Augusta University President Emeritus William A. Bloodworth died Monday, Aug. 29 after a lengthy illness.
Bloodworth served as president for 18 years, from the early 1990s until the University System of Georgia Board of Regents consolidated Augusta State University into the Georgia Health Sciences University.
Bloodworth, who held a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Texas, returned to the classroom after the consolidation and has taught history, English or communication almost every semester since.
Bloodworth was a dedicated teacher, said Ruth McClellan-Nugent, head of the Department of History, Anthropology and Philosophy.
“Augusta University had lost a giant,” said Hubert van Tuyll, former chair of the Department of History and Anthropology. “He was a man of genuine integrity. He truly cared for the students, faculty and staff of his university. He was a true intellectual.”
Augusta University issued the following statement.
“The Augusta University community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. William Bloodworth, who served 18 years as president of our legacy institution, Augusta State University,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “Alongside a teaching career that spanned half a century, Dr. Bloodworth was instrumental in our institution’s growth, overseeing Augusta College’s transition to a state university, developing new programs, accreditations and online class offerings, as well as spearheading over $103 million in new construction and renovations during his tenure. We have him to thank for many of our Summerville Campus buildings, including Allgood and University Halls, the Jaguar Student Activities Center and student art facilities, as well as our athletics golf facilities. Dr. Bloodworth’s commitment to student success and accessible education sets an example for all of Jaguar Nation as we fulfill our mission to serve students not only in Augusta, but throughout the state of Georgia.”
