University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby will step down in December after five years leading the state's system of public colleges and universities.
Huckaby announced his retirement Wednesday during the monthly meeting of the state’s Board of Regents, which governs the college system.
“I have met with Board this morning and have told them it’s time for this guy to throw in the hand,” Huckaby said Wednesday morning fighting back tears. “My hope is that our legacy, the work we have done together not only on the Board of Regents but so many sitting around the room today, that we can proudly say that this is a better system than we accepted. I walk away from this job … knowing that one of the greatest assets that this state has to offer is its university system.”
His last day in the position will be Dec. 31.
Huckaby has been an instrumental figure in forming the state’s higher education policy and makeup over the past few years. During his tenure, he led the mergers of a number of state colleges and universities, including the largest consolidation of Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College. Huckaby has also led the system’s efforts in cutting college costs for students and the fight against repeated attempts to allow guns on college campuses.
Huckaby was appointed chancellor in 2011. He had been one of the governor’s state House floor leaders, and was a former state budget director and university administrator before being elected to the General Assembly. He was the first in-state chancellor to be hired by the Board of Regents in more than two decades.
Visit myAJC for details on who will succeed Huckaby as interim chancellor in January.
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