Merritt Eldred Hoag

Merritt Eldred Hoag
Commemorative plaque of Merritt Eldred Hoag
11th President of the University of North Georgia
In office 1949–1970
Preceded by	Jonathan Clark Rogers
Succeeded by	John H. Owen
Personal details
Born	25 May 1909
Died	19 November 1994 (age 85) Young Harris, Georgia
Spouse(s)	Faye Clegg Hoag
Children	John Randall Hoag
Alma mater	Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Duke University

Merritt Eldred Hoag (May 25, 1909 – November 19, 1994) was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II as well as the 11th president of University of North Georgia (now known as the University of North Georgia).^[1]

Early life[]

Hoag grew up and attended grade school in Pennsylvania. Following high school he enrolled in Edinboro College and subsequently Duke University, where he earned a master's degree in economics and English. He then had a brief career as a principal, and later a dean, of masonic school in Texas.^[1]

Hoag joined the United States Navy at the beginning of the Second World War. He spent the early years of the war organizing pre-flight schools at the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Iowa. A few years into the war he requested sea duty. By the end of the 1940s Hoag had been involved in six Pacific invasions and had achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. For his wartime service Hoag was awarded the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Independence Medal, and Victory Medal. After the war he remained in the United States Army Reserve until reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel, at which point he retired.^[1]

Service in education[]

Before becoming the president of North Georgia College, Merritt E. Hoag served as the dean of the school during the presidency of Jonathan C. Rogers. After Rogers' retirement in 1949, Hoag succeeded him in the presidency.^[1]

Late life and death[]

Following his retirement from the presidency at NGC, Hoag he became the mayor of Young Harris, Georgia- a position that he held for two consecutive terms. Hoag died in Young Harris on November 19, 1994.^[1]

References[]