George Ellis, MD, honored by alma mater

Old Fort, NC, resident receives honorary degree from university

Williamsburg, KY (10/23/2023) — University of the Cumberlands was proud to honor distinguished alumni at the school's annual Homecoming celebration. George Ellis, MD, a longtime resident of Old Fort, NC, was awarded honorary an degree from the university, as the school was still a junior college back when he attended.

George Ellis, MD, was born in 1937 in Whitley County, KY, but has resided in North Carolina the majority of his life. He enrolled at Cumberland College (then a two-year college), graduating in 1956. Dr. Ellis went on to graduate from Berea College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1958. He married that same year and attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine, graduating in 1962 with his Doctor of Medicine degree. In 1963, Dr. Ellis was drafted and served in the US Air Force as chief of advanced medicine in their Medical Services Section and as branch chief of Medical and Surgical Section before his honorable discharge in 1965. Roughly one week after his discharge from the USAF, he opened a private medical practice in Old Fort, NC, which was incorporated in 1971 as Old Fort Medical Clinic. Delivering more than 3,000 babies, Dr. Ellis worked at the clinic until his retirement in 2003. He continued working in a hospital-owned clinic until 2007, fully retiring at age 70. Dr. Ellis was an active member of the North Carolina State Medical Society, the McDowell County Medical Society, and was a Certified Board Member of the American Academy of Family Practice. For decades, he has also been heavily involved in his community and church, which he continues in his retirement. He and his wife live in Old Fort, NC.

Cumberlands is proud to honor distinguished alumni such as Dr. Ellis for their accomplishments, work ethic, character, and service to others. Not only has Dr. Ellis represented the values of his alma mater, but he has also shown unwavering devotion to the improvement of society, using his knowledge, skills, and talents to advance his community toward health, safety, unity, and success.

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Dr. Larry Cockrum, UC president (left), hands George Ellis, MD (right), his honorary degree.