News
 CHANCELLOR HANK HUCKABY VISITS MIDDLE GEORGIA COLLEGE (Cochran, GA) – The University System of Georgia's Chancellor Hank Huckaby recently visited Middle Georgia College, where he toured both the Georgia Aviation Campus in Eastman and the Cochran campus. While visiting with students, faculty, and staff, he shared his vision for the USG's future. Chancellor Huckaby arrived at the Eastman Campus via plane with John Millsaps, the Associate Vice Chancellor, Media and Publications, on Friday, November 11. Along with MGC President Dr. Michael Stoy, the Director of the Georgia Aviation Campus Dr. David Brockway, the Aviation Management and Business Division Chair Dr. Richard Charles, and the Director of the Center of Innovation for Aerospace Mr. Steve Justice, the Chancellor toured the facilities of the Georgia Aviation campus. Dr. Charles said, "The Chancellor was quite impressed with the extensive facilities at MGC for educating and training pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, structural technicians, and business managers. We advised the Chancellor that MGC is teaming with several universities and industry organizations to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for designation as the FAA's Center of Excellence for General Aviation Research—a role that can bring several millions in funded grants and contracts over the next few years." Chancellor Huckaby then traveled to the Cochran campus and after a driving tour, attended a reception with Georgia Academy of Aviation, Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (GAMES) students and Student Government Association members from all three campuses. Students had an opportunity to ask the Chancellor questions and participate in a meet and greet. MGC student Mario Watson asked the Chancellor about his plans for improving the USG. "I left the tour feeling that he would do a good job as Chancellor," said Watson. "I found that he tried to identify with the educators and students for whom he is responsible." MGC student Derek Watford was also impressed by the Chancellor's visit. "I thought it was good that he came down to visit the campus," he said. "He was very interested in meeting with the students individually." During a session with MGC faculty and staff, Chancellor Huckaby spoke on the Complete College Georgia Initiative, which is a project between the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia that works to increase the rate of college completion. He also spoke about possible plans for consolidation of some of the University System's 36 institutions, the changes to the HOPE scholarship, program review processes, and budgets. During his visit to MGC, Chancellor Huckaby referenced his investiture remarks about his long-term strategies to improve higher education in Georgia. He intends to focus on performance, the importance of a partnership with K-12 education, and increasing the value of higher education. Chancellor Huckaby ended his visit with a conference with MGC President Dr. Michael Stoy, who said, "We were excited that the Chancellor was able to visit our academic community and personally share his vision for the future of the University System." |