Dr. Brent Runnels, director of music at Oglethorpe, recently performed with Katie Deal, the daughter of Governor Nathan Deal, at the annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities.

Runnels accompanied Ms. Deal, an accomplished singer, in both the opening song “Georgia on My Mind,” as well as the closing piece, “With a Servant’s Heart.” The latter song was a tribute to Governor Deal in honor of his final awards show as the outgoing Governor of Georgia.

A supporter of the arts and himself a composer, Governor Deal founded the awards in 2012 to recognize exceptional artistic talent in the state of Georgia. Over the last seven years, the awards have recognized 87 individuals and organizations whose contributions have positively impacted the arts and humanities in Georgia.

“Georgia is a state that values creativity and prizes artistic innovation,” Deal said in a press release. “Our state’s creative industries provide some 200,000 jobs for Georgians and generate $62.5 billion in economic impact. These critical sectors serve as catalysts for community revitalization and local economic development while also fueling tourism and spurring innovation.”