Athens, Ga. – University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams has been named Lipscomb University’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year. A 1970 graduate of Lipscomb, Adams is in his 14th year as president of UGA. He will be honored at several receptions and brunches as well as at Lipscomb University’s spring commencement on May 7, where he will address graduates and their families.
“The Alumnus of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition given by the Lipscomb University Alumni Association. Mike Adams exemplifies the Christian business leader we hold up to our students, alumni and community. We are so proud to claim him as one of our alums,” said Bennie Harris, Lipscomb University vice president for development and alumni relations.
The award is given annually to an alumnus who “is a successful individual who, through exemplary accomplishments and recognition, and through his/her strong faith and servant-like heart, epitomizes the potential of a Lipscomb education and thereby brings credit and honor to the university.”
Adams is a specialist in political education and higher education administration and has written in both areas.He has held senior positions in state and national government as chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker and as an advisor to former Tennessee governor and current U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander. He has been involved in the management of state and national campaigns and is frequently consulted by leaders of both political parties. In addition, he has been elected by his peers to lead a number of national organizations, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the American Council on Education and the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Executive Committee.
Adams holds a doctorate in political communication and a master of arts degree in communication research and methodology from Ohio State University and a bachelor of arts degree in speech and history from Lipscomb University. He has been married to Mary Lynn Ethridge Adams, whom he met in a Lipscomb University history class, for 40 years.They are the parents of two sons and have one granddaughter.
