James May-June 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 58
Leading with Purpose
With this rich background in both
educational and administrative roles
across two continents, Dr. Blake brings
a unique perspective to higher education in the heart of Georgia. Originally
from West London, his journey through
academia is marked by an admirable
blend of teaching, scholarship and administration. He laughs off the formal
tones of his official biography, preferring instead to highlight the serendipitous nature of his career. “I never had
a preplanned blueprint of my life,” he
says. “It has been more of an exploration of opportunities.”
Perhaps what sets Dr. Blake apart
is his leadership style. “You have to
respect the office, but I don’t mind
being approachable,” he says. And his
leadership philosophy may be best
understood through his analogy of
soccer, which he describes not just as
a game but as a model for effective
team management and organizational
success. “In soccer, success can only
be achieved as a team,” Blake explains,
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using the sport to draw parallels with
the collaborative efforts needed to run
a university successfully. He proudly
displays an Atlanta United banner on
his office wall.
From aviation and information
technology to nursing and business,
MGA provides both traditional and
cutting-edge courses designed to
equip students with the necessary
skills and knowledge to thrive in their
New Initiatives & Aviation
chosen fields.
Under his guidance, Middle GeorParticularly noteworthy is the
gia State has not shied away from inno- university’s School of Aviation, recogvation. The university is set to introduce nized as one of the premier aviation
an Applied Artificial Intelligence proschools in the Southeast, offering degram, the first of its kind in the state de- grees in Air Traffic Control, Flight, Avisigned not just for tech enthusiasts but ation Maintenance and Management.
for professionals across various fields.
MGA currently has 1,600 students
This initiative reflects Blake’s vision for
participating in the aviation proa university that equips students with
gram— the institution’s second-largest
future-proof skills.
and the fastest growing program.
Moreover, the university is on the
School of Aviation Dean Adon
verge of celebrating its 10th anniverClark says, “Middle Georgia State
sary as a state university with plans
University is proud to be Georgia’s
to deepen its community ties and
flagship school of aviation offering
expand its influence. These plans
programs in maintenance training,
envision MGA serving as a linchpin
four-year flight training and air traffic
in the regional economy, producing
control that are certified by the Federal
graduates who not only thrive in their Aviation Administration. More than 80
careers but also contribute meaningpercent of our graduates live and work
fully to their communities.
in Georgia, and we are dedicated to
