Atlanta — June 4, 2008

Regent W. Mansfield Jennings, chair of the Special Regents’ Committee for the presidential search at Middle Georgia College, Cochran, Ga., and University System of Georgia Chief Operating Officer Robert Watts, have announced the names of the two finalists for the Middle Georgia presidency.

A national search was launched to replace Middle Georgia President Dr. Richard J. Federinko, who resigned Dec. 31, 2007.

The recommended individuals, in alphabetical order:

Dr. W. Michael Stoy, vice president for academic affairs, dean of faculty and biology professor, Gainesville State College, Gainesville, Ga., from 1999 to present. Prior to his current position, Stoy has worked from 1989 until 1999 in various administrative and faculty positions at Darton College, Albany, Ga., including associate professor of biology and chair of the science/mathematics division and professor of biology. From 1978 to 1989, Stoy was first an assistant and then associate professor of biology at Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D. Stoy also has devoted significant time in developing educational programs for K-12 students and schools. Stoy holds a Ph.D. in philosophy with a major in entomology from North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D. (1984), a master of arts with a major in zoology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1978), and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Thomas More College, Covington, Ky. (1975), and an associate’s degree in biology from Bismarck Junior College, Bismarck, N.D. (1973).

Dr. John G. Thornell, vice president for academic affairs and professor of history, North Carolina Wesleyan College, from 2007 to present. Prior to his current position, a significant portion of Thornell’s career has been at Delta State University, Cleveland, Miss. From 1975 to 2007, Thornell served on the Delta State faculty in either the College or Education or the History Department. He held a number of administrative posts, including director of institutional research (1978-1989), dean of graduate studies and continuing education (1989-1999), associate vice president of academic affairs (1999-2001) and provost and vice president for academic affairs (2001-2007). Thornell also served as Delta State’s interim president in 2003. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education (1969) as well as a master’s in educational administration (1972) and a master’s in history (1988) from Delta State, and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Texas, Austin (1974).

The Board of Regents expects to name the next president of Middle Georgia College at a future meeting.

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