MGA confers first honorary degrees to longtime Middle Ga. leaders

Robert Hatcher has donned the regalia many times for Middle Georgia State University graduations, but this Wednesday was the first time he received a degree from the institution.

Hatcher, a Maconite and longtime banker in the region, and Larry Walker, a former Georgia state representative, will be the first ever honorary degree recipients for the university after their efforts to elevate the college’s status to a state university.

“I was surprised and feel very honored and appreciative of the recognition,” Hatcher said of the degree.

The pair were among those behind the proposal for the University System of Georgia to merge Macon State College with Middle Georgia College while serving on the board of regents in 2013. 

Hatcher said combining the two schools, which had similar curricula and missions, made sense to create a much larger school covering the entire Middle Georgia region. The idea came as then-governor Sonny Perdue and legislators asked the university system to look into consolidation.

Now, the university confers thousands of degrees every year, with many graduates staying in the region, Hatcher noted.

“It’s a remarkable success story, but that consolidation really formed a very strong foundation for that institution,” he said. 

Hatcher worked as a banker for 50 years, which he said has allowed him to immerse himself in the community.

He’s been a member of Mercer University’s board of trustees, the boards of NewTown Macon and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and helped found the 21st Century Partnership at Robins Air Force Base. 

Hatcher received his degree at MGA’s noon commencement Wednesday.

“The work of that university and what it will continue to do is amazing, how it will continue to grow individuals here,” he said.