RELEASE: Immediate

DATE: Monday, July 9, 2012

SGC and WC Announce New Fiscal Affairs VP,
Senior Administration Team for Consolidated College

South Georgia College is pleased to announce that Mr. Mark Latham, previously the chief business officer at Waycross College, has joined the SGC staff as Vice President for Fiscal Affairs.

Latham was born in Coffee County and attended South Georgia College before transferring to Valdosta State University, where he received a BBA in accounting. A certified public accountant and a certified governmental financial manager, Latham began his career in government financial management with the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. He spent 15 years specializing in financial management of educational entities, including state colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia, technical colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia, and local public school districts. Latham and his wife, Althea, and their three children live in Coffee County.

Latham is one of five vice presidents who will form the senior administration team of the new institution that will result from the consolidation of Waycross College and South Georgia College. In addition to Latham, other administrators include:

Dr. Carl McDonald, Vice President for Academic Affairs – A graduate of Auburn University (BA), Florida State University (MA, Ph.D.), Georgia Southwestern State University (M.Ed.) and Emory University (MDiv), Dr. McDonald has taught at several institutions, including Florida State University, Gordon College, Middle Georgia College and Emory University. He is an appointed member of various University System of Georgia Committees related to academic affairs and has had numerous articles published in national publications. He has over 28 years of experience within the University System of Georgia and has served as VPAA for SGC since 2009.

Mr. Wes Brown, Vice President for Student Success – After a 16-year career in the U.S. Navy in the field of aviation electronics, Mr. Brown entered the field of education. He has an associate of science degree in education from South Georgia College; a bachelor of science in technical, trade and industrial education; and a master’s in education in instructional technology from Valdosta State University. Brown has served as VPSS since May of 2010. In his new position, he has oversight of enrollment services, student life (including residence life and athletics), and information technology.

Mr. Keith Newell, Vice President for Operations – After a successful career in the private sector, Mr. Newell joined East Central Technical College, where he was Dean of Academic Affairs at the Douglas campus after having other roles there as well. From there he came to SGC as Director of Human Resources in 2008. Mr. Newell has a master’s of business administration from Georgia Southern University. As Vice President for Operations, he will oversee the areas of human resources, public safety, bookstore, and facilities.

Ms. Walda Kight, Vice President for External Affairs – An alumna of South Georgia College and the University of Georgia, Ms. Kight spent 12 years in the banking industry before taking the position of Director of Community and Foundation Relations at SGC in March 2008. Now as Vice President for External Affairs, Kight will be responsible for community relations, development functions, alumni relations, internal and external publications, governmental relations, and branding initiatives.

Dr. Virginia Carson, the president of South Georgia College, will continue in that capacity for the new consolidated college. “I have great confidence in the abilities and potential of these individuals who have committed themselves to the great work ahead for the consolidated institution,” states Dr. Carson. “These are important positions that will require much effort from each person. Each of these individuals is experienced in their respective area as well as dedicated to helping our consolidated institution succeed. In addition to the myriad administrative assignments that consolidation will require, I know they will each keep the best interests of the students at the forefront of everything they do,” adds Carson.

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is located in Douglas, Ga. The college's environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty. With over 20 majors and transfer opportunities, South Georgia College provides the finest education possible to the citizens of its service area.