Atlanta — May 3, 2012

Today’s announcement by University of Georgia President Michael Adams that he will step down on June 30, 2013 will mark the conclusion of 16 years leading one of the nation’s top public universities. In response to Adams’ announcement, Governor Nathan Deal, Board of Regents Chairman Benjamin Tarbutton III and University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby each made a statement.

Governor Nathan Deal said, “President Michael Adams has dedicated his most productive years to our University System’s flagship institution, the University of Georgia. He will leave behind a tremendous legacy, and his tenure will have long-lasting positive effects. Under his leadership, the University of Georgia has grown in size and in stature. These changes are manifested in the tremendous physical improvements to the school, particularly the development of East Campus and the beautification of South Campus, and by the soaring rankings of the University of Georgia. President Adams led the university to new levels of excellence and prestige. I congratulate him on his many successes and wish him the best in his final year as president of UGA.”

Tarbutton said, “Dr. Adams has transformed UGA during his years as president. Once I was named to the Board of Regents, I began to see first hand how his sure hand and sound leadership was creating a world-class research university. Students who attend UGA today enjoy an outstanding academic environment, state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and some of the best faculty in the nation, thanks to his leadership. Speaking for the Board of Regents, Dr. Adams’ leadership is both deeply appreciated and will be sorely missed once he steps down.”

Huckaby noted that he had observed President Adams in his work both outside and inside UGA. “I have seen Dr. Adams dedicated work on behalf of UGA throughout his tenure. I was fortunate to work in his administration and witnessed first hand his efforts to make the University a nationally recognized institution, respected for its teaching, its research and its public service. Georgia has been extremely fortunate to have brought Dr. Adams to UGA and his record is one that has put the University in a much stronger position than before he arrived. We thank him for his service and his leadership.”

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