Student Affairs Announces New Recreation And Wellness Director For MGA

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Thursday, January 4, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Computing | School of Business | School of Aviation | School of Arts and Letters | Students | School of Health and Natural Sciences | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Pressroom

Macon, GA

Carl Woods has joined Middle Georgia State University (MGA) as director of Recreation and Wellness, part of the Division of Student Affairs.

Most recently Wellness and Recreation director at Georgia Gwinnett College, Woods began his MGA position on January 2.

“Carl has a proven track record of developing recreation and wellness opportunities that enhance the classroom experiences of college students,” said Dr. Michael Stewart, associate vice president of Student Affairs. “We are excited about his potential to raise the profile of MGA’s recreation and wellness programs and reinvigorate their valuable role in campus life for the University community, especially for our students.”

Woods first joined Georgia Gwinnett College in 2008 as assistant director of the Wellness and Recreation Center. As director, he developed programming strategy in partnership with student affairs professionals that encompassed the six dimensions of wellness – emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual. In collaboration with the University System of Georgia, he created and managed an institutional diabetes prevention program. Woods has extensive experience in budget and operational management.

“My immediate goals at Middle Georgia State are to unify and create a more cohesive and collaborative experience across the University’s five campuses,” Woods said. “Recreation and wellness play important roles in retaining students and helping them progress toward graduation. For the community at large, I would like to ensure that our facilities and equipment are attractive, impactful, and worthy of their membership dollars.”

Originally from Cobb County, Ga., Woods holds a master’s degree in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Clark Atlanta University. He holds certificates in leadership, grant writing, first aid, and other areas.

MGA offers a variety of fitness and wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff and operates major recreation facilities on the Macon and Cochran campuses. The facilities on those campuses also offer community memberships.