These course bulletins and catalogs, issued by the office of the Registrar, offer a unique insight into the institution’s evolution from a two-year junior college, West Georgia College, into a comprehensive, doctoral-granting university, the State University of West Georgia and then the University of West Georgia. The descriptions of academic programs, course descriptions and campus maps that comprise the bulletins not only illustrate the growth and development an educational institution, but often reflect larger historical frameworks as well.

Bulletins issued during the late 1930s and early 1940s depict a campus both rural and uniquely progressive. At this time, West Georgia College—located then in the Carrollton “suburb” of Genoloa—garnered national attention for its Education of Rural Teachers program. This progressive three-year program of study sought to equip teachers of rural children with the basic rural life skills necessary in order to “see in the same light” as their students. The bulletins from this time period provide detailed descriptions of this program, its courses and the faculty members involved.

Additionally, the course bulletins from 1943 and 1944 not only offer an illustration of academic and campus life at West Georgia College, but also offer a glimpse at college life during the United States war effort. The information found within these bulletins focuses largely on the ways in which students can be better prepared serve their country during wartime.

In 1957, West Georgia College became a four-year institution and additional bulletins were issued with added sections of curriculum in core areas such as English Composition, History and Physical Education. Additionally, the college also offered an increasingly diverse selection of specialized and advanced coursework, including graduate courses in Education, English and History. It was also during this time that West Georgia College began to cultivate its distinctive Humanistic Psychology program.

The late 1990s and early 2000s reflect a similar period of growth. In 1996, West Georgia College transitioned into the State University of West Georgia, and its three academic units—the school’s of Business, Education, and Arts and Sciences—subsequently became colleges. Also, in the Spring quarter of 1998, the university debuted the web-based system, “Banner Web,” allowing students to register for courses online.