013 to fall 2016, reaching its highest level in its history. CCGA has also been recognized for its strides in academics and military support. In academics, multiple new degrees and programs have been added on both campuses to serve traditional and non-traditional students.

The College also changed how it supports students, starting with those who need additional support in introductory math and English classes. Five years ago, only 12 percent of students taking remedial classes passed them. Today, under the new model, more than 70 percent of students are passing these initial classes in English and math and earning credit toward their degrees.

In 2016, Coastal Georgia addressed the rising cost of higher education through several initiatives that can save students up to $1.8 million for the current 2016-2017 academic year, including:

• offering free or low-cost online text books

• streamlining required courses to shorten the time to reach graduation

• eliminating a mandatory meal plan.

In the 2017 U.S. News Best College Rankings, CCGA is ranked seventh in top public institutions for regional colleges in the south. In addition, Military Times named College of Coastal Georgia to its “Best for Vets” Colleges. This is the second year the College has been recognized for its commitment to veterans.

Aloia holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside in special education, his teaching credential from San Francisco State University and a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Ca.

Information regarding the search for Aloia’s replacement will be announced at a later date.

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