Robins partnerships produce future educational opportunities Published May 18, 2012 By Chrissy Miner 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In a meeting May 10 with two members of the Georgia Board of Regents, base leaders continued to solidify future educational opportunities for the workforce. Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander, and Deryl Israel, WR-ALC executive director, discussed the newly designated Middle Georgia State College - a consolidation effort of Middle Georgia College of Cochran and Macon State College - with Regents Larry Walker and Bob Hatcher. The merging of the institutions, approved May 8, will produce new advanced degree programs in Houston County that will directly benefit the Robins workforce. The new name and consolidation efforts will become effective in January. "This is wonderful news for the community and the workforce," said Israel, a champion of base education and professional development activities. "Right on our front doorstep we will have additional resources for personal and professional development." McMahon was also pleased with the outcome of the meeting, and that the focus remains on furthering educational programs and opportunities for the base. "The Regents recognize the importance of the mission at Robins and the need to groom future leadership for the base and the Air Force," McMahon said. Israel stressed that the best is yet to come for base workers looking to advance their education. "It's all a part of our continuing dialogue with regional academic institutions," Israel said. "This is just another fine example of how this community evolves and supports the needs of Robins." Currently, there are two regional schools which offer advanced degrees for the workforce - Georgia College and State University and Mercer University.