Atlanta — September 9, 2010

Susan Herbst, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer of the University System of Georgia (USG), announced today that she has accepted the resignation of North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) President David L. Potter, which will occur by the end of the year.

Dr. Potter, who has served the University System in this role since January 1, 2005, also announced the news today to faculty and staff during the university’s annual convocation ceremony. Herbst noted that Potter had indicated in communications to her a desire to move out of the presidential role and return to scholarship.

“Dr. Potter has been a wonderful president for North Georgia and a significant contributor to the Board of Regents’ strategic efforts for the entire University System,” said Herbst. As one example, she noted Potter’s leadership of a system-wide task force to review philanthropic giving at all 35 USG institutions and recommendations to help increase private giving.

Since the beginning of Potter’s presidency, the university has seen record growth in student enrollment and its Corps of Cadets. Preliminary enrollment numbers for fall 2010 indicate the university could have almost 6,000 students, which would mark an 8.5 percent increase over the previous year. The university’s Corps of Cadets, with nearly 800 cadets, is at its strongest point in the university’s history.

Consistent with the university’s mission, Potter directed a strategic planning process designed to help provide students with an educational experience that prepares them for life and leadership in a global community. Also, he has led efforts to create educational and community collaborations that help meet the region’s needs for higher education and economic development.

North Georgia is one of six senior military colleges in the United States and is uniquely designated as the Military College of Georgia and as a state leadership institution for civilian and cadet students.

Herbst said that a national search will be conducted for Potter’s successor. Details on the search process, which will include the campus and the local community, will be announced at a future date. The Board of Regents will make the final decision on North Georgia’s next president.

View the NGCSU news release

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