GMC News

Georgia Military College Announces Passing of President Emeritus MG Peter Boylan

Georgia Military College (GMC) announces the passing of Major General Peter Boylan, USA (Ret.), 20^th President of GMC. MG Boylan became president of Georgia Military College in 1992 and remains the longest-serving president since our founding in 1879.

MG Boylan‘s love for his country and education were a perfect marriage at Georgia Military College. Forever a patriot, Soldier, educator, and servant leader; his mark on GMC is seen all over the campus. MG Boylan is most remembered as restoring GMC’s financial stability during his almost 21-year tenure. During his two decades of service, MG Boylan made the strategic decision to restore and renovate almost every building at GMC’s Main Campus in Milledgeville. Additionally, the Preparatory School and Junior College soared to new heights academically and solidified their reputation not only for excellence in the classroom but for producing outstanding young men and women of exceptional character.

Chairman of the GMC Board of Trustees, George Hogan shared, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees I share our deepest condolences for the Boylan family. Major General Boylan fostered a legacy that will resonate for generations to come. He left an indelible mark on GMC and his memory will live inside our gates forevermore.”

“Major General Boylan had a deep love for our institution and was committed to the betterment of every aspect of GMC. His legacy will live on through the countless individuals he has influenced and the enduring impact he has had on Georgia Military College. It was an honor to know and work with him for his entire tenure at GMC,” says Chairman Emeritus of the GMC Board of Trustees, Mr. Randy New.

MG Boylan dedicated 31 years of service in the United States Army between 1961 and 1992 in a decorated and distinguished military career. After graduating from the United States Military Academy, he went on to serve two combat tours in the Vietnam War and took part in the invasion of Grenada with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later returned to teach at the United States Military Academy as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and some years later returned as the Commandant of Cadets. For many years, he continued to serve on the board of trustees for the United States Military Academy. He also served as the Commanding General of the storied 10^th Mountain Division. His awards and decorations include several for Valor in combat and Distinguished Service. Additionally, he is a 2006 Honorary Alumnus of GMC and while as President served on our Board of Trustees and our Foundation.

“I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Major General Boylan for 21 years. MG Boylan’s leadership was marked by a profound sense of duty for shaping the next generation of leaders. His vision paved the way for GMC to continue to excel in every aspect,” says GMC Foundation Chairman, Mr. David Grant.

President of Georgia Military College, Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, USA (Ret.) shared, “We are incredibly grateful to Major General Boylan for his leadership for 21 years. Through his commitment and dedication to our institution, he left a legacy that we continue to build on today. We will remember him and the contributions and impact he made on our great institution.”

Several of the notable accomplishments include the construction of Miller Hall, Boylan Hall and the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts, Parham Hall, Baugh Barracks, Usery Hall, Ruark Athletic Complex, and the Kidd Center.  Along with renovation of the Old Capitol Building, Sibley-Cone Library and the Cordell Events Center.

MG Boylan and his wife Kathy have five children: two sons and three daughters (Peter III, Therese, Heather, Gregory, and Emily), and 14 grandchildren. Emily taught at GMC for 15 years and two of his grandsons, Elliot and Liam, graduated from the Preparatory School.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: A celebration of life will be conducted Saturday, November 18^th, 2023, at 1pm in Northridge Christian Church. 321 Log Cabin Road NE Milledgeville, GA 31061.