The institution's beginnings date to the establishment of New Ebenezer College,[4] which occupied the site of the current Cochran Campus.
In 1929, the school's name was changed to Middle Georgia College and responsibility for its operation was given to a nine-person board of trustees.
During World War II, Middle Georgia hosted the 50th College Training Detachment of the U.S. Army Air Force and graduated 17 classes of aviation students from March 1943 – July 1944.
Many new buildings as well as renovations of existing facilities marked his tenure in growing the college's reputation, academic excellence, campus beauty, and athletic programs.
In 2010, Macon State also became the host of the International Cherry Blossom Festival's annual Tunes and Balloons event.
[5] From 2011 to 2015, the two institutions went through dramatic change, beginning in June 2011 when Dr. David Bell ended his 14-year presidency of Macon State.
[9] In May, the Regents decided on a name for the new institution—Middle Georgia State College—and also laid out a path for elevating the consolidated institution to university status after a review process.
In July 2012, he was replaced by Dr. John Black, who had retired as president emeritus of East Georgia State College.
In the fall of 2012, students at the two colleges selected a new mascot to replace the "Blue Storm" (of Macon State) and the "Warriors" (of Middle Georgia).
Students also selected new school colors of purple, black and silver, and they voted among several choices on the design of the new mascot.
Several of the university's academic programs have earned accreditation from national agencies: The university also operates the Georgia Academy (formerly known as GAMES), a two-year non-residential/commuter Dual Enrollment program that prepares high school students for the academic rigor of higher education - specializing in a STEM discipline.
[42] Students at Middle Georgia State have the opportunity to study abroad through the University System's European Council,[43] which seeks to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the cultures and societies of Europe.
The EC sponsors summer study abroad programs for USG students and transients at seven locations in Europe that last 2–5 weeks.
Courses are taught largely by faculty from USG colleges and universities and students, blending classroom experiences with group and individual travel as they earn academic credit at their home institution.
[44] The Honors Program at Middle Georgia State is designed to help academically advanced undergraduate students develop their potential through challenging educational activities.
Its main goal is to encourage these students in individual, rational, and creative thinking and better prepare them for graduate school.
The university also houses a club equestrian team (IHSA) in Cochran that is open to students from any MGA campus.
Middle Georgia State University is expected to transition to NCAA Division II in Fall 2025 for all athletic teams.
[47] In the fall of 2012, students at the two colleges selected a new mascot to replace the Blue Storm (of Macon State) and the Warriors (of Middle Georgia).
Students also selected new school colors of purple, black and silver, and they voted among several choices on the design of the new mascot.
20 players from Middle Georgia have reached the major leagues, including Andy Abad, Barret Browning, Kal Daniels, Glenn Davis, Jody Davis, Tom Dunbar, Terry Evans, Mike Fitzgerald, Willie Harris, Shawn Hillegas, Garey Ingram, Jim Leyritz, Larry Littleton, Warren Newson, Josh Reddick, Ernie Riles, Ray Stephens, Jeff Treadway, Matt Turner, & J.B. Wendelken.
Middle Georgia College (1967-2013) The MGC Warrior baseball team won four NJCAA national championships: 1979, 1980, 1982, &1995.
A new recreation and wellness facility, which includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a lazy river, opened in the spring of 2014.
The Macon Campus is home of the university's Museum of Technology, which showcases hands-on exhibits and hosts community learning events.
This historic campus of 182 acres (0.74 km2) dates back to 1884 and is shaded, scenic, and traditional, with a lake and stately white-columned classroom buildings.
He turned to renowned composer Robert W. Smith of Troy, Alabama to write the music and lyrics, with input on the words from the university's top administrators.