Macon Magazine

• • • MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY: President Christopher Blake A relatively "young" university by most standards, Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is leading the change and redefining the role of collegiate higher education. Blake, originally from Wimbledon, England, has been at the helm since 2014. Under his leadership, the university has expanded its academic offerings and transitioned from an institution formerly known as Macon State College to one also offering master's and doctoral degrees. Blake holds bachelor's and master's degrees in theology from Keble College of the University of Oxford, a postgraduate certificate in education from Westminster College (Oxford) and a Ph.D. in education from King's College of the University of London. One of the school's great accomplishments of the past few years, according to Blake, is the development of "niche" programs in aviation, nursing, and information technology at Middle Georgia. Programs of study such as these have proven themselves to be a major draw for students living out of state and out of the country. Additionally, MGA is one of only nine schools – and is the most affordable of the nine – in the United States with three FAA-certified programs. "Our strengths are directed to degree credentials that build careers, strengthen communities and drive economic growth – all here in Georgia," Blake said. According to Blake, more than 85 percent of the university's graduates live in Georgia, the vast majority of whom come from within 80 miles of the Macon campus. Middle Georgia has positioned itself to cater to new undergraduate students who benefit from a traditional college experience as well as working adults who need a more flexible alternative through the university's robust online offerings, Blake said. The university's footprint is across 170 miles of Middle Georgia, with five campuses located in Macon, Cochran, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Eastman. Multiple campuses and online offerings allow more people to benefit from the university's affordable public tuition, Blake explained. "We are the most affordable university in Georgia, if not the Southeast, with an extraordinarily low tuition rate, and yet we deliver some of the finest academic credentials at all levels," he said. Spearheading the development and implementation of strategic plans, Blake has identified priorities to steer the institution through incremental changes. At the center of these priorities are the students. With a focus on student success, the university has increased its graduates each year, setting a record in 2022 for the most in its history. Blake said he has learned much about MGA in the years he's been in its highest position of leadership. An organization can be both complex and clearly focused, he explained. "Our employees and students embrace that as it is consistently put into practice," he said. "At the same time, our stakeholders realize we are both – an institution that is both traditional and non-traditional, both in-person and virtual, both local and regional. "Now, more than ever, we are stronger, more vibrant, and more ready for impact," he continued. "Our students know they can gain a great education that prepares them to become high-performing professionals and to find their greatness." • • • WESLEYAN COLLEGE: President Meaghan Blight T he newest college president in the region is President Meaghan Blight, who became the institution's 26th president last month. Blight came to Wesleyan from Huron University College in London, Ontario, where she served as vice president of university growth and chief of staff for the last eight years. With a bachelor's degree in political science from McMaster University and a master's degree in organizational leadership from the Lang School of AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 | maconmagazine.com 61

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