Dr. Gene E. Michaels

Dr. Gene Earl Michaels, 82, of Winterville, GA passed away June 6, 2011, surrounded by his family of friends. He was born April 18, 1929 to Richard Herschel and Edna Edith Folk Michaels, in South Bend, Indiana. He came to Ft. Benning, Georgia as an airman in the Air Force. While stationed at Ft. Benning, he began what would become an extensive University of Georgia education, finishing his BS in Athens in 1958, then a Master's of Science in 1961. He received his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1967 and served thereafter as Instructor, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor. Gene adopted Athens as his home upon completion of his studies.
One of Dr. Michaels's areas of scientific expertise was medical mycology, the study of fungal diseases that affect humans and animals, such as yeast infections and athlete's foot. For many decades, his lecture and laboratory course, Medical Mycology, was well known to undergraduates, who appreciated the extensive field and practical exercises. Dr. Michaels had a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with students. Hundreds of UGA Honor students who took his courses went on to become physicians, veterinarians, and dentists. He also spread his knowledge to at least three generations of research scientists at UGA.
In 1984, he received the Sandy Beaver Teaching Award given by the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Dr. Michaels left an indelible mark in UGA outreach by creating the Office of Academic Special Programs (OASP) and becoming its first Director. Because of his efforts, the University continues to administer the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, Georgia Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, College Board Advanced Placement Institutes and the History Day Program. While Director of the OASP, he traveled extensively throughout the state and the world promoting Science and Engineering Fairs. In 1990 he was elected to the International Science and Engineering Fair Advisory Board and during his second term he was elected as Chairman. He served as director of the OASP until his retirement in 1998 and was awarded Director Emeritus status upon his retirement. Among his many other contributions to the University, he designed the official seal of UGA's Franklin College in 1984.
During his career, Dr. Michaels served as president of many regional fraternal and scientific organizations, including Phi Sigma Society, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, and the Southeastern Society for Electron Microscopy. In 1999, he received the Ivan Roth Award for Outstanding Service from the Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. He not only gave professional support to scientific organizations and his alma mater, UGA, he also provided personal financial support for the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair and the Performing Arts Center. He also made donations for student fellowships in the Microbiology department and for the Campus Arboretum maintenance fund. He led by example, encouraging and supporting The University of Georgia in its mission to offer diverse educational opportunities, to foster a love of learning, and to promote the interaction of educators within our community.
Dr. Michaels was an avid Bulldog fan attending football games for more than 35 years. In 2008, he completed one of his goals of traveling to every SEC football stadium while attending a Bulldog game at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. He supported both the UGA football and women's gymnastics teams.
Dr. Michaels returned from his trip to Siberia minus his crew cut of 60 years. Because of the severe cold in Russia, he let his hair grow long and his beard full. This delighted children who saw him, to the point that he was reluctant to trim his hair or beard. He chose to become the image of Santa Claus, excelling in the role for the UGA Alumni Foundation and at other events in Athens and surrounding communities.
The generosity that he bestowed to the University of Georgia, his colleagues, students and the Athens' community will be remembered for many years to come. A memorial service will be held in late summer to celebrate his life.