Georgia Southern University honors Georgia Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture with President’s Medal

April 7, 2008

Terry Coleman, deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, is the recipient of the President’s Medal, presented by Georgia Southern University. Coleman was honored at the University’s annual Alumni Awards Banquet Saturday, April 5, in Statesboro.

The President’s Medal is a prestigious award presented for extraordinary professional accomplishments and contributions to the community and University. The award was designed by Christina Lemon, associate professor of art at Georgia Southern University.

‘Terry Coleman has made numerous contributions to Georgia Southern University during his 34 years of public service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives,” said University President Bruce Grube. ‘Probably his most visible contribution came through his leadership and support in the establishment of the University’s College of Information Technology, the only one of its kind in the Southeast.”

Coleman serves as deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, where he has a special emphasis on international trade, homeland security and legislative issues. He previously served 34 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, where he was the Speaker of the House for two years, Appropriations Committee chairman for 12 years and the chairman of numerous other committees.

Coleman is also the founder of Coleman and Company Benefits Inc., a business insurance company, and owns two Huddle House franchises in middle Georgia.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education.

Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.