James Hagler

Consultant, SPH Consulting Group

With over 12 years of experience in higher education as both a faculty and staff member, James has been involved in the evolution and consolidation of departments and programs through the merger of Macon State College (MSC) and Middle Georgia College creating Middle Georgia State University (MGA), in the first series of consolidations by the University System of Georgia (USG). Working in Athletics and Recreation throughout this process, James participated in combining departments, mascot selection, mascot naming, mascot, and logo designs. After the changes were complete, he led the school to and through the licensing process for the new institution. He also was part of the team which worked through the change of Athletic Associations from the NJCAA and club sports to the NAIA, adding sports on two separate occasions, and completing annual reports for different groups to include: the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC), USG, NAIA, Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), and many others. His doctoral thesis examines consolidation in the USG and is entitled: A Success Story? An Exploration of the Consolidation Efforts in the University System of Georgia.