Raleigh Kirby Godsey
Encyclopedia
Raleigh Kirby Godsey, better known as R. Kirby Godsey, (born April 2, 1936) served as the seventeenth president of Mercer University
, an independent, coeducational, private university
, located in the US state of Georgia, from July 1, 1979 to June 30, 2006–27 years—longer than any of his predecessors. Godsey is now university chancellor, professor, and special advisor to his successor, William D. Underwood
.
, Atlanta
, and Savannah
; regional academic centers for working adult
students in Henry County
, Douglas County
, and Eastman
; teaching hospitals in Macon and Savannah; a university press and a performing arts center in Macon; an engineering research center in Warner Robins
; and a NCAA Division I athletic program.
At the time of his retirement as president, Mercer enrolled more than 7,300 students in its eleven colleges and schools, employed more than 1,300 faculty and staff, managed a budget of more than $175 million, and had an endowment of close to $200 million with an additional $200+ million pledged in planned gifts. Godsey, known for his tremendous fundraising abilities, was responsible for much of Mercer's financial success.
Mercer had four colleges and schools when Godsey became president in 1979. During Godsey's tenure, Mercer established seven new colleges and schools; the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics, the School of Medicine, the School of Engineering, the Tift College of Education, the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, the Townsend School of Music, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, and closed the Cecil B. Day College of Arts and Sciences in Atlanta
. Mercer also established the Mercer University Press and the Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) as well as educational partnerships with Memorial Health University Center in Savannah and the Medical Center of Central Georgia
in Macon, Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta, and Robins Air Force Base
in Warner Robins.
In April 2006, near the end of his tenure, Mercer ended its affiliation with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Earlier, in November 2005, the convention voted to break ties with Mercer after a student gay-rights group held a "Coming Out Day" on the university campus. Godsey attempted to maintain the relationship by assuring the convention that Mercer does not advocate homosexuality, but allows discussion on the matter. Godsey had previously alienated the conservative convention by insisting on academic freedom
for the university, and by making theological statements in his book When We Talk About God, Let's Be Honest that many Baptists considered heretical. The convention declined Godsey's overtures and voted to sever the 172-year relationship. Mercer remains affiliated with the more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
.
Also in April 2006, Godsey, and current Mercer president William D. Underwood
, assisted Jimmy Carter
, former President of the United States
, organize and host a gathering of Baptist World Alliance
leaders at the Carter Center
in Atlanta. Godsey and Underwood advocated academic freedom
within Baptist higher education and showcased Mercer, now independent from the Georgia Baptist Convention, as the nation's premier independent Baptist
university.
.
Godsey earned his bachelor's degree in history and religion from Samford University
, his master of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
, his master of arts in philosophy from the University of Alabama
, and his doctor of philosophy from Tulane University
. He holds honorary doctor of humane letters degrees from the University of South Carolina
, Samford University
, and Campbell University
, and an honorary doctor of laws from Averett College.
Godsey is the author of When We Talk About God, Let's Be Honest; The Courage Factor; Centering Our Souls; and Is God a Christian?, and has written numerous articles for professional journals. He is a frequent lecturer and a consultant on leadership and higher education administration and serves on a number of civic and professional boards and committees. He is a member of the Executive Council of the College Commission for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
and serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
In 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003, Godsey was named as one of the 100 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine. In 2002, he was named the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) III Chief Executive Officer of the Year. The Macon Chamber of Commerce recognized him in 2003 as the Macon Citizen of the Year. In 2006, he was awarded the Salvation Army
"Others" Award, the highest honor bestowed by that organization. Also in 2006, both houses of the Georgia legislature, the Georgia Senate
and the Georgia House of Representatives
, passed resolutions honoring Godsey for his contributions to higher education, Mercer, and the state.
In April 2006, the Mercer University Board of Trustees voted to name the historic administration building on the Macon campus the R. Kirby Godsey Administration Building.
In May 2006, United States Senator Saxby Chambliss
paid tribute to Godsey before the Senate. The tribute appears in the Congressional Record
.
Mercer University
Mercer University is an independent, private, coeducational university with a Baptist heritage located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Mercer is the only university of its size in the United States that offers programs in eleven diversified fields of study: liberal arts, business, education, music,...
, an independent, coeducational, private university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
, located in the US state of Georgia, from July 1, 1979 to June 30, 2006–27 years—longer than any of his predecessors. Godsey is now university chancellor, professor, and special advisor to his successor, William D. Underwood
William D. Underwood
William D. Underwood has served as the eighteenth President of Mercer University since 2006. He was the interim President of Baylor University from 2005 to 2006.-Biography:...
.
Mercer University
Mercer is the only university of its size in the United States that offers programs in eleven diversified fields of study; liberal arts, business, education, music, engineering, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, theology, and continuing and professional studies. Mercer has major campuses in MaconMacon, Georgia
Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia...
, Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
, and Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
; regional academic centers for working adult
Adult education
Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults. Adult education takes place in the workplace, through 'extension' school or 'school of continuing education' . Other learning places include folk high schools, community colleges, and lifelong learning centers...
students in Henry County
Henry County, Georgia
Henry County is a growing suburban county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 119,341. As of 2010, the county's population swelled to 203,922, up 70.9% from the previous census and becoming Georgia's 8th most populous county and the 10th fastest growing...
, Douglas County
Douglas County, Georgia
Douglas County, Georgia has been experiencing numerous natural disasters over the most recent decades. Being located in the South Eastern United States the county experiences strong storms and tornadoes often because of its location in Dixie Alley....
, and Eastman
Eastman, Georgia
Eastman is a city in Dodge County, Georgia, United States. The population was 13,541 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Dodge County...
; teaching hospitals in Macon and Savannah; a university press and a performing arts center in Macon; an engineering research center in Warner Robins
Warner Robins, Georgia
Warner Robins is a city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located primarily in Houston County with a small portion in Peach County. The city has its own metropolitan statistical area . As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 48,804...
; and a NCAA Division I athletic program.
At the time of his retirement as president, Mercer enrolled more than 7,300 students in its eleven colleges and schools, employed more than 1,300 faculty and staff, managed a budget of more than $175 million, and had an endowment of close to $200 million with an additional $200+ million pledged in planned gifts. Godsey, known for his tremendous fundraising abilities, was responsible for much of Mercer's financial success.
Mercer had four colleges and schools when Godsey became president in 1979. During Godsey's tenure, Mercer established seven new colleges and schools; the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics, the School of Medicine, the School of Engineering, the Tift College of Education, the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, the Townsend School of Music, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, and closed the Cecil B. Day College of Arts and Sciences in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
. Mercer also established the Mercer University Press and the Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) as well as educational partnerships with Memorial Health University Center in Savannah and the Medical Center of Central Georgia
Medical Center of Central Georgia
The Medical Center of Central Georgia is a 637-bed hospital located in Macon, Georgia. MCCG is the second largest hospital in Georgia, behind Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. MCCG is a teaching hospital affiliated with Mercer University Medical School. MCCG Serves 28 counties throughout...
in Macon, Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta, and Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base
Robins Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force base located in Houston County, Georgia, United States. The base is located just east of and adjacent to the city of Warner Robins, Georgia, SSE of Macon, Georgia, and about SSE of Atlanta, Georgia...
in Warner Robins.
In April 2006, near the end of his tenure, Mercer ended its affiliation with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Earlier, in November 2005, the convention voted to break ties with Mercer after a student gay-rights group held a "Coming Out Day" on the university campus. Godsey attempted to maintain the relationship by assuring the convention that Mercer does not advocate homosexuality, but allows discussion on the matter. Godsey had previously alienated the conservative convention by insisting on academic freedom
Academic freedom
Academic freedom is the belief that the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members is essential to the mission of the academy, and that scholars should have freedom to teach or communicate ideas or facts without being targeted for repression, job loss, or imprisonment.Academic freedom is a...
for the university, and by making theological statements in his book When We Talk About God, Let's Be Honest that many Baptists considered heretical. The convention declined Godsey's overtures and voted to sever the 172-year relationship. Mercer remains affiliated with the more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is a Christian fellowship of Baptist churches formed in 1991. Theologically moderate, the CBF withdrew from the Southern Baptist Convention over philosophical and theological differences, such as the SBC prohibition of women serving as pastors. The Cooperative...
.
Also in April 2006, Godsey, and current Mercer president William D. Underwood
William D. Underwood
William D. Underwood has served as the eighteenth President of Mercer University since 2006. He was the interim President of Baylor University from 2005 to 2006.-Biography:...
, assisted Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
, former President of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, organize and host a gathering of Baptist World Alliance
Baptist World Alliance
The Baptist World Alliance is a worldwide alliance of Baptist churches and organizations, formed in 1905 at Exeter Hall in London during the first Baptist World Congress.-History:...
leaders at the Carter Center
Carter Center
The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter. In partnership with Emory University, The Carter Center works to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering...
in Atlanta. Godsey and Underwood advocated academic freedom
Academic freedom
Academic freedom is the belief that the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members is essential to the mission of the academy, and that scholars should have freedom to teach or communicate ideas or facts without being targeted for repression, job loss, or imprisonment.Academic freedom is a...
within Baptist higher education and showcased Mercer, now independent from the Georgia Baptist Convention, as the nation's premier independent Baptist
Independent Baptist
Independent Baptist churches are Christian churches generally holding to conservative Baptist beliefs. They are characterized by being independent from the authority of denominations or similar bodies. Members of such churches comprised three percent of the United States adult population according...
university.
Achievements and honors
Prior to being named president, Godsey served as Mercer's executive vice president and was dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Before joining Mercer, he was vice president and dean of Averett College. Before that, Godsey was a Danforth Associate with the Danforth Foundation and served as professor of philosophy and religion at Judson CollegeJudson College (Alabama)
Judson College, originally named Judson Female Institute, was founded by members of the Siloam Baptist Church in 1838 in Marion, Alabama. It is the fifth oldest women's college in the United States. It was named after Ann Hasseltine Judson, the first female foreign missionary from the United States...
.
Godsey earned his bachelor's degree in history and religion from Samford University
Samford University
Samford University, founded as Howard College is a private, coeducational, Alabama Baptist Convention-affiliated university located in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, United States. It includes the , Cumberland School of Law, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Brock School of Business, Ida V....
, his master of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, located in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was the first institution created as a direct act of the Southern Baptist Convention. Missions...
, his master of arts in philosophy from the University of Alabama
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
, and his doctor of philosophy from Tulane University
Tulane University
Tulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
. He holds honorary doctor of humane letters degrees from the University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
, Samford University
Samford University
Samford University, founded as Howard College is a private, coeducational, Alabama Baptist Convention-affiliated university located in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, United States. It includes the , Cumberland School of Law, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Brock School of Business, Ida V....
, and Campbell University
Campbell University
Campbell University is a coeducational, church-related university in rural North Carolina, USA. Its main campus is located in the community of Buies Creek; its law school moved from Buies Creek to a new campus in the state capital of Raleigh in 2009. Campbell has an approximately equal number of...
, and an honorary doctor of laws from Averett College.
Godsey is the author of When We Talk About God, Let's Be Honest; The Courage Factor; Centering Our Souls; and Is God a Christian?, and has written numerous articles for professional journals. He is a frequent lecturer and a consultant on leadership and higher education administration and serves on a number of civic and professional boards and committees. He is a member of the Executive Council of the College Commission for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
and serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
In 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003, Godsey was named as one of the 100 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine. In 2002, he was named the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) III Chief Executive Officer of the Year. The Macon Chamber of Commerce recognized him in 2003 as the Macon Citizen of the Year. In 2006, he was awarded the Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
"Others" Award, the highest honor bestowed by that organization. Also in 2006, both houses of the Georgia legislature, the Georgia Senate
Georgia Senate
The Georgia State Senate is the upper house of the Georgia General Assembly .-Composition:According to the state constitution of 1983, this body is to be composed of no more than 56 members elected for two-year terms. Current state law provides for 56 members...
and the Georgia House of Representatives
Georgia House of Representatives
The Georgia House of Representatives is the lower house of the Georgia General Assembly of the U.S. state of Georgia.-Composition:...
, passed resolutions honoring Godsey for his contributions to higher education, Mercer, and the state.
In April 2006, the Mercer University Board of Trustees voted to name the historic administration building on the Macon campus the R. Kirby Godsey Administration Building.
In May 2006, United States Senator Saxby Chambliss
Saxby Chambliss
Clarence Saxby Chambliss, Jr. is the senior United States Senator from Georgia. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as a U.S. Representative ....
paid tribute to Godsey before the Senate. The tribute appears in the Congressional Record
Congressional Record
The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published by the United States Government Printing Office, and is issued daily when the United States Congress is in session. Indexes are issued approximately every two weeks...
.