Dr. Greg Tanner Named President of South Georgia State College

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has named Dr. Gregory M. Tanner South Georgia State College president, effective immediately. Tanner had been serving as interim president since February 1, 2023, following the appointment of former SGSC President Ingrid Thompson-Sellers to the presidency of Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue praised the decision, saying Tanner had provided steady, student-focused leadership throughout his time in the interim role and had earned the trust of students and families the college serves.

SGSC grew enrollment for three consecutive years between 2022 and 2024, including a 14.7% increase in Summer 2023 that earned a Chancellor’s Cup award, and largely sustained those gains through Fall 2025. In October 2025, the college completed its first-ever major fundraising campaign, “The Heart of South Georgia,” raising more than $2.1 million, and earned reaccreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tanner was also recognized nationally when Phi Theta Kappa honored him with its 2025 Paragon Award for New Presidents, given to 25 college presidents nationwide based on nominations from campus students. In March 2026, he received the Dr. Zeb L. Burrell MD Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia EMS Association for his role in creating a new Emergency Services concentration in SGSC’s School of Business.

Tanner also led the college’s recovery following Hurricane Helene, working alongside campus crews to clear debris and ensure the safety of students and staff.

“I’m humbled by the trust Chancellor Perdue and the Board of Regents have placed in me,” Tanner said. “I look forward to working alongside our great faculty and staff to build an even brighter future for Hawk Nation.”

Tanner first came to what was then South Georgia College in 2012 as dean of students and later served as vice president for advancement, government relations and athletics. Prior to higher education, he worked as a K-12 principal in Georgia and South Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University, master’s degrees in physical education and education leadership from Valdosta State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and supervision from Nova Southeastern University.

South Georgia State College operates campuses in Douglas and Waycross, along with an entry program at Valdosta State University, serving approximately 1,900 students across a 15-county region.