Atlanta — October 19, 2006

Interim Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor Beheruz N. Sethna announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) President Michael L. Hanes, effective Jan. 16, 2007.

President Hanes has accepted the position of president and chief executive officer at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, Pa. This hub for the celebration of arts and science in central Pennsylvania opened in 1999 and to date has hosted more than 2.7 million guests in a complex that includes a performance theater, an IMAX theater and a science center.

President Hanes was appointed president of GSW in August 1996 after having served since 1987 as dean of the School of Education at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa.

“Under Michael Hanes’ leadership, Georgia Southwestern has made significant improvements in its academic programs and its plan for renovating buildings, plus the campus raised more than $14 million during its first capital campaign,” Sethna stated. “We are grateful for Dr. Hanes’ contributions as a leader in the University System and for his commitment to public higher education in this state.”

During his more than 10 years at GSW, President Hanes’ accomplishments also have included the creation of a campus historic district that is recognized by the state of Georgia and is under consideration for the National Register of Historic Places; securing roughly $1.5 million in state grants for campus beautification; and the establishment of an Early College program for at-risk high school students, with grant support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Hanes also has led GSW through its centennial celebration, which concludes in December.

A search for Dr. Hanes’ successor will be conducted by the University System of Georgia Chancellor’s Office. Details of the search process will be announced by the University System Office as they are developed.

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