Middle Georgia State University to Celebrate Spring 2026 Commencement; First-Ever Honorary Doctorates to be Conferred
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) will celebrate the achievements of nearly 760 graduates during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14.
In a historic first for the institution, MGA will confer its first-ever honorary doctorates upon two distinguished state leaders: Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. and Larry Walker, Jr. Both are former members of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and played pivotal roles in MGA’s transition into a state university.
Robert Hatcher Honorary Degree
Members of the media are specifically invited to the Wednesday, May 13, noon ceremony, where the University will confer the Honorary Doctor of Public Administration upon Macon’s own Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. A prominent banking executive and a cornerstone of regional economic development, Hatcher’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in the growth of MGA and the Middle Georgia community.
EVENT DETAILS:
- WHAT: Middle Georgia State University Spring 2026 Commencement
- WHEN: Wednesday, May 13 & Thursday, May 14 (Full schedule below)
- WHERE: Recreation & Wellness Center, MGA Macon Campus (Livestream: mga.edu/live)
CEREMONY SCHEDULE & KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Wednesday, May 13
- 9:00 a.m. – Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins (OB/GYN, Community Health Care Systems Inc.)
- School of Health and Natural Sciences (Nursing)
- 12:00 p.m. – Sara Murph (CEO & Partner, Parrish Construction Group)
- Special Event: Conferring of Honorary Doctorate to Robert F. Hatcher, Sr.
- Schools of Business; Education and Behavioral Science (Psychology/Criminal Justice)
- 3:00 p.m. – Dr. Robert Spaulding (Founder, McDonough Youth Smiles Kids Dental Clinic)
- Schools of Aviation; Health and Natural Sciences (Natural Sciences, Respiratory, Rehabilitation)
Thursday, May 14
- 9:00 a.m. – Jonathan Alderman (Managing Partner, Anderson, Walker, & Reichert, LLP)
- Schools of Arts and Letters; Education and Behavioral Science (Teacher Education/Social Work)
- 12:00 p.m. – James Fritze (President & CEO, NewTown Macon)
- School of Computing
Student Speakers: The Class of 2026 President’s Scholars will also address the graduates: Jami Strickland (Social Work) on May 13, and Chloe Mei Qi Rogers (Education) on May 14.
