Harry Battson has assumed the newly created position of Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications.

“Mr. Battson’s vast experience and dedication to higher education make him the ideal person to enhance our communications,” said Amy Amason, Vice President of External Communications Relations and University Advancement. “Strategically planned communication is vital to promoting the liberal arts mission of Georgia College and achievements of our faculty, students and staff.”

Battson’s experience as a communications consultant and university communications expert and spokesman have prepared him for the new challenge. He will lead a team of 10 professionals in Web site development, media relations, video production and publications and marketing.

“I am excited for this opportunity to help Georgia College, the state’s only liberal arts university, better tell its story to the people of Georgia and the nation,” Battson said. “Georgia College offers advantages typically associated with elite private colleges at the affordable price of a public university.”

Battson has held similar positions at nationally recognized universities: University of Oregon, University of California, Irvine; University of South Florida; and Wright State University in Ohio.

Most recently, Battson has served as a consultant for strategic planning and fundraising for a nonprofit board; managed and marketed a family restaurant, and consulted on marketing communications for higher education and for-profit educational enterprises.

Battson graduated cum laude from Wright State University in Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He has taken master’s level classes in both business administration and public administration, including finance, business law and ethics.

“I look forward to applying my expertise to help promote Georgia College as the treasure it is,” Battson said.