Gov. Nathan Deal appointed another major backer to the State Board of Regents.

Neal Pruitt Jr., CEO of the health care company UHS-Pruitt Corp., will join the board. The 18-member group oversees the 35 public colleges in the University System of Georgia.

Pruitt, a member of Deal's transition team, donated to the governor's campaign. His family and company also contributed, according to campaign finance records.

He joins Philip Wilheit, another campaign donor, who Deal named to the regents in January.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson — pictured during a news conference in October — said Wednesday he didn't think the Election Day wins for Democrats were "any reflection about Republicans at all." (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez