Testament, Old Testament, and Hebrew courses and was active in public relations for the college through service to area churches and speaking opportunities throughout the region. Mercer University He worked for Mercer University for more than eleven years (1991–2003), as Associate Provost and Associate Professor. Staton led Mercer's academic publishing efforts through Mercer University Press, with responsibility for encouraging and assisting faculty in their research and publishing endeavors. He taught courses for the Roberts Department of Religion in the College of Liberal Arts and undertook special administrative assignments as directed by the President or Provost of the University. He served on the study committee that led to the establishment of the McAfee School of Theology and as a presidential fellow in 2002, traveling to 15 comprehensive universities around the country leading to the publication of A Sturdy American Hybrid (Mercer University Press, 2003). Staton led University Advancement activities that secured more than $4,500,000 in endowment for the Mercer University Press. University System of Georgia Following his business career and decade as a Georgia politician, in June 2015, University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced the appointment of Staton as Vice-Chancellor for Extended Education for the University System of Georgia (USG). Staton was responsible for International Education, Professional and Continuing Education, Entrepreneurship Education, and Military Affairs for the University System of Georgia, comprising 28 colleges and universities including four R-1 institutions: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Augusta University. He served as the Chief International Officer for the USG. He worked with the Board of Regent's economic development office to identify expansion opportunities with the private sector, government, and USG supporters. Staton led efforts (2014–2015) to create the Georgia Film Academy, to support the workforce needs of Georgia's film and digital entertainment industry. Valdosta State University In April 2014, University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced the appointment of Staton as interim President of Valdosta State University. During the interim year, Staton led efforts to balance the 2016—2017 budget by reducing expenditures by $4.4 million. He developed a $2 million marketing, branding, and imaging campaign aimed at increasing enrollment and established the VSU $1 Million Innovation Fund for proposals leading to an increase in enrollment, credit hour production, and improved graduation rates. East Carolina University On April 27, 2016, Staton was named Chancellor of East Carolina University, replacing outgoing chancellor Steve Ballard. Initiatives at ECU included: launching