Gov. Nathan Deal visited Georgia Southern on Monday to sign into law House Bill 744, a part of the fiscal year 2015 budget, on the steps of the Marvin Pittman Administration Building on Sweetheart Circle. He announced the state budget included funding for a new military science building at Georgia Southern University.

“I’d like to talk specifically about some projects that I think are very close to you, which is the nine-and-a-half million dollars in bonds for the new military science building here at Georgia Southern University,” Deal said. “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 monies offered at both the technical college and university level 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,” said Brooks A. Keel,  president of Georgia Southern University. “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.”

Georgia state Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville; state Rep. Jan Tankersley, R-Brooklet; state Rep. Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro; state Rep. Jon Burns, R-Newington; state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee state Rep. Terry England, R-Auburn, were also on hand to acknowledge the announcements.