Nov 07, 2013 09:33 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has named 53-year-old Christopher Blake as the next president of Middle Georgia State College (MGSC). Blake, the most recent president of Mount Mercy University in Iowa, will be replacing interim President John B. Black at MGSC, beginning Jan.1.

"As Middle Georgia State College begins to realize its potential following our recent consolidation, it's essential we have the right leadership in place to bring the vision and drive necessary, and in Dr. Blake we have found the right person," Board of Regents Chair "Dink" NeSmith said in an official statement.

Hank Huckaby, University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor, said that Blake's 'experience and drive' will help the college move in the right direction.  

 "This is a dynamic region of the state and we want Middle Georgia State College to play a larger role in its growth and economic development. Dr. Blake has the experience and drive to really propel the college in the right direction. We are delighted that he has accepted this great opportunity to serve the state," Huckaby said in the statement.

Blake, a United Kingdom native, also considers United States to be his home. He believes that his cultural background can be advantageous to MGSC.

"I can bring some of that outsider perspective, some of that global perspective. It's a very exciting time for Middle Georgia State College," Blake told Macon. It's very important that you build on your strengths. You need to make sure you're doing so in a way that makes sense to the institution."

Blake has served as president of Mount Mercy University since 2006. He currently is on sabbatical for the 2013-14 academic year.

At Mount Mercy, Blake is credited for introducing graduate programs, establishing a satellite campus and offering athletic scholarships. Under Blake's leadership, enrollments across campus increased by 30 percent.

Prior to Mount Mercy, Blake was provost and director of teacher education at Mount Saint Mary's University in Maryland, served as associate dean of the graduate school at Towson University in Maryland, held faculty and administrative positions at Brunel University in London and was a tenured professor at Towson and Mount St. Mary's University.

Blake earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in theology from the University of Oxford, Keble College. He received his Ph.D. in education from the University of London, King's College.

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