Atlanta — May 10, 2011

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Bonita Jacobs, executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, president of North Georgia College & State University.

“Dr. Jacobs’ wealth of experience as both an executive and professor is key to the development of students and leaders,” said Chancellor Erroll B. Davis, Jr. “We are excited about the continued development of North Georgia under her guidance.”

Regent Richard L. Tucker, chair of the Special Regents’ Committee for the presidential search at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, added that, “Dr. Jacobs’ focus on helping students adjust to the college experience and preparation for the future is a perfect fit for North Georgia, which specializes in leadership training and producing leaders.”

Jacobs will assume her post on July 1, 2011, according to Chancellor Davis. She will replace North Georgia President David Potter, who in September 2010 announced his retirement. Dr. Potter has served as president of North Georgia since January 1, 2005.

“I am very excited to have been selected as the next president of North Georgia College & State University. The university has so many outstanding characteristics, including its senior military college status, that it’s no surprise it’s a state-designated leadership institution. I look forward to building on the university’s extraordinarily rich heritage, and I am quite eager to transition to the beautiful North Georgia mountains,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs is also a tenured professor in Counseling and Higher Education. She previously served as vice president for Student Development at UNT (1998-2009), vice chancellor for student development (interim) and dean of students at Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, North Carolina), and in numerous positions at Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Texas).

Jacobs is the former editor of The Journal of College Orientation and Transition and has served on three other editorial boards. Her publications include The College Transfer Student in America: The Forgotten Student and Starting From Scratch (a first-year experience textbook), and numerous chapters, journal articles, and reviews. She has received more than three million dollars in grant funding and is a frequent keynote speaker and consultant on transfer student issues.

Jacobs earned both a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and history and a master’s degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University. She received her doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University (College Station).

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