STATESBORO — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal visited Georgia Southern University on May 5 to sign into law House Bill 744, a part of the 2015 fiscal year budget, which includes funding for a new military-science building at GSU.  
“I’d like to talk specifically about some projects that I think are very close to you, which is the $9.5 million dollars in bonds for the new military-science building here at Georgia Southern University,” Deal announced in front of a crowd including cadets in the university’s ROTC program on the steps of the Marvin Pittman Administration Building. “For you ladies and gentleman who stand in the corps of cadets, we hope that you will find those funds used very appropriately.”
In addition, Deal announced that students who receive the HOPE Scholarship can expect a 3 percent boost in money offered at the technical-college and university levels throughout the state.
“We are overwhelmed with the tremendous amount of support our legislators and Gov. Deal has shown Georgia Southern over the past several years, and we are so thankful they recognize the importance of our military science program,” GSU President Brooks A Keel, Ph.D., said. “The funding for a new military science building on campus, as well as the increase in funding of the HOPE Scholarship for our students and potential students, will help us continue our mission to educate and train the future workforce and leaders of Georgia and beyond.”
State Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville; state Rep. Jan Tankersley, R-Brooklet; Rep. Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro; Rep. Jon Burns, R-Newington; state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black; and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Terry England, R-Auburn, also were on hand to acknowledge the announcements.