Nessmith-Lane Conference Center 2022
About Paul E. Nessmith
Bulloch County local, Paul E. Nessmith, was a crucial influence to Statesboro, but also the state. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1963 to 1980 with many distinguished accomplishments. Originally a farmer, Nessmith had many successful positions as he served as the Southern Peanut Advisory Committee Chairman, supervisor of the Ogeechee River Soil and Water conservation district, member of the Georgia Surface Mine Land User Board, and the State Advisory Committee for Vocational Agriculture. In 1996, the Georgia House of Representatives designated portion US Highway 25 to be named "Paul E. Nessmith Parkway"in his honor. Nessmith died in 2008. Nessmith supported his hometown and Georgia Southern College by aiding the construction of the Continuing Education Building.
Photo of Paul E Nessmith
About Nessmith-Lane Conference Center
Originally built in 1981 and previously home to the division of continuing education, the Nessmith-Lane Center offers all of the services of a conference center and event venue. Nessmith-Lane can be used for a conference, business meeting, executive retreat, workshop, seminar, symposia, wedding or reception. Not only is the center used for events, but Nessmith-Lane used to be home to our continuing education department which is now East Georgia State College @ Georgia Southern University.
About W. Jones Lane Sr.
Bulloch County Local, W Jones Lane Sr. attended and graduated Statesboro High School in 1937. He then attended the University of Georgia for two years. Lane was very active in his hometown serving as the vice president of the Home Builders Association in 1971-1972, and the president in 1972-1973. He was also a leader for the local boy scouts and served as the director of the Rotary Club. Lane contributed to his state as well serving as a representative for 20 years. Both Nessmith and Lane were instrumental in securing state funding for the Georgia Southern Performing Arts Center.
Lane's Memorial Highway Marker
Image Credit: The Historical Marker Database
Alternative Uses
The Nessmith-Lane Conference Center has many other purposes apart from being a venue. East Georgia State College which originally started on Georgia Southern's campus, relocated into the conference center. "Our goal is to prepare EGSC-Statesboro students for transfer to GS, preferably upon completion of an associate’s degree, but often after 30 or more credit hours"(Vess, 2018). East georgia hopes that the transition to Nessmith-Lane, will aid students in transferring into GSU as well as participate in extracurricular activities that GSU has to offer.
