Convocation Center to Bear Name of Late State Senator and His Wife

Georgia Southern is planning a significant addition to its south campus in Statesboro with a new building that will provide state-of-the-art space for several academic programs and will be the new home of Eagles basketball. The facility, which will also host indoor graduations and other university events, will be named the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, honoring the late Georgia State Sen. Jack Hill and his wife of 46 years, Ruth Ann Hill. The Tattnall County couple graduated from Georgia Southern and both passed away last year. In February, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved naming the convocation center for the Hills. Envisioned as the signature building on Georgia Southern’s south campus, it will be built on University-owned land on the southwest side of the intersection of Lanier Drive and Veterans Memorial Parkway.

“This will be a tremendous addition to our Statesboro Campus, for our local community, and for our students,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “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.”

A prominent resident of Reidsville, Georgia, 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 the powerful appropriations committee, 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. He 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.

His wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, was a career educator who 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.”

The General Assembly approved funding for the project in Gov. Brian Kemp’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Other funding will come from the University and privately raised donations. Final designs and a groundbreaking schedule will be completed and scheduled in spring of 2022.