The University of West Georgia announced the establishment of the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences on Wednesday, named in honor of the late Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry, a beloved mathematics professor who served UWG for more than two decades.  

The naming was made official today by a vote by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, following the college’s establishment on July 1, and was made possible by a generous contribution from an anonymous alumnus, who credited Perry with significantly impacting his life and career. 

The anonymous donor, who benefited from Perry’s mentorship and support, joined his peers in fondly referring to the professor as “Earl the Pearl,” a nickname inspired by his exceptional dedication to his students, often going above and beyond by providing them with meals, transportation and encouragement when needed. 

In a tribute to his legacy, a new sculpture depicting an oyster and a reflective pearl will be installed outside the Technology-Enhanced Learning Center (TLC) on campus, symbolizing the enduring impact of Perry’s work. 

The Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences will house two innovative schools: the School of Computing, Analytics, and Modeling, and the School of Field Investigations and Experimental Sciences. Dr. Jon Preston, UWG’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, expressed his excitement about the newly named college.  

“The establishment of the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences marks a significant milestone in our university’s history,” Preston said. “This college will be a hub for innovation, research, and collaboration in these rapidly evolving fields. By integrating cutting-edge technology and fostering interdisciplinary approaches, we prepare students to tackle the complex challenges of the future. Dr. Perry's dedication to his students and his profound impact on their lives set a standard for all of us, and this new college will embody his spirit of academic excellence and personal mentorship.  I’m particularly excited that this new college is named in honor of a UWG faculty member, since UWG faculty truly support students in all that they do.” 

Perry’s illustrious career spanned several decades and institutions. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University, followed by a second master’s degree and his Ph.D. in mathematics from Auburn University. His teaching career began at Cairo High School in Cairo, Georgia, and included positions at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Auburn University before he joined UWG, where he served as a mathematics professor for 21 years. 

Perry was known for his dedication to education, his volunteer work and his service on various committees. His commitment to helping others extended beyond the classroom, including volunteering as a mathematics instructor in the GED program for Georgia inmates at the Carroll County Correctional Institution. 

Dr. Renee Butler joined UWG in July as the new college’s interim dean and shared that she looks forward to leading in Perry’s footsteps to foster a student-focused learning environment in which careers are launched before graduation. 

“I am both honored and excited to step into this role and carry forward Dr. Perry’s remarkable legacy,” Butler said. “Our goal is to create a dynamic, student-focused environment where academic excellence meets real-world application. By leveraging Dr. Perry’s commitment to mentorship and his passion for nurturing students, we will ensure our students are not only prepared for successful careers but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their fields.” 

Allyson Bretch, interim vice president for university advancement and interim CEO of UWG’s philanthropic foundations, agreed, expressing the institution’s deep gratitude to the anonymous donor. 

“This is such a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Perry, and we are incredibly honored to be stewards of his legacy in this incredible way,” Bretch said. “Dr. Perry was not only a brilliant mathematician but also a compassionate mentor who touched the lives of countless students. This gift will ensure that his legacy lives on, providing our students with the resources and support they need to excel in their academic and professional journeys, and we are excited about the opportunities this new college will bring to our university and our community.”