Michael F. Adams Papers

Michael F. Adams was born on March 25, 1948, in Montgomery, Alabama. He received a B.A. in speech from David Lipscomb College in 1970, before completing a PhD in political communication at Ohio State University in 1973. While at Ohio State University, Adams taught several courses relating to politics and public speaking. After leaving Ohio State University in 1975, he held a number of political positions, including the roles of administrator for Senator Howard Baker's staff and as the Republican nominee for the House of Representatives for a district in Tennessee in 1980.

In 1982, Adams came to Pepperdine University as vice president of university affairs. During his tenure at Pepperdine, he implemented the Wave of Excellence giving campaign, which sought to raise $100 million for the university. He oversaw the campaign until its completion in 1989, and went on to serve as the president of Centre College in Kentucky. During his time at Centre College, the university's endowment tripled. He stepped down from this position in 1997, when he accepted the role of president at the University of Georgia. He held this position for 16 years, retiring in June 2013.