University System chancellor set to retire at year’s end

The University System of Georgia will be looking for a new leader after this year.

Hank Huckaby, who has served as the system’s chancellor for five years, announced his retirement Wednesday morning.

Steve Wrigley, executive vice chancellor of administration, is set to become interim chancellor Jan. 1, 2017, the day after Huckaby’s retirement becomes effective, according to a news release.

“The University System is one of the great strengths of Georgia, and I am grateful to have been able to serve with the faculty and staff who bring it to life every day to serve our students,” Huckaby said in a news release. “The University System holds an incredibly bright future for the next generation.”

The USG comprises 29 public colleges and universities, including Middle Georgia State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia College and Gordon State College in University. Since Huckaby took the helm in July 2011, the system’s enrollment has grown from 298,510 students to 318,164 students, an increase of 6.5 percent.

“He has navigated the University System of Georgia with skill and integrity during a period of upheaval in higher education, and Middle Georgia State University is grateful that his support enabled us to prepare for and achieve consolidation and elevation to university status,” Middle Georgia State President Christopher Blake said in an email.

The system has also seen a 14-percent increase in graduates during that same time, which also included several consolidations like the one that created Middle Georgia State from Macon State College and Middle Georgia College.

“Chancellor Huckaby has been a lifelong public servant to the State of Georgia, and public higher education has been his special calling,” said Board of Regents Chairman Kessel Stelling.

Blake echoed those sentiments and said he wished Huckaby “all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

“His leadership, his advice, and his support for our state’s public universities has been invaluable, and I have enjoyed my time working with him,” Blake said.

In his current post, Wrigley oversees day-to-day operations of the university system’s budget, facilities, Information Technology Services, human resources, legal affairs and strategic planning units, according to a news release.

Wrigley previously worked as senior vice president for external affairs and vice president for government relations at The University of Georgia, and as director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

He also has worked in state government, including five years as chief of staff to former Gov. Zell Miller.

This story was originally published August 10, 2016 at 11:53 AM with the headline "University System chancellor set to retire at year’s end."