About

Educating the current and future citizens of Georgia was a passion of the late W. Mansfield Jennings, a native of Hawkinsville and a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. Having transformed a small telephone company into the diversified telecommunications venture of ComSouth, he served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for ten years and gave generously of his time to many other leadership roles in the statewide community. His wife carries on this legacy of service and giving. Genelle B. Jennings and her son W. Mansfield Jennings III have been instrumental in shaping the concept of a new lecture series at Middle Georgia State University. 

In alignment with the University's Strategic Plan, Middle Georgia’s Path to Excellence, MGA's vision is to transform individuals and our communities through extraordinary higher learning. The Jennings Family Distinguished Lecture Series brings timely and engaging speakers to our community campuses, with the objective of contributing to a deeper and more focused understanding of important science, business, civic, and cultural issues of the day. These lectures provide our students, faculty, and prominent community guests with the opportunity to interact with national and regional thought leaders, encouraging dialogue and developing our shared community. These annual events afford a unique opportunity to emphasize timely topics to enhance a vibrant appreciation of ideas.