270 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30334
The University System of Georgia governs state-operated institutions of higher education in Georgia—four research universities, four comprehensive universities, nine state universities, and nine state colleges. These 26 public institutions are located throughout the state. A constitutional Board of Regents governs the University System, which has been in operation since 1932. Appointments of Board members–five from the state-at-large and one from each of the state’s Congressional Districts–are made by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. The regular term of Board members is seven years. The Chancellor, who is not a member of the Board, is the chief executive officer of the Board and the chief administrative officer of the University System. The overall programs and services of the University System are offered through three major components: Instruction, Research, and Public Service and Continuing Education
Instruction consists of programs of study leading toward degrees, ranging from the associate (two-year) level to the doctoral level, and certificates. Requirements for admission of students to instructional programs at each institution are determined, pursuant to policies of the Board of Regents, by the institution. The Board establishes minimum academic standards and leaves to each institution the prerogative to establish higher standards. Applications for admission should be addressed in all cases to the institutions.
Research encompasses investigations conducted primarily for discovery and application of knowledge. These investigations, conducted on campuses and at many off-campus locations, cover a large number and a variety of matters related to the educational objectives of the institutions and to general societal needs. Most of the research is conducted through the research universities; however, some of it is conducted through several of the other institutions.
Public Service and Continuing Education consists of non-degree activities, primarily, and special types of university-degree-credit courses. The non-degree activities are of several types, including short courses, seminars, conferences, lectures, and consultative and advisory services, in a large number of areas of interest. Typical university-degree-credit public service/continuing education courses are those offered through extension center programs and teacher education consortia.
The policies of the Board of Regents for the government, management, and control of the University System and the administrative actions of the Chancellor provide autonomy of high degree for each institution. The executive head of each institution is the President, whose election is recommended by the Chancellor and approved by the Board. State appropriations for the University System are requested by, and are made to, the Board of Regents. Allocation of the appropriations is made by the Board.
Members of the Board of Regents
Alford, C. Dean (2019)
Cummiskey, Chris (2022)
Gudenrath, W. Allen (2024)
Holmes, Barbara Rivera (2024)
Hopkins, C. Thomas, Jr. (2024)
Hull, James M. (2023)
James, Erin (2023)
Leebern, Donald M., Jr. (2019)
Marsh, Laura (2020)
Pruitt, Neil L., Jr. (2024)
Reed, Sarah-Elizabeth (2024)
Shailendra, Sachin (2021)
Smith, E. Scott (2020)
Stelling, Kessel D., Jr. (2022)
Tarbutton, Benjamin J., III (2020)
Tucker, Richard L. (2019)
Wade, Thomas Rogers (2020)
Waters, Don L. (2024)
Wilheit, Philip A., Sr. (2022)
Principal Officers of the Board of Regents
Steve Wrigley, Chancellor
Tristan Denley, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer
Patricia P. Chastain, Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration
Robert Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Educational Access and Success
Edward Tate, Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs
Marion Fedrick, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
Jim James, Vice Chancellor for Real Estate and Facilities
Joyce A. Jones, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Robert H. Laurine, Vice chancellor and Chief Information Officer
Shelley C. Nickel, Executive Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Fiscal Affairs
John Fuchko III, Vice Chancellor for Organizational Effectiveness
Charles Sutlive, Vice Chancellor for Communications and Government Affairs
Terry Thompson, Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit and Chief Audit Officer
Institutions of the University System of Georgia
Research Universities
Augusta University, Augusta 30912
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332
Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303
University of Georgia, Athens 30602
Comprehensive Universities
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw 30144
University of West Georgia, Carrollton 30118
Valdosta State University, Valdosta 31698
State Universities
Albany State University, Albany 31705
Clayton State University, Morrow 30260
Columbus State University, Columbus 31907
Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley 31030
Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville 31061
Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus 31709
Middle Georgia State University, Macon 31206
Savannah State University, Savannah 31404
University of North Georgia, Dahlonega 30597
State Colleges
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton 31793
Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Atlanta 30310
College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick 31520
Dalton State College, Dalton 30720
East Georgia State College, Swainsboro 30401
Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville 30043
Georgia Highlands College, Rome 30161
Gordon State College, Barnesville 30204
South Georgia State College, Douglas 31533
