GMC News

Georgia Military College Foundation Acquires True Growth to Launch the Georgia Military College Leadership Institute

The Georgia Military College Foundation is proud to announce the acquisition of True Growth, a nationally recognized leadership development organization, to support the institution’s long-term strategic plan to launch a comprehensive Leadership Institute serving both internal and external audiences.

The acquisition includes all True Growth assets, including its established client base, proprietary leadership curriculum, training materials, trademarked 360-degree feedback assessment, web-based training resources, newsletters, and marketing collateral. Together, these assets will form a cornerstone of the Georgia Military College Leadership Institute, focused on leadership training, individual and organizational professional development, and values-based character education.

True Growth was created by Lieutenant General Lawson Magruder, U.S. Army (Retired), and Byrd Baggett. Magruder’s distinguished military career spanned over three decades with command assignments in prestigious military units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the 25th Infantry Division (Light). He was also the Commanding General of the Joint Readiness Training Center, U.S. Army South in Panama, and the 10th Mountain Division. He is the author of two books. Baggett was a former All-American sprinter and two-time Captain at the University of Texas before he became a Certified Speaking Professional and author of fifteen books on the topics of sales, customer service, leadership, and motivation. Together, they designed a values-based leadership and character education framework that aligns closely with Georgia Military College’s mission, vision, and core values.

Since its founding in 2007, True Growth has developed and delivered leadership training to tens of thousands of individuals across Fortune 100 and 500 companies, the United States Army, as well as small and mid-sized organizations nationwide. Its programming blends curriculum-based learning with real-world application and assessment tools used for coaching, mentoring, and succession planning which makes it adaptable for leaders at every level and across every sector.

The Georgia Military College Foundation recognized the strategic importance and made this investment as a catalyst for long-term impact, ensuring the preservation, growth, and expansion of a proven leadership platform that aligns with GMC’s mission and strengthens its ability to develop leaders at the local, state, and national level.

“From the beginning, True Growth was built on the belief that character matters and leadership is a responsibility,” said Magruder. “Partnering with Georgia Military College allows this work to live within an institution that has championed character-based leadership for over a century. This partnership ensures the principles of True Growth will continue to shape authentic, humble leaders for generations to come.”

“Georgia Military College represents everything True Growth stands for: discipline, integrity, service, and personal responsibility,” said Baggett. “This partnership amplifies the reach of the curriculum and places it within an environment uniquely designed to develop leaders who lead with purpose and values.”

In July 2026, Georgia Military College will expand its strategic planning around the formal launch of a Leadership Institute, which has been an initiative envisioned in institutional planning for more than a decade. COL Nelson Kraft, U.S. Army (Retired) has been appointed Senior Vice President of the Leadership Institute, with LTC Robel Ramirez, U.S. Army (Retired), serving as Vice President.

“This effort represents the next evolution of Georgia Military College’s leadership mission,” said Kraft. “We are building a phased, scalable institute that develops individuals as leaders, strengthens teams, and supports organizations through culture-building, professional development, and experiential learning grounded in real application.”

The Leadership Institute will expand offerings over time to include team-building programs, tailored organizational culture development, continuing education opportunities, and experiential learning through immersive, hands-on exercises designed to build trust, resilience, and teamwork.

Georgia Military College has already seen the impact of True Growth firsthand, having sent 33 current and former employees through the program. Employee feedback has consistently highlighted increased self-awareness, stronger communication skills, clearer leadership identity, and meaningful professional growth.

“True Growth has already made a significant improvement in our leaders,” said Major General Terry McKenrick, U. S. Army (Retired), President of Georgia Military College. “The acquisition of True Growth allows us to fully integrate a proven leadership framework into our education and

training environment while extending its benefits to leaders across our community, state, and nation.”

The Leadership Institute also plans to continue publishing the True Growth newsletter, which provides practical leadership insights and fosters a “community of practice,” including interviews with industry leaders and access to content such as the GMC Leadership Speaker Series.

As part of the launch, Georgia Military College plans to offer a free introductory leadership course to leaders in the local community. In addition to leadership development, the Institute is expected to support local economic growth by attracting organizations, teams, and visitors to Milledgeville for training and development experiences.

Community members and organizations interested in being considered for the free training opportunity are encouraged to submit their contact information to leadership@gmc.edu. Also, those interested in receiving the free True Growth newsletter, including links to the GMC Leadership Speaker Series and information about the progress and developments of the Leadership Institute may also email leadership@gmc.edu.