Atlanta — October 31, 2007

Robert Watts, chief operating officer of the University System of Georgia, announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Middle Georgia College President Richard J. Federinko, effective Dec. 31, 2007.

Federinko has accepted a position as Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Student Services at Troy University in Troy, Ala., effective Jan. 1, 2008.

He was appointed president of Middle Georgia College in May 2002, having served from 1993 to 2002 as president of Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Ala., and from 1986-1993 as president of Southern Union State Junior College in Wadley, Ala.

“President Federinko has adeptly guided the transfer of Georgia Aviation and Technical College (GAVTC) in Eastman from the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) to the University System, where it merged with Middle Georgia College this past summer and is enabling Georgia to be more competitive in the aviation industry,” Watts said. “Middle Georgia College has also experienced strong enrollment growth under Dr. Federinko’s leadership.”

Watts referred to a 55 percent increase in enrollment at Middle Georgia from 2,214 students in fall 2002 to a projected 3,444 students in fall 2007, along with the creation this year of Georgia’s only public comprehensive aviation college. The Board of Regents has approved new bachelor degree programs in aviation at Middle Georgia to enhance the aviation school’s offerings. During Federinko’s tenure, the college has experienced almost $100 million in construction and renovation projects.

“Without question, Georgia has the finest University System in existence with its professional and capable staff and its highly accomplished members of the Board of Regents,” Federinko said. “And the employees of Middle Georgia College have exhibited great dedication, tremendous work ethic and productivity in accomplishing their goals and mission.”

Before becoming a college president, Federinko served in a variety of administrative roles at different institutions, including James H. Faulkner State Junior College in Bay Minette Ala. (1984-1986); Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College in Greenville, Ala. (1982-1984); Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla. (1977-1979); and Troy University (1971-1977).

Federinko holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s in guidance and counseling from Troy University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University.

« News Releases