Atlanta — April 18, 2001

John Randolph Pierce, provost of the Lawrenceville campus of Georgia Perimeter College, today was named president of Floyd College, in Rome, Georgia, by the Board of Regents and University System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen R. Portch, effective June 15, 2001.

Pierce has served in his current role since 1996. From 1994 to 1999, he also served as the interim director of the Gwinnett University System Center, a collaborative effort among Georgia Perimeter College, Gwinnett Technical College, Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.

“This was a national search and I am very pleased that an individual of Randy’ experience and abilities came out on top,” said Portch. “Randy is truly an outstanding product of the University System of Georgia, having earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees and having worked his entire professional career in the System. He is eminently suited to position Floyd College over the upcoming years, as it rises to meet the needs of a fast-growing area of the state.”

Pierce’ professional career in the University System began at Georgia State University, where he worked as a conference coordinator from 1973-1975 and as a program development specialist for the College of Education from 1975-1977.

He then began what was to be a 24-year career at Georgia Perimeter College, starting as the business manager for the Community Campus from 1977-1979, and holding a number of administrative positions at the College’ various campuses, including continuing education coordinator, program director and registrar, before becoming in 1988 the campus administrative dean for the Lawrenceville campus, a post he held until becoming provost.

Pierce has had a number of articles published dealing with the public schools, community colleges and continuing education and has led a number of seminars dealing with developing partnerships between public schools and two- and four-year colleges.

He has served on numerous college and University System committees dealing with issues such as grant processes, search committees, facilities, programming, master planning, academic program development and other subjects.

He has been active in his community, serving in various volunteer and leadership capacities with the Duluth Rotary Club, the Duluth High School, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the American Heart Association.

Pierce was in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1969-1974. Pierce earned all his higher education degrees from Georgia State University, including a bachelor’ in business administration, a masters of education and a doctorate in educational leadership.

He and his wife Claire have four children: Ashley Crowder, Maggie Pierce, and Jay and Kap Yarbrough.

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