ATLANTA (May 10, 2014) | In recognition of 10 years of public service and dedication to higher education in Georgia, Mercer President William Underwood conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree on Sen. Cecil Staton (R – Macon) during Mercer University’s Commencement Ceremony in Macon on May 10, 2014.
“I am extremely proud of all the great things taking place under the leadership of President Bill Underwood,” said Sen. Staton. “Mercer University continues to make an immeasurable impact on Georgia and our nation through its research and degree programs. I am grateful for the opportunity to advance Mercer’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence and am deeply honored to receive this honorary degree.”
The Honors Committee of the Mercer University Board of Trustees conferred this honor upon Sen. Staton for his tireless service and commitment to Mercer University. In particular, his support of the Mercer University School of Medicine has helped to secure over $206.9 million in funding from FY 2005 to FY 2015. This represents ten years of continuous funding for the Mercer University School of Medicine from the time Sen. Staton took office in 2004.
“Mercer University is privileged to honor Dr. Cecil Staton, who is completing his final term as state senator for Georgia’s 18th district, with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Since 2004, Sen. Staton has distinguished himself as a faithful public servant, having made many important contributions to our state, most notably in the areas of health care, higher education and economic development,” said Underwood.
As the chair of the Senate Sub-Committee on Appropriations for Higher Education, Sen. Staton has worked to provide additional funding for Georgia’s higher education system, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program. Under his leadership, approximately $5.3 billion in funding has been allocated to the HOPE Scholarship Program since FY 2005.
Nathan Deal, Georgia’s 82nd Governor, was in attendance and served as the keynote speaker for Mercer University’s 2014 Commencement Ceremony.
For fifteen years, Sen. Staton was a college faculty member and administrator prior to beginning his public service as an elected official. For eleven years, he served Mercer University as Associate Professor and Associate Provost. He holds a B.A. from Furman University and a doctor of philosophy degree from The University of Oxford in England.
For Immediate Release:
May 10, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Senior Communications Specialist
Shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028