USG Announces New Presidents at Clayton State University and Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Staff Report

Thursday, January 19th, 2023

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Georj Lewis president of Clayton State University and Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers president of Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC), effective Feb. 1, 2023.

Lewis currently serves as president of AMSC, a position he has held since November 2019 after first being appointed as AMSC’s interim president on July 1, 2019.

Thompson-Sellers currently serves as president of South Georgia State College (SGSC), a position she has held since May 2017 after first being appointed as the college’s interim president on June 30, 2016.

“Both Dr. Lewis and Dr. Thompson-Sellers are experienced leaders who understand the university system’s top priority is our students and their success, both on campus and in the workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Dr. Lewis made an immediate impact on AMSC, including strengthening its partnerships within metro Atlanta. Dr. Thompson-Sellers has been a staunch advocate for her students, faculty and staff as she has built up the college’s workforce programs based on community needs. I look forward to the continued success of both as they take on these new roles.”

Clayton State has been led by interim President Kerry L. Heyward since April 6, 2022. With Lewis’ appointment, Heyward will transition back to her role as university attorney for Georgia State University, where she is a member of the senior leadership team.

“Clayton State University helps metro Atlanta thrive with top-ranked programs including nursing and by being the best support for students as they improve social mobility and advance their dreams and careers,” Lewis said. “It’s an honor to join with Laker Nation’s faculty and staff to help cement its reputation as one of the best state universities in Georgia. I’m also incredibly grateful for the students, faculty and staff of AMSC. It’s been an honor to be a part of their journey toward success.”

“AMSC’s strong academic mission and student-focused degree programs are a testament to its legacy of making higher accessible to more Georgians,” Thompson-Sellers said. “I look forward to helping my new campus family continue blazing those new trails and thank my SGSC family for their hard work and amazing support of the college and its students.”

A transition plan for SGSC will be announced soon.