Page 6 - 2019 President's Annual Report

Engagement

THRIVE Summit brings local leaders together KNOWLEDGE I N N O VAT I O N

Providing our local communities a forum to “Get Better, Faster” GROWTH

More than 70 leaders from Middle Georgia communities gathered at the Hatcher TS HU RM IMVIET
Conference Center on our Macon Campus for the THRIVE Summit on May 15. The
day-long event - hosted by MGA, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and
the United Way of Central Georgia - was an effort to facilitate growth in the region by
promoting collaboration among community stakeholders.
“This is a continuation of a conversation several years in the making,” Dr. David Biek, dean of the School
of Education & Behavioral Sciences at MGA, said in welcoming remarks to the attendees. “To borrow a
phrase from the business world, this collaboration will help us ‘Get Better, Faster.’”
Billed as an opportunity to share information about community assets, highlight innovative approaches
for community-building, and build and develop relationships within the region, the summit featured
discussions centered on areas of concern to the community, including poverty, crime, education, and
community services.
“It’s great that conversations... are continuing throughout the year with our University partners,” said
attendee Chris Floore, with Macon-Bibb County Public Affairs. “Middle Georgia State University is one
of the cornerstones of our region, and to have them at the table, along with our other institutions of
higher education, bodes well for our students’ ability to be a part of our community.”