Atlanta — November 6, 2014

University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby has named Dr. Tom Hackett as interim president of Columbus State University (CSU).

Hackett currently serves as CSU’s provost and vice-president for academic affairs. He will assume responsibilities on Jan. 1, 2015, after current President Tim Mescon retires on Dec. 31, 2014.

“Serving in the role of CSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Tom has clearly demonstrated his leadership capabilities and readiness to take on this responsibility,” said Huckaby. “Tom also brings the distinct and unique perspective as a graduate of Columbus State. Having a proven leader such as Tom ready to step in as interim president is a credit to the deep benchstrength and professional development President Mescon fostered during his tenure at CSU.”

First named as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2010, Hackett was appointed provost and vice-president for academic affairs in 2012. He began his career at CSU in 2004 when he joined the faculty and has served as professor and chair of the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Foundations and director of graduate studies for the College of Education and Health Professions.

In 2006, Hackett was named to the College of Education Hall of Fame, honored as an Outstanding Teacher of Writing in 2008, and received the Thomas E. Harrison Leadership Award in 2009.

Prior to joining Columbus State, Hackett served in many capacities in the public school systems of Phenix City, Ala. and Alexander City, Ala. His roles included high school teacher, assistant principal, principal, system-level chief of auxiliary services and superintendent.

Hackett received a bachelor of arts and a master of education from Columbus College, which is CSU today, an educational specialist degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and a doctorate of education degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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