The University System of Georgia Foundation has named Gov. Nathan Deal as the 2014 recipient of the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and support for public higher education in Georgia.

The award is named for former Regent Elridge McMillan, who served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for 34 years and was the initial recipient of the award, which subsequently was named in his honor. The University System of Georgia Foundation presents the award annually to an individual who has demonstrated a long and significant record of commitment and accomplishment on behalf of public higher education in Georgia.

In presenting the award during the USG Foundation’s annual “Regents’ Celebration of Educational Excellence” awards event at the World of Coca Cola, Board of Regents member and USG Foundation Chair Neill Pruitt cited Deal for his efforts to save the HOPE Scholarship program and championship of education innovations.

“Governor Deal is the inspiration for one of the most significant efforts in Georgia related to higher education and economic competitiveness, the Complete College Georgia Initiative that has the University System and the Technical College System working together with private colleges to increase the number of Georgians completing some level of college and prepared for the global economy,” said Pruitt.

“Educating our citizens has always been a top priority of my administration,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Education is critical to economic development as it creates a top-notch workforce and keeps us the No.1 place in the nation to do business. It is an honor to receive an award named for Elridge McMillan, who has dedicated his life to our students, our University System and our state. In keeping with his service and the strong tradition of the University System Foundation, I will maintain my unwavering commitment to making Georgia the absolute best state for students to receive a high-quality education.”