Growth in the program has been dramatic. The preponderance of the requests, as one might expect, are within about 100 miles of Athens. Still, others come from as far away as the Georgia coast. She brought slides of Tanzania, which was a nice touch. The FCOP currently has speakers in virtually the entire array of disciplines in the Franklin College, from anthropology and art to speech communication and statistics.
Some speakers can shape their presentations for different age groups as well.
For instance, ecologist Whit Gibbons of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory is available to speak to groups from age six and up. In this way, the speakers can remain in Athens but be presented interactively to groups all over the state. It's a really good way for people in the state to see what university professors do. They are a very good audience. Requests must be submitted on a form that Thomas will be happy to provide.