Over a hundred students, college faculty and staff, and community members celebrated the President of Georgia Highlands College (GHC) on Monday during a special White Rose Award Ceremony at the GHC Cartersville campus.

Dr. Mike Hobbs was presented the prestigious White Rose Award from Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon and White Rose Society Founder Linda Selig. The esteemed White Rose Award recognizes outstanding leadership, commitment to education, and dedication to the community. Past Georgia recipients include Governor Brian Kemp and UGA President Jere Morehead.

“The Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S. has maintained a strong relationship with Georgia Highlands College for many years, connecting us with similarly sized institutions in Israel to foster virtual partnerships for our students. This partnership began over three years ago and has continued to flourish,” said GHC President Mike Hobbs. “I am deeply appreciative and grateful to receive this award, and I consider the goals we have accomplished with the Consul General as some of the most important work I have been honored to be a part of.”

Dr. Mike Hobbs became President of Georgia Highlands College in July 2022, bringing a deep commitment to student success as a first-generation high school and college graduate from Ensley, Alabama.

He holds degrees from Jefferson State, the University of Alabama – Birmingham, and Mississippi State University, with additional postgraduate studies in economics.

Under his leadership, GHC has experienced significant enrollment growth and expanded its career-focused bachelor’s degree offerings. His dedication to student achievement earned him the national Paragon Award, and his leadership has positioned GHC as a finalist for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for student success and outcomes.