by Julie Lineback
Bob and Millie Coggin recently made a donation to the University of West Georgia Foundation to provide financial support for UWG Newnan. The contribution will be used to fund facility enhancements. In recognition of their donation, Bob and Millie will receive the naming of the Shell-Coggin Tutor-Writing Center.
“I am very convinced that converting this hospital to a West Georgia facility will have a very favorable economic impact on Newnan and will certainly contribute to enhancing the progressive image Newnan and Coweta County enjoy today,” said Bob, who is a member of the Newnan City Council.
Bob and Millie have strong emotional ties to the historic building. Bob’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Coggin, and Millie’s mother, Mrs. Worley Shell, all received excellent care at the hospital. A plaque will be erected at the site of the tutoring center in memory of both mothers and fathers.
“I thought it would be a great way to honor our parents,” Bob shared.
The Coggins have been involved in UWG Newnan fundraising for several years. Bob was originally approached by Cathy Wright, director of the Newnan center, to serve on the advisory board. He currently serves on the UWG Board of Trustees and is chair of the fundraising efforts for UWG Newnan.
The Coggins are also proud supporters of the efforts of UWG President Kyle Marrero and call him one of the motivating factors in their pledge.
“Since getting to know him, we have been very impressed with Dr. Marrero’s focus, vision and commitment to raising UWG to the next level and beyond,” Bob said.
In January 2013, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted to approve the acquisition of the real property at 80 W. Jackson Street, the site of the historic Newnan Hospital facility. UWG currently serves approximately 500 students in Newnan. Once construction is complete, UWG Newnan is projected to have 1,000 students enrolled at the new Newnan center.
“With the physical location of the building, the beauty of the facility and all it’s going to do for the community, I call it the new front door to the city of Newnan,” Bob concluded. “It’s truly a great asset to have it here.”
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