For Release
April 10, 2003

College of Graduate and Professional Studies marks 35 years

          Celebrating its 35th year in 2003, The Citadel's College of Graduate and Professional Studies continues to provide advanced educational opportunities to thousands of Lowcountry residents in the fields of business, education, counseling and technology.

          The evening undergraduate and graduate program has grown from 177 students and five graduate programs to 1,100 students and 25 degree programs, including three evening undergraduate degree opportunities. When professional development programs for teachers in Lowcountry schools are figured in, CGPS's enrollment climbs to 4,000 annually.

          "The role of the CGPS is vital in The Citadel's efforts to address the educational needs of the Lowcountry," said Provost Gen. Harry Carter. " We are partners with the College of Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina and Trident Tech in this effort. In addition, CGPS gives our faculty the opportunity to be directly involved in the scholarship of teaching at the graduate level. This is very attractive when we recruit new faculty."

          The master of arts in teaching program was the first to be offered by CGPS in 1968. The following year elementary and secondary school administration degrees were added, followed by special education in 1970, physical education in 1972, and secondary school counseling in 1973.

          The 1970s and 1980s saw continued growth in programs, including education and history. The Master in Business Administration, which began in 1970, is one of the largest CGPS programs and The Citadel is the only Lowcountry college with an accredited MBA program.

          In the early days of the CGPS program, many people worked tirelessly to meet the demands of Lowcountry teachers for advance educational opportunities. One of those people was Tom Mahan, an award winning educator and published author.

          Mahan began his a career at The Citadel in 1972 as an education professor. He later moved to the psychology department and was the only professor teaching simultaneously in two different disciplines. In 1976, Mahan became director of graduate studies and was later named dean of graduate and continuing education.

          Mahan left the college in 1991. He will return May 4 to help the college celebrate its 35th anniversary and deliver the commencement address to 300 graduating students.

          "It was Dr. Mahan's vision and leadership that contributed to the superiority and growth of The Citadel's graduate and evening undergraduate programs," said Pat Ezell, associate dean of CGPS. "We are happy to have him come back to help us celebrate 35 years of graduate education in the Lowcountry."

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