MGA Foundation News: Middle Georgia State University

MGA Foundation News

This page is an archive of news stories from the MGA Foundation.

July 2026

A Season of Momentum, Connection, and Opportunity

It’s hard to believe Convocation is here, marking the start of the 2026–27 academic year!
Convocation is a defining moment in the life of MGA. We celebrate the accomplishments of the past while looking ahead to the opportunities and goals that await us...

MGA nursing alum memorializes loved ones with scholarships

For Sandra Couch, scholarships are a meaningful way to honor loved ones while helping students achieve their dreams. A 1987 nursing graduate of Macon State College, Sandra has established two scholarships at Middle Georgia State University...

Oconee EMC Foundation Presents $10,000 Gift to MGA Foundation

Middle Georgia State University Foundation is grateful to receive a generous $10,000 contribution from the Oconee EMC Foundation through its Operation Round Up program...

2026 Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture features 9/11 Air Force One commander

Middle Georgia State University invites alumni, friends, and community members to save the date for the 2026 Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture, featuring Colonel (Ret.) Mark W. Tillman, commander of Air Force One on September 11, 2001...

June 2026

Planting today, transforming tomorrow

Summer in Middle Georgia is a season of abundance. Farmers’ markets and roadside stands overflow...These harvests remind us that the rewards we enjoy today begin with seeds planted, cultivated, and tended months—or even years—earlier...

Carolyn Wynn Smalley’s gift powers teaching, research, and discovery at MGA

Mrs. Carolyn Wynn Smalley’s legacy at Middle Georgia State University reflects vision, generosity, and a deep commitment to the natural world...

MGA travelers reflect on recent Greece trip

The Middle Georgia State University Alumni Travel Program set sail this summer for an unforgettable adventure through the Greek Isles, bringing together alumni and friends for a journey filled with connection, discovery, and lasting memories...

Gifting life insurance can create an enduring legacy

When considering the legacy you wish to leave, Middle Georgia State University may be one of the institutions that shaped your journey...

May 2026

Your Impact In Action

May has been a jubilant month at MGA, as some 800 students celebrated graduation and became members of our growing alumni association...

The Svonavecs’ commitment is a lasting legacy

Dr. Stephen Svonavec, Director of Commuter Campuses, and Dr. Kara Svonavec, Senior Lecturer of History, have dedicated more than a decade to supporting Middle Georgia State University...

Graduate School reception kicks off commencement celebrations

MGA is proud of its array of graduate programs...27 doctoral degrees were awarded at our Spring commencement ceremonies...

Honoring legacy through flight inspires future aviation leaders

Dr. Christopher Blake presented the inaugural Knights Legacy Society Award to Kevin Howell Cowart at the May Foundation Board Meeting, recognizing his generous planned gift and the enduring legacy he is creating...

Alumnus Casey Jones honored by Macon Sports Hall of Fame

As Casey Jones was recognized as a new Macon Sports Hall of Fame inductee, it marked another milestone in a meaningful career that began years ago at Middle Georgia State University (MGA)...

April 2026

Presidents Circle Reception

The MGA Foundation recently hosted a special evening of appreciation honoring members of the President’s Circle...

Investing in education at home and abroad

For more than 21 years, Dr. Manoj Shah and his wife have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to education and community through their support of the MGA Foundation...

Because of you

We’re just days away from spring commencement exercises — among the most meaningful and celebratory moments in higher education...

12th annual Knights Golf sets record

Supporters of Middle Georgia State University gathered April 13 at the picturesque Brickyard Golf Club for our 12th Annual MGA Knights Golf Tournament...

March 2026

Oliner Professor in Free Economics: Dr. Greg George advances free market insights

Through the generous support of Debra Oliner and Henry Oliner, a Trustee of the MGA Foundation, Middle Georgia State University named Dr. Greg George the Oliner Professor in Free Economics in January 2024...

Leaving a legacy gift: Give Appreciated Securities

Legacy Giving Guide cover

Leaving a legacy gift to Middle Georgia State University does not have to empty your bank account! A popular way to leave lasting gifts is by gifting appreciated securities...

A reflection of growth, momentum, and enduring spirit

March has been an energetic and exciting month at MGA as we celebrated Alumni Week alongside Homecoming festivities...

Brazell Family Team Room unveiled on Cochran campus

L to R: Christopher Brazell, Gillian Brazell, Bennett Brazell, Holden Barnard, Nancy White (VP of University Advancement), Casey Paulk (MGA Foundation Board Chair), and Michael Brown (MGA Athletic Director).

This month, the MGA Foundation proudly celebrated a generous gift from alumnus and Foundation Trustee Christopher "Chris" Brazell and his wife, Gillian, whose support strengthens Middle Georgia State University Athletics during its recent transition into NCAA Division II...

February 2026

The impact of your generosity endures

Organized by MGA Athletics and MGA Alumni Relations, over 70 former players attended the Coach Robert Sapp Baseball Reunion at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Feb. 7

February brought immense joy and celebration to MGA through the Coach Robert Sapp Baseball Reunion, held February 7 at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame...

Supporting alumni connections: Annette Barnette Travel donates to Alumni Relations

(L-R) Annette Barnette and Amy Tarpley, Director of Alumni Relations

Middle Georgia State University alum and Alumni Board member Annette Barnette, owner of Annette Barnette Travel, reaffirmed her commitment to alumni engagement by donating $2,593 to the MGA Alumni Association...

From Opportunity to Legacy: The Ollikainens create a legacy for engineering students

Dr. Andrew C. Ollikainen and Mrs. Stephanie Ollikainen

Dr. Andrew C. Ollikainen and Mrs. Stephanie Ollikainen, proud MGA alumni, continue to make a lasting impact on future engineers through their generosity and personal story of perseverance...

January 2026

Donor Spotlight: Celebrating Teri Miller

A champion for access and opportunity, Teri has helped establish and support several scholarships for respiratory therapy students, including the Retired Therapy Faculty & Staff Endowed Scholarship...

Happy New Year 2026

Happy New Year 2026. The MGA Foundation is grateful to begin this New Year with your support and friendship! We raise more than funds, we raise futures! It's purpose-driven giving with measurable, lifetime impact. Each dollar tells a human story. THANK YOU!

The MGA Foundation and the entire MGA family are energized to begin a new semester after the holidays. With the arrival of the Spring term comes renewed momentum and, for hundreds of our students, the final stretch toward graduation...

MetroPower invests $5,000 in MGA students

From left to right: Karen Hix (MGA Foundation) and Philistia Glenn (MetroPower)

The Middle Georgia State University Foundation is honored to receive a generous $5,000 gift from the PPC Foundation, funded through PPC Partners, Inc., companies including MetroPower...

December 2025

We wish you happy holidays

As 2025 draws to a close, we look forward to the holidays and the moments of celebration that illuminate this meaningful season. At MGA, our December commencement ceremonies are always a highlight — they embody the very reason we do this work. This year, approximately 825 students crossed the stage...

Robins Financial Credit Union celebrates its 2025 scholarship recipients

From Left to Right: Justin Barnhart (Student), Jennifer Bryant (Robins Financial Credit Union), Adrian Perry (Student), and Keisha Fields (MGA Donor Relations Manager).

Robins Financial Credit Union recently celebrated its 2025 scholarship recipients, sharing this message of encouragement...

Legacy giving to MGA endures far beyond your lifetime

Legacy Giving Guide cover

There are a variety of ways to make a gift that will last far beyond your life. To help make those decisions, we have developed a Legacy Giving Guide....

Kevin Howell Cowart’s Aviation Maintenance Career Endowment honors an aviation legacy

With more than three decades of experience in aviation maintenance, including global assignments and leadership roles with Delta TechOps, Kevin Howell Cowart has built a career defined by excellence and dedication...

November 2025

Flint Foundation Awards $5,000 to Jack Hunnicutt Memorial Scholarship

Nancy White and Karen Hix holds the scholarship check with 7 members of the Flint Energies group

The Flint Energies Foundation awarded $5,000 to the Middle Georgia State University Foundation for the Jack Hunnicutt Memorial Scholarship, honoring a founding member and former chairman of the Flint Energies Foundation Board...

Remember MGA in your year-end giving

2025 was a landmark year for Middle Georgia State University (MGA). We didn’t just mark ten years as a public university — we celebrated a decade of transformation, growth, and achievement...

Thankful

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many of us find ourselves pausing to reflect on the gifts that have shaped our year. Here at Middle Georgia State University Foundation, that reflection leads directly to you...

October 2025

Autumn brings Milestone Moments

Did you know August is National Make-a-Will Month? It’s a timely reminder to either create or revisit your will—and it doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process...

Consider New Year Tax Laws for 2025 Giving

As we look ahead to 2026, there are new federal tax law changes that may impact how much of your MGA Foundation charitable giving will be tax-deductible...

Gulfstream Invests $85k into MGA School of Aviation

from left to right: Jodi Long, Martin Kehayes, Kyle Redner, Nancy White, Adon Clark, and Mark Bennett

Middle Georgia State University is grateful to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for a generous grant, funded in late 2024, of more than $85,000 to support the Aviation Maintenance & Structural Technology program, part of the University's School of Aviation in Eastman...

September 2025

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Christopher “Chris” Brazell

Brazell Family Photo

Middle Georgia State University proudly honors Christopher “Chris” Brazell—an extraordinary alumnus, dedicated donor, and steadfast advocate for student success...

September Message from the Vice President of University Advancement

Presidents Gala Save the Date

We’re thrilled to bring you this September edition of the MGA Foundation newsletter — and even more excited to share what’s ahead: The 2025 President’s Gala is set for Friday, October 17, and you won't want to miss this unforgettable evening...

August 2025

A Note from the Vice President of Advancement

Ink-pen-and-paper

Did you know August is National Make-a-Will Month? It’s a timely reminder to either create or revisit your will—and it doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process...

Savings Kit Project Brings Financial Literacy to Life for MGA Students

Dr. Marc Miller, Katherine Dennis, Karen Hix

An idea born during a Middle Georgia State University (MGA)-hosted On the Table conversation is now taking shape, thanks to a collaborative effort involving the School of Business, the MGA Foundation, and funding support from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia...

A legacy of giving: MGC Classes of the 1950s empower future generations

Bill Golden

In 2018, during a joint class reunion, the Middle Georgia College graduating classes of 1955, 1956, and 1957 were inspired by the late Dr. Bill Golden (Class of 1956) to create a lasting legacy...

July 2025

MGA re-launches Knights Athletic Association

Knights Athletic Association logo

Middle Georgia State University is embarking on a bold path forward for our intercollegiate athletics program...

Legacy of Love, Service, and Education: Gloria Robinson honors grandmother with Memorial Scholarship

Gloria Robinson and grandmother

For the past two years, Gloria Robinson has been a generous and dedicated donor to Middle Georgia State University (MGA). But her connection to the institution runs far deeper than recent philanthropy—it’s rooted in personal history, community, and a powerful family legacy...

HCA/Fairview Park and medical staff gift $85,000 to Avery Endowed Nursing Scholarships

group photo

HCA/Fairview Park Hospital and its medical staff donated a total of $85,000 to the Don and Fara Avery Endowed Nursing Scholarship in memory of Don Avery, the hospital’s late CEO. Of that amount, $10,000 came directly from the medical staff as a tribute to their friend and leader...

There are exciting milestones and events at MGA

Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture Series - The Sweet Comeback by Stephanie Stuckey

As Middle Georgia State University (MGA) prepares to kick off the 2025–26 academic year, there’s a renewed sense of energy and promise across our campuses. For incoming freshmen, this marks the beginning of a transformative journey...

June 2025

Donor Impact: A Legacy Gift Supports the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies

Monica Miller

A transformative $1.2 million gift from the estate of Carolyn Wynn Smalley to the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Foundation established the Carolyn Wynn Smalley Distinguished Chair of Georgia Studies—a landmark investment in the University’s commitment to regional scholarship...

Donor Spotlight: Casey Paulk demonstrates selfless generosity

Casey Paulk

For over two decades, Casey Paulk has been a steadfast supporter, advocate, and leader for Middle Georgia State University (MGA)...

May 2025

Marshal Mize gifts Cessna to MGA Aviation School

MGA accepts a gifted Cessna

MGA Foundation extends immense gratitude to Mr. Marshal Mize of Chattanooga, who recently donated his 1974 Cessna 414 to the MGA School of Aviation...

MGA mourns the passing of Malcolm Burgess, Jr.

M Burgess and Dr. Blake

Our community lost a dear business and philanthropic leader this month, who touched countless lives and organizations throughout our region...

MGA welcomes its newest alumni!

New Graduates

This month, MGA proudly celebrated five commencement ceremonies, marking a milestone for approximately 700 new graduates...

Thank you to our 11th Annual Knights Golf Tournament Supporters!

Golf players at the tournament

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this event a resounding success. Your commitment to our athletics program is truly inspiring...

Here’s a glimpse at donor impact: The Viola Harris Memorial Scholarship

The Viola Harris Memorial Scholarship

In 2024, Gloria Robinson, an MGA alumna and military veteran from the Cochran area, established the Viola Harris Memorial Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Viola Harris, her beloved grandmother...

March 2025

2025 a landmark year for MGA and our Foundation

Landmark Year for MGA and Foundation

The year 2025 stands as one of the most thrilling milestones in the history of Middle Georgia State University (MGA), and our Foundation is central to this exciting momentum...

MGA Knights welcome new head coaches

The Middle Georgia State University Athletics Department has welcomed two new coaches: John Green and Cara MacFarland...

Scholarship Spotlight: Lisa M. Henry Memorial Scholarship

Lisa M. Henry

We are spotlighting the Lisa M. Henry Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to an extraordinary woman whose legacy continues to inspire future aviation professionals...

February 2025

Join MGA for table conversation!

On the Table

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is proud to participate in On the Table Central Georgia by hosting 10 conversation tables during the week of March 3-7...

MGA Athletics: Building champions on and off the field

MGA Athletics

What an exciting time to be a part of MGA Athletics, where we build Champions on and off our fields of play...

January 2025

MGA Community Mourns the loss of Don Avery

Don Avery

The Middle Georgia State University community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Don Avery, Vice Chair of the MGA Foundation and a cherished leader in the Dublin community...

A Snapshot of our Foundation's 2024 Impact

2024 Foundation Impact

As we reflect on last year, we celebrate the impact of our Foundation on MGA students in 2024 through your generous gifts. Your philanthropy resulted in the investment of over $1,420,563 in student scholarships, GAP funding, SEAL funding, academic programs, and student engagement...

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Taylor S.

Taylor S

Taylor, a junior at Middle Georgia State University pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, is dedicated to excelling academically and maintaining a strong GPA...

August 2024

Local Wal-Mart and Sam's Club donate to MGA Knights' Table

Elaine at the fool pantry

The Macon Sam’s Club, Watson Boulevard Wal-Mart (Warner Robins), and Cochran Wal-Mart are making significant strides in supporting their local communities...

MGA honor donors of endowed faculty positions

2024 Faculty and Chair Endowment Event

On August 6, Dr. Blake and esteemed faculty members at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) gathered to express their heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who established funds supporting endowed...

MGA hosts inaugural Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture

You're invited to Jennings Family Lecture

As the fall semester kicks off, our campuses are brimming with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We are deeply grateful for your
generous investments in scholarships and academic programs, which play...

July 2024

NBRC’s Continued Commitment: Scholarships Transforming Lives at MGA

Respiratory Therapry students

The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) has again demonstrated its commitment to transforming lives
at Middle Georgia State University. This year, NBRC’s generous donation of $10,000 will fund scholarships for
respiratory therapy students, significantly impacting their academic journey...

May 2024

MGA scholarship recipient poised to give back

KeLexus Guyton

This spring, among some 700 graduates, a remarkable student and recipient of the MGA Foundation General Endowed Scholarship proudly crossed the stage at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) to receive her diploma. That remarkable student was Ke’Lexus Guyton...