Nix honored by university

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Georgia Southwestern State University will honor eight of its most outstanding alumni, including Dalton resident Ronnie Nix, on Saturday, Feb. 22, during its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards Dinner in the Thomas O. Marshall Jr. Pavilion of the Marshall Student Center in Americus.

At the event, notable GSW alumni will be recognized for their professional and personal achievements as well as their contributions to the university.

Nix, 72, is the recipient of the Aeolian Award, given to an alumnus/alumna who has distinguished his/herself in their profession as well as in their community.

This award is chosen based on outstanding lifetime achievement as a distinguished alumni and community leader.

After earning a degree in recreation education from GSW, Nix began a successful career in parks and recreation. He has worked for departments in Macon, Statesboro and Dalton.

In 2012, the Dalton Athletic Complex Park, where Nix served as director of parks and recreation for 25 years, was renamed in honor of him and is now known as the Ronald R. Nix Athletic Complex Park.

Since 2011, Nix has served as a consultant for recreation planning firm Barge Design Solutions.

Nix has also been active in his community, serving as president and charter member for the Dalton Morning Rotary Club, deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Dalton and a variety of leadership positions in the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association.

“I look forward to the Outstanding Awards Dinner each year,” said GSW President Neal Weaver. “It is a special time for the Georgia Southwestern family to honor graduates who have accomplished a lot in life and contributed to the successes at GSW. The 2020 awardees are a special group, and I am excited about the opportunity to recognize these distinguished individuals.”