Christopher R. L. Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University in Macon, Ga., will address approximately 300 graduates as the keynote speaker at the 2016 fall Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Albany James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center.

Prior to assuming his current role at Middle Georgia State, Blake served as president and professor of education at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for seven years. As president, he developed a strategic plan that obtained university status designation, launched graduate programs, expanded off-site campuses and instituted a historic capital campaign.

A leader in education, Blake has contributed to scholarship both nationally and internationally. His experience includes positions as senior lecturer in education at Brunel University in London, senior lecturer in education at West London Institute in London and teacher of religious studies and social studies at Henry Box School in Oxford.

Blake holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in theology from the University of Oxford, Keble College, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Westminster College, Oxford and a Ph.D. in education from the University of London, King’s College.