In honor of Georgia Military College’s President Emeritus and 19th president, Maj. Gen.
William P. Acker, the GMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the newly renovated, restored, and expanded facility that will open in August as “Acker Hall.” This facility, encompassing more than 17,500 feet, will serve as the home for GMC Prep’s 4th and 5th graders this upcoming school year.
Acker has a storied history with Georgia Military College and was instrumental in shaping the institution into what it is today. Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., and a high school graduate from Greenville, S.C., Acker was a proud alumnus of GMC, where he graduated from the Junior College Corps of Cadets in 1950.
His academic pursuits continued with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Management from Arizona State University, along with advanced studies at the Armed Forces Staff College, Air War College, and Harvard University.
Acker’s distinguished military career includes serving as a decorated combat pilot with assignments in Japan, Germany, and Spain. During his military service, he flew missions during the Korean War and in the post-war period. Additionally, he served two combat aviation tours in Vietnam.
His commendable service earned him numerous accolades, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and many more.
In 1985, after 33 years of service in the Air Force, Acker returned to his alma mater to serve as GMC’s 19th president. At a time when GMC faced potential closure due to financial constraints and declining enrollment, Acker’s leadership was pivotal in reviving and transforming the institution. He increased state funding, expanded the preparatory school to include 6th and 7th grades, and established four new college campuses across Georgia. His initiatives also included resurrecting the Junior College football team, introducing advanced technology in classrooms, and championing diversity by providing scholarships to African American students, with all of these actions significantly boosting enrollment.
In 2017, General Acker was honored with the title of GMC President Emeritus, recognizing his lasting impact on the institution. In 2021 Acker was selected as one of the inaugural members of the “GMC Hall of Heroes”, the highest recognition for an alumnus of our Corps of Cadets. This recognition honors selfless military service and significant contributions to our nation. Naming this historical and key educational facility as Acker Hall is a tribute to Maj.
Gen. Acker’s unwavering commitment and transformative contributions to GMC.
The ribbon cutting for Acker Hall will be held Friday, Aug. 23 near the South Gate at Georgia Military College.
- Contributed