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.

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Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) shown in the Senate chambers on day 18 of the Georgia Legislative session on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

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University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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