Mercer University Press Among Recipients of Eighth Annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities

832
MUP Governor's Award

ATLANTA – Mercer University Press was recognized at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday among the recipients of the eighth annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities.

The awards were announced by Gov. Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp and presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities.

“Georgia is home to a strong arts and humanities culture that fuels creativity and innovation,” said Gov. Kemp. “Growing and sustaining our arts and humanities sectors can create a catalyst for community revitalization and local economic development across the state. I congratulate the recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities and thank these individuals and organizations for their tireless work toward the advancement of our state.”

Mercer University Press was among 10 individuals and organizations recognized this year for their contributions to and support of the growth of Georgia’s thriving creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs and long-term financial commitment.

“Mercer University Press is honored by this award,” said Dr. Marc Jolley, director of Mercer University Press. “We love what we do. We are grateful to Gov. Kemp, Georgia Humanities and the Georgia Council for the Arts for this honor. And we want to thank Doc Schneider, Mercer trustee and chair of the Mercer University Press Board of Directors, as well as Mercer University Press author Carolyn Curry for their support in this endeavor.”

The recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities included Lucinda W. Bunnen, Atlanta; Common Good Atlanta, Atlanta; Hermina Glass-Hill, Kennesaw and Midway; Christopher Johnson, Cuthbert and Columbus; Madison-Morgan Conservancy, Madison-Morgan County; Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Augusta and Richmond County; Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher, Athens and Atlanta; Rick McKnight, Columbus; Mercer University Press, Macon; and Angelica Hairston, Atlanta.

This year’s award was hand-crafted by Athens self-taught artist Cecel Allee, who created one-of-a-kind paintings on wooden box frames.

Established in 1979, Mercer University Press has published more than 1,500 books, releasing 35 to 40 titles annually. The mission of the press is to support the work of the University in achieving excellence and scholarly discipline in the fields of liberal learning, professional knowledge, and regional interest by making the results of scholarly investigation and literary excellence available to the worldwide community.

Publishing authors from across the United States and abroad, the Press seeks and acquires manuscripts that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the humanities with a focus on history, philosophy, religion, literature and Southern culture.

About the Georgia Council for the Arts

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that works to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding and statewide programs and services that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities. Funding for GCA is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.gaarts.org.

About Georgia Humanities

Georgia Humanities promotes and preserves the stories and cultural legacies of the state’s people – from the past to the present and into the future – to enrich their lives and strengthen their communities. An informed and educated Georgia understands historical and cultural trends, respects the life of the mind, utilizes critical thinking in decision-making, and promotes mutual respect and civility. Funding for Georgia Humanities is provided by the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Humanities, foundations, donors and partners. For more information, visit www.georgiahumanities.org.

Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities