James May-June 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 57
ocated in the heart of
Georgia, Middle Georgia
State University (MGA) has
become a beacon of opportunity for students aiming to achieve
academic success and professional excellence. Founded in 2013 through the
University System Board of Regents’
cost-saving consolidation of Macon
State College and Middle Georgia College, MGA is now a dynamic institution offering a diverse array of programs and activities tailored to meet
the evolving needs of its students.
Since becoming the first permanent president of Middle Georgia
State University, Dr. Christopher Blake
has been pivotal in shaping its mission and vision. The university, while
celebrating its short history, is also
deeply rooted in the community. Consider that it offers programs across
five campuses which serves over
8,000 students on its five campuses in
central Georgia and around the world
via MGA’s online campus.
Consider, too, that in just 12 years
since the merger of two low-enrollment schools, the university has
expanded its academic offerings and
transitioned from a bachelor’s-granting institution to a university offering
master’s degrees in a wide range of
disciplines and two doctoral degrees.
While spearheading the development and implementation of strategic
plans, Blake underscores that at the
center of the university’s priorities are
its students. With this focus on student success, MGA has increased its
graduates-- setting a record in 2022 for
the most in its history.
Originally from Wimbledon,
England, Blake holds bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in theology from the
University of Oxford, Keble College,
a postgraduate certificate in education from Westminster College
(Oxford), and a Ph.D. in education
from King’s College of the University of London. Beginning
in the classroom, he served in
progressive positions within
American higher education
before joining Middle
Georgia State.
M AY/J UNE 2025
57
