George Edwards spent decades providing Garrett College with the support it needed to make post-secondary education and workforce training available to Garrett County residents. He now has the opportunity to continue that work as a member of the Garrett College Board of Trustees.
Edwards – who spent four decades representing Garrett County in the Maryland General Assembly – has been appointed to Garrett College’s Board of Trustees by Governor Wes Moore. He replaces Don Morin, who resigned to accept appointment to the Garrett County Board of Education.
“We’re thrilled to have Senator Edwards join the Board of Trustees,” said Jason Rush, chair of GC’s board. “The Board will benefit greatly from Senator Edwards’ experience and commitment to expanding access to postsecondary education.”
Garrett County Commissioner Larry Tichnell also praised the Edwards appointment.
“I feel that with his vast knowledge, and expertise in dealing with people, he will be a great addition to the board,” said Tichnell, adding that Edwards’ vast web of state-level relationships “will be a great asset.”
Edwards said he accepted the board appointment in part due to his ongoing interest in supporting educational opportunities for county residents.
“I’ve always wanted to do things that help the young people of the county,” said Edwards. “The College educates young people so they can get good-paying jobs that allow them to stay here and raise their families.”
Edwards, a Northern Garrett High graduate, attended then-Fairmont State College, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He also earned a teaching certificate at then-Frostburg State College.
An NAIA Football All-American at Fairmont, Edwards was drafted by the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. He spent 24 years in the Maryland House of Delegates, including four years as House minority leader, followed by 16 years in the Maryland State Senate.
Prior to entering the General Assembly, Edwards twice served on the Grantsville Town Council (1972-74, 1980-82) and as a Garrett County commissioner (1974-78).
Edwards, a Maryland National Guard veteran, was an ardent advocate for Garrett College projects while serving in both houses of the General Assembly. He played pivotal roles in acquiring state funding for the College’s student center, library, the Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC), the Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC), the Offutt STEM Center, and the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Garrett College.
“I’ve worked with the College many years to get the funding to expand in areas where the College wanted to go,” said Edwards. “I think the facilities we’ve been able to build at Garrett makes this one of the best colleges of its size in the country.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Senator Edwards in his new role on the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “Garrett College has benefited greatly from Senator Edwards’ advice and support over the years – and we will now continue to benefit from his experience as a Board member.”
