Politics
Huckaby formally installed as chancellor
By Laura Diamond
Nov 9, 2011Chancellor Hank Huckaby was inducted as the head of the University System of Georgia during a formal ceremony Wednesday at the state Capitol.
While Huckaby has led the system since July, the investiture marked his official swearing in.
The system's 35 college presidents and other dignitaries wore their colorful academic robes for the ceremony. Regents Chairman Ben Tarbutton adorned Huckaby's robe by awarding him the chancellor's medallion.
During a speech, Huckaby stressed the value of higher education, the need for collaboration with the k-12 and the technical college systems, and the duty of the system to spend taxpayer money wisely. He reminded the crowd that today's college students are the state's future leaders and workforce.
The system "is strong and vibrant, but never before has Georgia's well-being been so dependent on our ability to offer world-class college graduates," Huckaby said. "To meet this challenge, we must take the university system to the next level. We must foster and promote a culture of high expectations."
Gov. Nathan Deal described Huckaby as a champion of education who understands the value of learning. As a first-term lawmaker, Huckaby was one of Deal's floor leaders.
"He will not allow this system to isolate itself in an ivory tower, but will uphold a dual commitment to scholarship and research, and to the idea that our academic institutions must prepare students for careers," Deal said.
Huckaby, who has more than 40 years in public service, was former Gov. Sonny Perdue's chief financial officer and ran the state Office of Planning and Budget for former Gov. Zell Miller. He has worked at the University of Georgia, Georgia State University and Gordon College.
Huckaby makes $497,000 a year, which includes a base salary of $425,000 and a housing allowance of $72,000.
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