Georgia Military College welcomed its 22nd president, Maj. Gen. Terrence J. McKenrick, and said goodbye to Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV Aug. 8 in a Change of Command ceremony hosted in the NewDay USA Center of Leadership.
McKenrick served 35 years in the United States Army and in many leadership roles, including as deputy commanding general of V Corps and the commanding general of Division East. His entire family is connected to the military in various ways, embodying the values that GMC aims to teach each cadet from the preparatory school to the online college.
“I am so excited to lead this incredible institution with the honor and privilege of serving our Board of Trustees, students, faculty, parents, alumni, and community,” said McKenrick. “In my first few weeks, I have learned that GMC is operating at an extremely high level of effectiveness and efficiency thanks to Gen. Caldwell’s leadership. He has made incredible contributions to the success of Georgia Military College … thank you for all you’ve done for GMC for our students, our community, and our nation.”
Caldwell assumed his role as the 21st president of GMC upon his retirement from the United States Army on Nov. 1, 2013. In 2021, Caldwell was also recognized by the alumni association as an Honorary Alumnus.
During his tenure, he increased enrollment in all areas, established the Global Online Leadership College, expanded the preparatory school, achieved flawless accreditation audits through the Southern Association of College and Schools, and much more. Closing his tenure, Caldwell was recognized by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp for his “outstanding service” as president.
“As the expression goes, “You are the right person at the right time to take us to new heights,” Caldwell said to McKenrick in his final statement as GMC president.
GMC Board of Trustees Chair George Hogan presided over the Change of Command ceremony as Caldwell passed the colors onto McKenrick, passing on the leadership of his ‘unit’ GMC. The Change of Command Ceremony is an Army tradition that dates back to the founding of the Army in 1775. It reflects the values of leadership, service, and continuity, according to GMC Cadet Jimmie McCants, who served as narrator of the ceremony.
“At the heart of this tradition is the unit’s colors. More than a banner, the colors represent identity, history, and spirit of the organization,” said McCants.
“The colors before you (at the ceremony) represent our nation and Georgia Military College … Once a rallying point in battle, the colors now stand as a constant companion to the commander and the unit they represent.”
Following the ceremony, McCants narrated the Passing of the Academic Mace, a GMC tradition that represents the authority of the preparatory school, junior college, and online leadership college as well as the mission and tradition of academic excellence.
“President Caldwell has carried this responsibility with pride and purpose.
His dedicated leadership has successfully guided GMC and upheld its mission,” said McCant. “As Chairman Hogan passes the mace to the incoming president, he entrusts him with the care of our students, the advancement of our institution, and guardianship over our core values: Duty, Honor, and Love of Country.”
With the passing of the colors and the academic mace, the school honored the “dual responsibilities of the president of Georgia Military College: leadership and academic stewardship.”
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, McKenrick was formally recognized as the 22nd president by the Board of Trustees.