In August 2019, PCOM South Georgia opened an additional location in Moultrie, becoming the first and only medical school in this region of the state. To make this a reality, a host of people came together and supported the effort. Five years later, that community backing not only continues, but has increased in strength.

On Oct. 19, PCOM South Georgia will hold the “A Night to Ignite” celebration, with Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation as its Title Sponsor. The festivities will celebrate its champions by bestowing the Ignite Award on Jim and Jill Matney and Jeter Partners LLC. Through generous sponsorships like that of Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation, as well as ticket sales, the institution has raised money to create new endowed scholarships that will be awarded to students from Southwest Georgia. The celebration event is part of PCOM’s United & Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is focused on raising money for student success.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and the Ignite Award presentations. The Ignite Awards will be presented to honor those whose generosity, commitment, and passion for PCOM South Georgia has had a substantial impact on the institution. The recipients are Jim and Jill Matney, as well as Jeter Partners LLC, owned by brothers Jimmy Jeter and Dan Jeter.

As the chief executive officer of Colquitt Regional Medical Center since August 2011, Jim Matney has played a prominent role in improving healthcare quality in Colquitt County and throughout South Georgia. He was instrumental in helping PCOM establish its South Georgia campus and founding the Georgia South Family Medicine and Psychiatry Residency Programs at CRMC. Colquitt Regional has experienced record growth under Matney's leadership. In 2023, CRMC opened the Ameris Bank Graduate Medical Education Center, which, in addition to housing residency programs, features an auditorium and four simulation labs for in-depth training.

The Matneys are dedicated supporters of their community. Jim has been chair of the Colquitt County Economic Development Authority, chair of Colquitt County United Way, and a Georgia Hospital Association board member. In 2022, Jill received the Service Award from the Moultrie Service League, honoring her for embodying service and demonstrating exemplary support of the League’s efforts. The Matneys have opened their home on numerous occasions to host events for their church, First Baptist Church of Moultrie, and PCOM South Georgia. Jill also served on the Celebration Committee that planned the “A Night to Ignite” celebration, capitalizing on her network in the region.

Brothers Jimmy Jeter and Dan Jeter own Jeter Partners, LLC, a real estate partnership that develops owner-occupied commercial properties for office and professional use. As local real estate developers, the Jeters recognized the need for additional medical facilities in the area. They developed 15 acres near Colquitt Regional Medical Center, starting with one OB/GYN practice that has grown to include nine different medical offices. That positive experience inspired them to consider the possibility of establishing a school to educate physicians and other healthcare professionals. Through Jeter Partners, LLC, they acquired 130 acres of land in Moultrie and donated 30 acres of the tract to PCOM. It is on this land that PCOM South Georgia now sits.

• An online silent auction will be included as part of the “A Night to Ignite,” celebration and those proceeds will be added to the new endowed scholarships for South Georgia students. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase individual tickets, visit campaign.pcom.edu/celebration.