Atlanta — May 9, 2002

Three finalists for president of Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga., were announced today by the Board of Regents and University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith.

“The campus committee did a great job in identifying a solid group of candidates and the regents’ committee has worked with me to narrow down this list to three outstanding finalists,” said Meredith. “Any of our finalists would prove to be a tremendous president for Middle Georgia College.”

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are as follows:

• Dr. Rodger A. Bates, campus executive officer (president) at New Mexico State University at Alamogordo, in Alamogordo, N.M. Bates has served in his current role since 2000, where he has led efforts to restructure the institution, implement a strategic plan and helped secure almost $1 million in capital development funds. Prior to his current position, Bates served from 1996-2000 as provost, dean of the faculty and professor of sociology for the Richard Bland College of The College of William and Mary in Petersburg, Va., and from 1994-1996 as dean of faculty for Pikeville College in Pikeville, Ky. Bates also served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. and has taught at both Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., and the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tenn. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of William and Mary, a master’s in sociology from the University of Memphis, and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Delaware, in Newark, Del. Bates is president-elect of the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges.

• Dr. Sara E. Connor, interim vice president and dean of faculty at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Ga. Connor has held her current position since 1999, and has overseen the development of a number of collaborations with Armstrong and other University System institutions, such as the Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program and direction of Armstrong’s new master planning effort. A registered nurse, Connor has worked both in the health care field and in various teaching and administrative posts in Armstrong’s nursing program. While at Armstrong she has held a number of key positions, including first assistant and then associate vice president for academic affairs. She holds an associate degree in nursing from Floyd College in Rome, Ga., both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia, and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia. Connor is a past member and chair of the Georgia Board of Nursing Education Committee.

• Dr. Richard J. Federinko, president of Chattahoochee Valley Community College, Phenix City, Ala. Since assuming his current position in 1993, Federinko has overseen a major upgrade of technology on the campus and major new construction projects. Prior to his current position, Federinko was president of Southern Union State Junior College in Wadley, Ala., from 1986-1993. During his 28-year academic career Federinko has served as a professor and administrator for a number of institutions, including Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla.; Troy State University, Troy, Ala.; James H. Faulkner State Junior College, Bay Minette, Ala.; and Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College, Greenville, Ala. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s in guidance and counseling from Troy State University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University.

A decision on the position will be announced by the regents’ June meeting.

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