Middle Georgia State University Receives Grant From The Educating Character Initiative To Advance Character Education Across Campus

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Business | Honors/Awards | Pressroom | Students | Faculty/Staff

Macon, GA

"Character development isn't easy...it's even hard at times...but it's critical for a great life! We need others to help us along the way...we can't be afraid of the obstacles...we can overcome the obstacles, and we'll better people because of them...and in turn, we can help others who are coming along behind us."

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) has been awarded an Institutional Impact Grant of more than $200,000 from the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), a project of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. The Educating Character Initiative is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. MGA's funded project, the Character Integration Project at Middle Georgia State University, will support efforts to further embed character development throughout the University's educational experience.

MGA is among 49 colleges and universities nationwide selected to receive funding through the latest round of ECI Institutional Impact Grants. In total, the Educating Character Initiative awarded $20.5 million to 44 projects, supporting institutions committed to advancing character education and fostering cultures that help students develop the qualities needed to serve their communities and professions. The grants are designed to help institutions integrate character into undergraduate curricula and programs and foster character-centered change across campus culture.

The Character Integration Project at MGA will be led by Dr. Winfield F. Tufts and headquartered in the Center for Character Research, an office within the School of Business. The three-year initiative will focus on integrating character education throughout the University curriculum to help students develop leadership, integrity, responsibility, and other character-centered values throughout their academic journey.

The project advances MGA's commitment to cultivating students' awareness of virtues and fostering a community dedicated to pursuing the common good. Its goal is for students to graduate not only with academic and professional preparation, but also as individuals who model strong character in their personal lives and communities. The University's long-term vision is for graduates to become leaders who create lasting positive change throughout Middle Georgia and beyond.

The initiative has received strong support from faculty across all six of MGA's academic schools and the Graduate School, reflecting a broad institutional commitment to character development.

"Middle Georgia State University is very grateful to the Educating Character Initiative, a project of The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, for their support," said Tufts. "The number of faculty already addressing character development in their courses is quite substantial," he added. "The level of support and interest has been tremendous. The Character Integration Project will provide faculty members with a focal point to share ideas and support as we collectively integrate character development components into our courses."

MGA serves more than 9,300 students, its highest enrollment, on campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, and online. The University offers more than 70 areas of study and degrees at the doctorate, master's, and bachelor's levels, along with select career-oriented associate's degrees and certificates. MGA is home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation, based on the Eastman Campus.

For more information about the Educating Character Initiative and the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, visit leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/eci.