State of the University 2025: Growing Enrollment, Engaging Students, Elevating Athletics

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Business | Pressroom | School of Aviation | Students | School of Computing | School of Arts and Letters | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Faculty/Staff | School of Health and Natural Sciences

Macon, GA

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Image: Tyler White

Middle Georgia State University’s enrollment continues to grow, students are engaging in campus activities more than ever, and the athletics program is rapidly moving toward NCAA Division II status. 

Those are among the highlights that Dr. Christopher Blake, Middle Georgia State’s (MGA’s) president, shared at his annual State of the University address, held on January 27 in the Math Auditorium on the Macon Campus. 

“Our institution is the strongest it has ever been,” Blake said. “However, we need to maintain the right mindset and continue to embrace our value of ‘adaptability’ to navigate any challenges that we may encounter. Together, we can meet the challenges head on, grow as an institution, and continue to have a bright future.” 

Addressing a live and virtual audience, Blake talked about MGA’s key successes in the past year, as well as some areas that need renewed focus to begin growing again, such as certain degree programs: 

  • MGA has experienced six consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. The president noted the need to stay diligent to keep growing enrollment, particularly with undergraduates, as enrollment projections for higher education in general face demographic-related changes.  
  • The University reached full funding capacity with the final year of incremental tuition increases aimed to help MGA reach par with other institutions in its sector within the University System of Georgia. MGA enjoyed significant government investments in the University’s aviation program, Dublin Campus, and Roberts Memorial Library and Dillard Hall on the Cochran Campus, among other projects. 
  • MGA students are showing up for student events and activities in record numbers. The Student Life office increased the number of organized events by 17 percent over fall 2023.  
  • The University’s Student Life office is cultivating Greek Life, which many students have been asking for. Three sororities are in various stages of MGA establishment, while work continues to establish at least three fraternities.  
  • MGA has established a School of Graduate Studies and enrollment in graduate programs is growing rapidly.  
  • There remains room for improvement in certain majors and disciplines, and strategic plans are being carried out to strengthen those programs. 
  • The University is focusing strongly on growing and enhancing programs and services at the Warner Robins Campus. MGA’s bonds with Warner Robins, Houston County, and Robins Air Force Base remain strong. Houston Healthcare is among the University’s biggest financial supporters in terms of investing in nursing program facilities.  
  • As many factors in the general environment of higher education in the nation are changing, some institutions are getting stronger while others are getting weaker. Blake noted that MGA’s vital signs in this environment are strong and receive ongoing attention from University System leaders.  
  • The MGA Foundation is preparing to launch a feasibility study to discern funding priorities and goals for a future major fundraising campaign. A campaign would continue to build private investment in the University in ways that will help the institution serve its communities from an even stronger position. 
  • MGA is about to submit its application to join NCAA Division II athletics and join the Peach Belt Conference. The move will attract more athletes to MGA and allow the University’s sports teams to create rivals with teams within the state of Georgia.  
  • An example of building campus culture and identity is the enhancement of Knights athletics, which has been invited to join the Peach Belt Conference pending admission into NCAA Division II. These steps will transform the athletics program in major ways.  

In closing, Blake noted the recent death of Don Avery, who was vice chair of the MGA Foundation and CEO of Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin. He was a tremendous supporter of MGA’s expansion of the nursing program on the Dublin Campus and of MGA’s healthcare degree programs in general. Avery also served as a commencement speaker for MGA in fall 2023, where he inspired graduates with his wisdom, positivity, and unwavering dedication to service. 

“Change happens, and it’s not always good,” Blake said. “We lose great people like Mr. Avery, and we face ongoing challenges in other ways. But I believe we can meet challenges head on and continue to be the best state university in our sector, and we can continue to grow as an institution.” 

Watch Blake’s entire 2025 State of the University address at https://www.mga.edu/president/state-of-the-university.php