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.”
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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Scott Bryant
CEO | Vice Chancellor for Development
scott.bryant@usg.edu
404-962-3056
Dan T. Cathy, Chairman of Chick-fil-A, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic commitment. His journey, deeply rooted in Georgia, mirrors the company’s growth from a humble family-owned restaurant to an internationally recognized brand. From a young age, Dan Cathy was immersed in the family business, working at the The Dwarf House (originally named the Dwarf Grill) and birthplace of the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, singing for customers with his siblings, and even appearing in radio ads. Dan eventually succeeded his father as chairman and CEO, leading Chick-fil-A to new heights of unprecedented growth, and recognition as an industry leader in customer service.
A proud graduate of Georgia Southern University and awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of West Georgia, Cathy’s connection to the University System of Georgia (USG) is evident in his support for higher education. Chick-fil-A, Inc. made a record-breaking investment in Team Member education in 2024, awarding over $26 million in scholarships. While this is the largest annual scholarship amount in the company’s 50-year history, USG institutions have collectively received $13.5 million in scholarships since 1973 totaling over 8,000 scholarships. Cathy’s contributions exemplify his dedication to workforce development and accessible education.
Additionally, Dan Cathy serves as Founder and Chief Visionary at Trilith, a pioneering master-planned community in Fayette County, GA. Trilith features global-leading businesses and North America’s largest purpose-built studio, all surrounded by a community of thought leaders, creators and storytellers in the film, sports and entertainment industries.
Cathy’s influence extends far beyond the business world. His active roles in organizations such as the Georgia Aquarium, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Eagle Ranch demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the state of Georgia. Recognized for his exemplary leadership, Cathy is a recipient of the Zig Ziglar Servant Leadership Award and has been honored by both the Urban League and the Council for Quality Growth in Atlanta. In 2022, he was bestowed with the state’s highest honor, the Georgia Trustee Award, in recognition of his selfless leadership.
Dan and his wife, Rhonda, are the parents of two sons who are both actively involved in the family business. Andrew serves as CEO of Chick-fil-A, while Ross holds the position of vice president at DTC Enterprises. Dan and Rhonda are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to business, education, and community, Dan T. Cathy joins his father, S. Truett Cathy, as a recipient of the University System of Georgia Foundation’s prestigious Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. This historic moment marks the first time a father and son have been honored with this esteemed recognition.
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
Dr. Sara Z. Evans | Kennesaw State University
Dr. Todd Fernandez | Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Natalie J. Johnnson | Dalton State College
Dr. John A. Knox | University of Georgia
Dr. Sabrina Wengier | Middle Georgia State University
Dr. Yi Jin | Kennesaw State University
Philip A. Wilheit, Sr. was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal as a member of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in January 2011, and he served for 11 years. He was elected as Board of Regent Chair in 2014. Wilheit also joined the board of the University System of Georgia Foundation in 2011, served 5 terms, and served as chair of the USG Foundation in 2017 and 2018, and President of the USG Foundation’s real estate portfolio manager, USG Real Estate Manager, LLC from 2019 to 2022.
He not only dedicated his time, talent, and service to the Board of Regents, the state of Georgia and higher education but also provided insight, auctioneering prowess, and philanthropy in generous support of the University System of Georgia Foundation, working to increase need-based scholarship aid to deserving students who would not otherwise be able to attend a public college or university in our state.
As a business leader, Mr. Wilheit joined Tom Wilheit Packaging Materials Company as a Vice President in 1966, upon graduating from The University of the South -“Sewanee”, with a Bachelor’s in English. When Wilheit Packaging was sold in 2021, he moved to his current role as Chairman of Wilheit Packaging, A Supply One Company. Mr. Wilheit is also Chairman of Gainesville Bank and Trust and Chairman of GBTB Bankshares.
As a community member, Mr. Wilheit has served faithfully at both the local and state level, from Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville Rotary Club, Greater Hall Chamber, Northeast Georgia Health Services Board, Lake Lanier Islands Authority, Brenau University Board of Trustees, Eagle Ranch Board of Advisors to the Georgia State Board of Education, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Fanning Leadership Center Board, Leadership Georgia Board. He also served as Statewide Chairman of Deal for Georgia, Deal Transition Team, Governor Perdue’s Education Transition Team, and he was appointed by Governor Perdue to Commission for a New Georgia and Georgia Economic Development Board.
Mr. Wilheit has been married to the former Mary Hart Keys of Greenville, S.C. for over 55 years. They have two children, Hart Payne (Jeff) and Philip Jr. (Addie) and four grandchildren.
(from left to right)
Dr. Jill Stefaniak (University of Georgia), Dr. Robert Bledsoe (Augusta University), Dr. Diana Gregory (Kennesaw State University), Dr. Steve Stuglin (Georgia Highlands College), Dr. Joanna Schwartz (Georgia College and State University), Dr. Beulah Narendrapurapu (Georgia Southern University)
(from left to right)
Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. (Middle Georgia State College), Major General Thomas Carden, Jr. (Georgia Southwestern State University), Rick and Sandy Bostelman (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Dr. Joseph Hobbs (Augusta University), Tyler Walsh (Georgia Gwinnett College), David Johnson (University of West Georgia)