Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted today to name Thomas A. Fanning as the sole finalist for chancellor of the University System of Georgia (USG). 

Fanning is set to succeed Chancellor Sonny Perdue, who announced his retirement in April after four decades of public service, and will take the helm of one of the nation’s top public university systems with 25 public colleges and universities, more than 50,000 faculty and staff and more than 382,000 students statewide.

A veteran corporate leader, Fanning spent 13 years at the helm of Southern Company before retiring in 2023. His 40-year career in public-private leadership, complex operations and deep engagement in higher education positions him to lead USG through an evolving landscape of workforce demands, research initiatives and technological innovation.

“Our university system's strong reputation brought us exceptional candidates from across the country, but Tom Fanning stood out immediately,” Board Chair David B. Dove said. “With four decades of experience running one of the largest energy companies in the nation, Tom knows how to manage complex operations, solve big problems and lead people. He cares deeply about Georgia, understands the power of higher education and has the proven leadership to guide USG forward.”