Columbus State University reached extraordinary new heights in Fiscal Year 2026, receiving $23,634,627 in total gifts, commitments and planned giving from its philanthropic partners. This record-breaking total marks a 29% increase (+$5.3 million) over FY25 and a remarkable 280% surge (+$17.5 million) over FY24—along with noteworthy growth in the university’s endowment. FY26 stands out as only the third time in university history that single-year philanthropic support has surpassed the $20 million mark—the other two being during multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaigns. “This milestone year demonstrates what happens when our generous donors invest in the transformative power of a college experience,” said Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State’s president. “From state-of-the-art innovation in teaching, experiential learning and emergent technology to expanding opportunities in the arts, humanities and health professions, these gifts directly empower our students to become pers...
As reported by Ty Tagami for Capitol Beat , Thomas Fanning will succeed Sonny Perdue as the next Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. Fanning led the Southern Company for 13 years and chaired the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Board of Directors. He was also educated within the USG, holding bachelor's and master's degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Tagami's report on Fanning for Capitol Beat appears below.