Elridge McMillan, the longest-serving member of the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, was the inaugural recipient of the University System of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
In recognition for Regent Emeritus McMillan’s long career serving higher education, the award was officially named The Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. The award is given in recognition of extraordinary service to higher education in Georgia.
USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Philip A. Wilheit, Sr. (award recipient), Elridge McMillan, and Governor Brian Kemp at the 2023 Board of Regents' Scholarship and Awards Gala.
Spirit and Purpose
The USG Board of Regents and USG Foundation seek to honor an individual or couple of such remarkable character, accomplishment, and dedication to higher education that their recognition will fill the entire University System of Georgia with pride and inspiration. While USG alumni are welcome, this honor transcends institutional ties; we champion those who demonstrably care for and elevate Georgia's academic landscape, becoming an exemplary source of motivation for all.
Selection Process
A distinguished committee composed of Board of Regents’ members and USG Foundation Trustees will carefully review all nominations. They will choose one exceptional individual or couple in each category, who embody the highest standards of our USG community.
Four categories encompass the full spectrum of contributions:
When Felton Jenkins passed away on January 1, 2011, he left a legacy of service to Georgia that will resonate for decades. A native of Madison, Georgia, he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia and began a distinguished legal career with King & Spalding, which he helped mold into an international legal powerhouse.
Jenkins was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2006 and quickly earned a reputation for being extremely well-prepared for meetings, for an insightful mind and for asking tough but fair questions about the issues that came before the Board. Ever the graceful gentleman, he was widely known for treating people with respect.
Regent Jenkins was driven by a desire that every student in Georgia would have access to top-quality higher education. His focus was always on what was best for the students, and he understood keenly the connection between the success of the System’s students and the success of the state of Georgia. Education, he knew, was the key to all of life’s opportunities and possibilities. In honor of his dedication to the mission of the University System of Georgia and his life of exemplary service to others, the trustees of the University System of Georgia Foundation have renamed the annual faculty award “The Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award.”
Professor Lee R. Berger | Georgia Southern University
Stephen Butler | Columbus State University
Rosalyn Donaldson | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Fogarty | University of North Georgia
Thomas “Tog” Goss | Gordan State College
Dr. Charles Howell | Augusta University
Neal J. Quirk, Sr. | University of Georgia
Dr. Regynald G. Washington | Georgia State University
Robert W. Hagan | Valdosta State University
Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr. | Fort Valley State University
Deborrah Layman | Augusta University
Sanford and Barbara Orkin| University of Georgia
John D. Stephens | Georgia Gwinnett College
Kurt Stuenkel | Georgia Highlands College
Charles “Skip” Vaughan | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Larry Benson | University of Georgia
Joseph W. Evans | Gordon State College
Thomas Holder | Georgia Institute of Technology
Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon | University of North Georgia
Joseph and Patricia Samprone | Georgia College and State University State University
Douglas and Robin Shore | Kennesaw State University
Dr. Jacquelyn W. Stephens | Savannah State University
Major General Thomas Carden, Jr. | Georgia Southwestern State University
Dr. Joseph Hobbs | Augusta University
Tyler Walsh | Georgia Gwinnett College
Rick and Sandy Bostelman | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
David Johnson | University of West Georgia
Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. | Middle Georgia State College
Charles Eames | South Georgia State College
Mary Virginia Terry | University of Georgia
Major General (Ret) Robert L. Shannon, Jr. | Valdosta State University
Crystal D. Billingslea | Clayton State University
Rep. Calvin Smyre | Fort Valley State University
Dan White | Gordon State College
Larry & Brenda Thompson | University of Georgia
Leslie Smith | Georgia Southern University
James Bishop | College of Coastal Georgia
Stuart Parker | Valdosta State University
Dorothy Hubbard | Albany State University
John G. Alston, Sr. (Jimmy) | University of Georgia
C. Lamar Wright | Dalton Sate College
Ret. Captain Donnie Cochran | Savannah State University
M. Douglas Ivester | University of Georgia
Mike Cottrell | University of North Georgia
Veronica Adadevoh | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
E.G. Meybohm | Georgia Southern University
Ann & Thomas G. Cousins | University of Georgia
Carolyn Jernigan Glenn | Albany State University
William A. Crider, Jr. | South Georgia State College
Chantel & Tommy Bagwell | Kennesaw State University
James Joseph Edwards, Sr. | Gordon State College
John & Marilyn McMullan | University of Georgia
Jerry Jennett | Valdosta State University
Thomas C. Dortch, Jr. | Fort Valley State University
Allan Vigil | Clayton State University
Joel Wernick | Dalton College
Daniel Paul Amos | University of Georgia
Leonard Moreland | Columbus State University
Luck Flanders Gambrell | Georgia State University
John Burson III | Georgia Institute of Technology
Jerry B. Newman | Georgia Southwestern University
Jerry S. Wilson | Georgia State University
A.D. “Pete” Correll, Jr. | University of Georgia
A. Paul Cadenhead | University of West Georgia
Richard McNeely | East Georgia State College
Allison Batson | Georgia State University
Lawton McDonald Nease III | Georgia State University & Georgia Institute of Technology
Pamela Cross | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Dr. E. Daniel DeLoach & Mrs. Cameron DeLoach | Georgia Health Sciences University
Karl E. Peace | Georgia Southern University
Rosalynn Carter | Georgia Southwestern University
Anthony E. Parr | Darton College
Nancy Buntin | Columbus State University
Parker H. “Pete” Petit | Georgia Institute of Technology
The Honorable Roger B. Lane | College of Coastal Georgia
C.L. Morehead, Jr. | University of Georgia
Brigadier General David Grange, U.S. Army (retired) | North Georgia College and State University
Lois T. Ellison | Medical College of Georgia
M. Troy Woods | Columbus State University
Mike Garrett | Georgia College and State University
Bertie Mae Garrett | Middle Georgia College
Garry Wade McGiboney | Perimeter College
Griffin Bell | Georgia Southwestern State University
Amber Davis-Collins | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
William Turner | Georgia Institute of Technology
Louis T. Ellison |Medical College of Georgia
Mike Garrett | Georgia College and State University
J. Willis Hurst | University of West Georgia
George Thornewell Smith | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
J. Harold Harrison | Medical College of Georgia
Carl E. Sanders | University of Georgia
Ray Woods | East Georgia College
David M. Ratcliffe | Valdosta State University
W. Lee Burge | Georgia State University
James D. Yancy | Columbus State University
Michael P. Boggs | Waycross College
Elridge McMillan, the longest-serving member of the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, was the inaugural recipient of the University System of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
In recognition for Regent Emeritus McMillan’s long career serving higher education, the award was officially named The Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. The award is given in recognition of extraordinary service to higher education in Georgia.
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Anna Groce | Assistant Vice Chancellor
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Erroll B. Davis Jr. lived a life marked by exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and institutional transformation. A historic trailblazer in both American business and public education, his strategic brilliance left an indelible mark on the nation and the state of Georgia.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erroll earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1965 and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago in 1967. He quickly rose through the corporate ranks, making history as the first Black leader of a Business Week 1,000 company. Over nearly three decades in the energy sector, he served as President and CEO of WPL Holdings and later as the Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy, a multibillion-dollar utility company. His corporate expertise earned global recognition, leading to appointments to the boards of directors of General Motors, Union Pacific Corporation, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
His dedication to higher education spanned decades and regions. Erroll served as a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents from 1987 to 1994 and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a lifetime member.
In 2006, Georgia was fortunate to welcome his visionary leadership when he assumed the role of Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. In this capacity, he skillfully guided the growth of the state’s now 25 public colleges and universities, advocating for hundreds of thousands of students, faculty and staff. Following his tenure as Chancellor, he answered the call to public service once again, serving as the Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools from 2011 to 2014, working with deep integrity to restore stability and refocus the district on student success.
Throughout his distinguished career, Erroll was widely recognized for his trailblazing achievements. He was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America” by Fortune, one of the “Top 50 Blacks in Technology,” and was honored as the national “Black Engineer of the Year” in 1988. Locally, he was consistently recognized among Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “100 Most Influential Atlantans.”
While his professional contributions were vast, Erroll’s heart was rooted in his family and his desire to uplift others. He was the devoted husband of Elaine E. Davis, the loving father of Christopher and Whitney Davis, and shared a cherished bond with his granddaughter, Alexus Davis, and great-granddaughter, Arielle Davis. Believing deeply in the power of education, Erroll and Elaine established the Davis Family Foundation in 1986 to provide annual academic grants to students in need. His legacy also lives on through the Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis Jr. Achievement Awards, established in 2006 to champion underrepresented undergraduate students in engineering and business.
Erroll was a man of quiet strength, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to his loved ones and community. The Board of Regents, the USG Foundation Board of Trustees and Chancellor Perdue are deeply honored to name Erroll B. Davis Jr. the recipient of the 2026 Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. His beloved wife, Elaine, accepted the award on his behalf, celebrating a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Robert W. Hagan | Valdosta State University
Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr. | Fort Valley State University
Deborrah Layman | Augusta University
Sanford and Barbara Orkin| University of Georgia
John D. Stephens | Georgia Gwinnett College
Kurt Stuenkel | Georgia Highlands College
Charles “Skip” Vaughan | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Dr. Peggy Brickman | University of Georgia
Dr. Jason J. Delaney | Georgia Gwinnett College
Dr. Kerri Shelton Taylor | Columbus State University
Dr. Deborah South Richardson | Augusta University
Dr. Deborah Wissner | Columbus State University
Dr. Cassie Mitchell | Georgia Institute of Technology
Don L. Waters has dedicated his career to both business and community, leaving an indelible mark on education and healthcare in Georgia. His exceptional contributions will be celebrated tonight as he is presented with the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board of Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala.
A distinguished leader, Waters served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia from 2013 to 2022. During his tenure as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman, he provided critical guidance for the state’s public universities. Notably, he spearheaded the initial discussions that led to the significant consolidation of the Augusta University Health System with Wellstar, a move with far-reaching positive implications for healthcare delivery.
His passion for education is further exemplified by his role as a Founder of the Savannah Classical Academy, a K-12 public charter school serving a high percentage of Title I qualified students. The Waters family’s deep commitment to educational advancement is also evident through their endowment of The Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern University. Beyond these initiatives, he has consistently supported critical educational and healthcare programs, including his service as a Trustee Emeritus of the University of Georgia Foundation, serving on the Board of Directors of the Georgia REACH Foundation, and as a past Vice Chairman of the University System of Georgia Foundation, where he helped provide needs-based scholarships for students statewide. His philanthropic efforts consistently focus on ensuring access to quality education and preserving healthcare for those in need.
Waters has garnered numerous well-deserved recognitions for his extensive service. In 2025, Georgia Southern University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. He received Commendations from Governor Brian Kemp and the Board of Regents in 2023, the same year he was honored with Georgia Southern University’s highest distinction, The President’s Visionary Award. Further accolades include the Leadership Legacy Award from the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum (2023), the University of Georgia’s Blue Key Service Award (2019), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Savannah Chapter of the NAACP (2017). In 2013, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame.
Beyond his educational and healthcare contributions, Waters maintains an active role in civic life. He currently serves as a Trustee of the Chatham County Hospital Authority, where he chairs its Investment Committee. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Wormsloe Foundation and the Rourke Memorial Fund. His extensive past civic involvement includes leadership positions with organizations like the Union Mission and the American Cancer Society, highlighting a lifelong commitment to community betterment.
Professionally, Waters is the Chairman of Waters Capital Partners, LLC. Prior to this, he served as chairman, president, and
CEO of Brasseler USA, Inc., an international manufacturer of dental and medical surgical instrumentation, from 1993 to
2016. He began his distinguished career with 20 years of practice as a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney. A proud native of Savannah, Waters earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Armstrong State College in 1975, followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1978.
Don L. Waters and his wife Cindy are devoted parents to two daughters and proud grandparents to five grandsons. They
are active members of Good Shepherd Savannah Global Methodist Church, where he serves as Treasurer.
Robert W. Hagan | Valdosta State University
Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr. | Fort Valley State University
Deborrah Layman | Augusta University
Sanford and Barbara Orkin| University of Georgia
John D. Stephens | Georgia Gwinnett College
Kurt Stuenkel | Georgia Highlands College
Charles “Skip” Vaughan | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Jehan El-Jourbagy | Georgia College & State University
Dr. Sarah Shannon | University of Georgia
Shanika Wright Turner | Georgia Highlands College
Dr. Jiyoon Jung | Valdosta State University
Dr. Shainaz Landge | Georgia Southern University
Dr. Trina Fortner Wood | University of West Georgia