MCG Honors City of Augusta and Augusta Housing Authority

The Medical College of Georgia presented President's Awards to the city of Augusta and the Augusta Housing Authority for their partnership in enabling the university's expansion in Augusta.

President Daniel W. Rahn presented the awards, which recognize exemplary service to the university's mission and are the highest honor MCG bestows, at the annual President's Dinner Nov. 15.

The Augusta Commission provided the University System of Georgia Board of Regents with $10 million in September to purchase the Gilbert Manor property from the Augusta Housing Authority for MCG's expansion.

"The recently completed transfer of the Gilbert Manor property to the Board of Regents and MCG could never have taken place except through the sustained efforts of the Augusta Housing Authority, members of the Augusta city leadership and our legislative delegation," said Dr. Rahn in presenting the awards. "This collaboration will enable MCG to expand its impact on health and to increase our economic impact in the Augusta region while also providing resources for renewed public housing.

"This award is presented in recognition of efforts to craft a significant partnership with MCG, for leadership in affecting a win-win opportunity for the residents of Gilbert Manor, the citizens of Augusta, the Medical College of Georgia and the greater community we all serve."

While all entities will benefit substantially from the partnership, the real winner in the long run will be Augusta, Dr. Rahn said.

“The successful collaborative efforts of the Augusta Housing Authority, city of Augusta and the Medical College of Georgia benefit the CSRA community as a whole, establish and increase the opportunity of employment through the expansion of MCG and ensure the development of much-needed affordable housing," said Jacob Oglesby, executive director of the Augusta Housing Authority.

“The partnership between the city and MCG as it continues its expansion locally should serve as a model for other communities," said Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver. "Our local government's historic investment in helping to grow the medical college, one of Augusta's primary economic engines, is both an investment in the health and wellness of our state and an investment in our city's future.”

The Gilbert Manor housing complex sits on a 15-acre, triangular plot contiguous to MCG and bordered by R.A. Dent Boulevard, Goss Lane and Spellman Street. The property will house a new School of Dentistry building.

Planning also is under way for expansion of School of Medicine facilities at the site and an Education Commons to be shared by the medical and dental schools.

Paula Hinely
Medical College of Georgia

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