The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents approved plans to honor the late Senator Jack Hill and his wife, Ruth Ann, at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.
The Board offered final approval on the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center on Tuesday, giving a go ahead for the ‘signature building’ which will be located on the south campus of Georgia Southern at Lanier Drive and Veterans Memorial Parkway.
“This will be a tremendous addition to our Statesboro campus, for our local community, and for our students,” Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero said in a news release. “We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for supporting this project, which will be a permanent reminder of the generational impact made by Jack and Ruth Ann Hill.”
Both Hills graduated from Georgia Southern.
Funding for the project will come from a combination of state and privately raised funds. Gov. Brian Kemp’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget recommendations to the General Assembly include more than $12 million for construction.
Final designs and a groundbreaking schedule will be completed once funding has been secured.
About the Hills
A prominent resident of Reidsville, Jack Hill (‘66) was the longest serving Georgia senator when he died in April 2020. He was a senator for 30 years, serving as chairman of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, which has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving budgeting and spending state and federal funds. With Hill’s support, Georgia Southern reached new heights as an institution serving the southeast region and the state of Georgia. Hill was instrumental in helping the University expand its programs and build several new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering and Research Building, which opened for classes in January 2021.
His wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, focused her life on public education and retired as principal of Reidsville Elementary School. She was a triple Eagle, earning degrees from Georgia Southern in 1973, 1990 and 1991.
“Together, Ruth Ann and Senator Hill left an indelible mark on this institution, southeast Georgia and the state,” Marrero said. “I am very proud to be part of the effort to recognize and honor these special alumni and public servants.”
