MGA Facilities Employee Commended for Quick Action During Anderson Hall Fire

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, August 10, 2026 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | Faculty/Staff | Honors/Awards | Pressroom

Cochran, GA

L-R: Dr. Tripp Mitchell, assistant VP for Public Safety; Amanda Funches, VP for Finance & Operations; Rodney Smith, Facilities and Maintenance Services department; and Chadwick Wilson, assistant VP for Facilities

When a fire broke out in a student room in Anderson Hall on Middle Georgia State University’s Cochran Campus on August 5, Rodney Smith didn’t hesitate to act. 

Smith, an employee of the University’s Facilities Maintenance and Services department, immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher, entered the affected room, and put out the flames. The building’s sprinkler system also activated as designed. 

Throughout the emergency, Smith remained calm, quickly assessed the situation, and took decisive action. 

“Emergencies require individuals who can remain focused and act with confidence,” said Chadwick K. Wilson, assistant vice president for Facilities. “Rodney demonstrated outstanding situational awareness, professionalism, and sound judgment. I am extremely proud of him and of the way our entire team responded.” 

MGA Public Safety personnel, as well as responding Cochran-Bleckley Fire Department officials, credited Smith’s quick thinking and immediate intervention with helping prevent the fire from spreading and significantly limiting damage to the residence hall. 

In a letter of commendation, Wilson praised Smith's willingness to step forward and act beyond the normal expectations of his position. Smith’s actions helped quickly contain a situation that could have been devastating and made it possible for the University to move quickly into recovery. 

“Your actions during this emergency serve as an example of excellence, leadership and commitment to public service,” Wilson wrote. 

Following the emergency response, MGA’s Facilities Maintenance and Services team shifted its focus to recovery. An outside vendor worked alongside Cochran Campus maintenance staff and the Environmental Services team to begin cleanup and mitigation efforts. Because of that coordinated response, the impact was limited to a small number of rooms. 

The University did not experience any disruption to student move-in day on Saturday, August 8, and no students were displaced. 

“This incident demonstrated the importance of being prepared, remaining calm under pressure, and working together with one common goal: protecting our campus community and ensuring that our campus community has a safe and welcoming environment,” Wilson said. 

Smith also received a letter of valor and recognition from MGA Police Chief Tripp Mitchell. "His willingness to place himself in harm's way to protect life and property reflects great credit upon himself and serves as an example to our community," Mitchell said.

Dr. Christopher Blake, MGA's president, recognized Smith at the 2026 Fall Convocation, which all staff and faculty attended. His University colleagues gave Smith a standing ovation.