Our opinion
We are in a new era of cooperation between the City of Demorest and Piedmont University, and that is a good thing for the entire community.
Demorest calls itself the “Heart of Habersham,” and geographically, that has always been true. The current group of city leaders has done all it can to make the moniker mean more than the center of a map.
Piedmont University is a gem in Habersham County, an institution of higher learning that has boundless resources and qualified individuals who are an asset to our young people and non-traditional students. But more than that, the university’s presence here strengthens us all.
The unification of these two parties seemed impossible a few years ago, when lawsuits flew in both directions and mistrust dominated every move either made about the other. Now, we are fortunate that things have changed.
President Marshall Criser has not only shown strong community leadership since he took over at the beginning of 2023, but he has reached out to city and Habersham County leaders as well. Criser has dedicated himself to being part of the community, and he will be recognized along with his wife Kimberly as grand marshals of the Fourth of July Parade through the city.
That recognition is a proper display for the six months of progress that have been made between the parties.
Piedmont University also has opened up the campus for parking and picnicking for the Glorious Fourth celebration, something that has not happened in the recent past. That will go a long way to enhancing the experience for many, especially since the city is facing other challenges relating to the event, namely the incomplete bathroom project in the park.
With Demorest moving into its new city hall and investing the money to make it a showplace for the community, its blossoming alliance with Piedmont University could not come at a better time. The city is in a position to grow its downtown area as well, which also ties in directly with Piedmont University.
The past has not been a perfect prologue, but the future of the “Heart of Habersham” looks bright as long as the leaders of these two entities continue to work hand in hand.