Samuel F. Hart, Jr.

Sam Hart, consultant, is the Executive Director of the Middle Georgia Center for Academic Excellence, Inc. The Center operates two Educational Talent Search Programs and an Upward Bound Program. These programs identify and assist individuals who have the potential to succeed in college or technical school, but who may be disadvantaged by being potential first-generation college students, being low-income, or living in a community with educational needs. The Center has a Board of Directors of professionals and business leaders who are profoundly interested in creating a better community through volunteering.

Mr. Hart is also the President of S & V Education Systems Tutorial Center that provides services to inspire confidence in students, in 2nd through 12th grade.  The Center helps students succeed in math, writing, reading, Georgia assessments (CRCT, GHSGT, and EOCT), and SAT/ACT test preparation.

Mr. Hart had an extensive career in higher education at Mercer University. He served as Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Minority Affairs, Director of Judicial Affairs, and Director of TRIO Programs, which included Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Opportunity Center.

Past Chairman of Bibb County Board of Commission, Mr. Hart is a recognized leader in Middle Georgia and across the Southeast. He is the Founder and Vice President of 100 Black Men of Macon/Middle Georgia; former President of the Council for Opportunity in Education, which represents more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and educational agencies; past Chairman of the Board of Directors for Alpha Phi Alpha Educational Talent Search; and Co-Chair for Emerging Leaders for TRIO Programs in eight southern states. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Museum of Arts and Science and the Board of Advisors for Middle Georgia Community Food Bank in Macon.

Mr. Hart is a recipient of the National Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. He has mentored 103 students, of which 51 percent earned bachelor’s degrees, 25 percent earned master’s degrees, and 24 percent earned doctorates.