Georgia Military College Preparatory School (GMC Prep) gathered in the Legislative Chamber to celebrate Rusty Courson's promotion to lieutenant colonel and his new role as athletic director.
Courson has been in education for over 19 years, with nine years of teaching experience in Jones County and 10 years at GMC Prep.
Originally from Macon, Courson made Milledgeville his home for a short period of time to get his BBA in marketing from Georgia College & State University and then later achieved his MEd from Cambridge College.
“While I have worked in education for many years, my background began in business and prepared me for the roles I have had in my educational career,” said Courson.
He worked for SMI for four years before transitioning into his educational career. Through his work at SMI, he learned how to prepare and host large events and numerous events at one time, prepare planning for scheduling, activities, and more, and prepare things such as facilities and transport for different events.
“My work at SMI prepared me to be able to plan for the logistics of events and other activities,” said Courson. “In that position, I was in charge of many things that people don’t necessarily consider when events or activities are ongoing, like parking. So, the logistical side is what has helped me as athletic director to manage time, ensure coaches have their schedules done, prepare facilities, and more.”
His sports connections began with SMI’s work but transitioned to a direct role as a coach once he entered the educational field. Courson coached multiple sports while working in Jones County, and at GMC Prep he coached baseball, basketball, and football before his promotion.
“I’ve coached for 19 years, and I’ve coached tennis, baseball, football, and basketball. I have the experience to know what’s needed for our sports,” said Courson. “Out of the game itself, I support our athletes and coaches to ensure everything they need is ready.”
In his new position as athletic director, Courson hopes to become a greater support for the athletic department as a whole and continue to create cohesion between the staff, coaches, and students. He also hopes to promote a focus on academics over athletics, so each athlete does well both in the classroom and on the field.
“Our coaching staff gets along well, and I want to continue to foster that camaraderie,” said Courson. “And all of our coaches work together to always remind our athletes that they are a student before an athlete because academics are so important. It’s a part of my goal to ensure that students are reminded of the importance of their education and that athletics are extracurricular.”
When asked about the ceremony to receive his promotion to lieutenant colonel, Courson remarked that it was “exciting but nerve-wracking.” His family and colleagues were in attendance throughout the ceremony. His family changed his epaulets from major to lieutenant colonel and Courson received a framed certificate to reflect his new rank.
“The kind words that were spoken about me from Colonel Seagraves and Colonel Lee made me feel good about myself and that I’ve been doing things right,” said Courson. “I have a sense of pride for this institution that I work for, and the ceremony meant a lot to me.”