Community mourns passing of Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan

Published 8:26 am Monday, November 13, 2023

The community is mourning the loss of Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan (Ret.), former president of Georgia Military College.

Boylan passed away Sunday at his home, according to a statement posted by GMC.

After a 31-year decorated military career, Boylan became the 20th president of GMC in 1992, the longest-serving president in the school’s history.

The full statement posted on GMC’s social media pages Sunday reads:

“It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan (USA, Ret). He passed away surrounded by family at his home this morning in Milledgeville. Our Chairman of the Board of Trustees, George Hogan shared, ‘On behalf of the Board of Trustees I share our deepest condolences for the Boylan family. Major General Boylan fostered a legacy that will resonate for generations to come. He left an indelible mark on GMC and his memory will live inside our gates forevermore.’

Maj. Gen. Boylan dedicated 31 years of service in the United States Army between 1961 and 1992 in a decorated and distinguished military career. After graduating from the United States Military Academy, he went on to serve two combat tours in the Vietnam War and took part in the invasion of Grenada with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later returned to teach at the United States Military Academy as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and some years later returned as the Commandant of Cadets. For many years, he continued to serve on the board of trustees for the United States Military Academy. He also served as the Commanding General of the storied 10th Mountain Division. His awards and decorations include several for Valor in combat and Distinguished Service. Additionally, he is a 2006 Honorary Alumnus of GMC and while as President served on our Board of Trustees and our Foundation.

Maj. Gem/ Boylan‘s love for his country and education were a perfect marriage at Georgia Military College. Forever a patriot, Soldier, educator, and servant leader; his mark on GMC is seen all over the campus. MG Boylan became the 20th president of Georgia Military College in 1992 and remains the longest-serving president since our founding in 1879. MG Boylan is most remembered as restoring GMC’s financial stability during his almost 21-year tenure. During his two decades of service, MG Boylan made the strategic decision to restore and renovate almost every building at GMC’s Main Campus in Milledgeville. Additionally, the Preparatory School and Junior College soared to new heights academically and solidified their reputation not only for excellence in the classroom but for producing outstanding young men and women of exceptional character.

President of Georgia Military College, Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, USA (Ret.) shared, ‘We are incredibly grateful to Major General Boylan for his leadership for 21 years. Through his commitment and dedication to our institution, he left a legacy that we continue to build on today. We will remember him and the contributions and impact he made on our great institution.’

MG Boylan and his wife Kathy had five children: two sons and three daughters. One of them, Emily, taught at GMC for 15 years and two of his grandsons, Elliot and Liam, graduated from the Preparatory School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they navigate this difficult time.”