The Greater Atlanta Regional Network (GARN) was born from a desire to address the inefficiencies in student recruitment across the sprawling metro Atlanta area. Founded in 2012 by a group of admissions representatives from SEC institutions, GARN was initially a response to the challenges of covering large geographical areas, dealing with time constraints in high schools, and conducting inefficient solo visits. Instead of working in isolation, these representatives recognized the potential of collaboration and transformed individual lunch visits into mini-college fairs, thus maximizing impact and providing students with a wider range of college options during a single event.
The Vision Behind GARN
The original vision for GARN was to streamline college recruitment by coordinating efforts among multiple schools. What started as an informal SEC Regional Network in 2012, quickly gained traction and recognition by 2013, with representatives from non-SEC schools joining the network. This growth spurred GARN's evolution into a comprehensive admissions network that goes beyond school visits to include group presentations for prospective students, counselor events, and member social gatherings. The creation of a governing board and bylaws added structure and professionalism, helping GARN become a well-organized resource for both members and metro Atlanta schools.
Key Individuals in GARN's Formation
The founding members of GARN included:
Warren Quirett (LSU) - 1st GARN Chair
Naron Remillard (Mississippi State)
Anne Browning Wilson (Mississippi State)
Virginia Elliott (Auburn University)
Andy Morrison (University of Alabama)
Lindsey Dean (University of Georgia)
In 2013, as the network expanded, more members from various institutions joined, solidifying GARN's status as a regional powerhouse for collaborative recruitment efforts.
Overcoming Challenges
The formation of GARN was not without challenges. The group faced hurdles in gaining institutional buy-in, creating a formal structure, and defining membership qualifications. However, through persistent communication, collaborative development of governance, and the establishment of clear membership criteria, GARN overcame these obstacles and built a strong foundation for the future.
Lessons Learned
Through the years, GARN has demonstrated the power of collaboration in education. The diversity of perspectives within the network led to innovative solutions, and the relationships built among colleagues, students, and families became the cornerstone of the network’s success. This experience has shown that by working together, educational institutions can achieve more than they could on their own.
Advice for Future Leaders
Future leaders of GARN are encouraged to remain bold and innovative, embracing flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of both institutions and the families they serve. Fostering collaboration and open communication within the network will continue to drive success, ensuring GARN's lasting impact on college admissions in the metro Atlanta region.
Read the whole interview with founding member and first chair Warren Quirett here.
