The Southern States Athletic Conference has named Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University, as the new chair of the SSAC Board of Presidents. Blake takes over for William Carey University President Dr. Tommy King, who ends his two-year term. Blue Mountain College President Dr. Barbara McMillin takes over as vice chair.
 
“The SSAC conference schools are blessed to have Dr. Blake’s strong and engaged presidential leadership,” said SSAC Commissioner Mike Hall.
 
 “The conference stands now at a position of strength and strategic potential in the Southeast,” said Blake.  “With membership of the conference rising, and financial stability achieved, we can look forward to a period of strength and growth in the conference.”
 
In fall 2014, Middle Georgia State accepted an invitation to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Shortly afterward, Middle Georgia State joined the Southern States Athletic Conference, one of the NAIA’s 21 conferences.
 
Blake came to Middle Georgia State from Mount Mercy University in Iowa, where he was president and professor of education for seven years. He also has served as provost and professor of education at Mount St. Mary’s University, Maryland; associate dean of the College of Graduate Education and Research and associate professor of secondary education at Towson University, Maryland; senior lecturer in education at Brunel University, London; senior lecturer in education at West London Institute, London; and teacher of religious studies and social studies at Henry Box School, Oxford. Dr. Blake holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology from the University of Oxford, Keble College; a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Westminster College, Oxford; and a Ph.D. degree in Education from the University of London, King’s College.