University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue today named Dr. Gregory M. Tanner interim president of South Georgia State College (SGSC), effective Feb. 1, 2023.
Tanner currently serves as SGSC’s vice president for advancement, government relations and athletics, and first came to what was then South Georgia College in 2012 as dean of students. The college consolidated with Waycross College in 2013 to form the institution it is today.
“Greg knows and loves the SGSC community, has been one of the college’s biggest advocates and has good experience working on the academic side to promote student success in the classroom and in the workforce,” Perdue said. “I appreciate his willingness to serve and know he will provide strong support for the college as we take next steps with the campus community to find a new president.”
Tanner’s interim appointment comes after the USG Board of Regents last week named SGSC President Ingrid Thompson-Sellers president of Atlanta Metropolitan State College, also effective Feb. 1, 2023.
In his current role, Tanner oversees SGSC’s Title IX compliance, intercollegiate athletics and advancement and government relations. Among other roles at the college, he has also served as executive director of government relations and athletics as well as executive director of enrollment management.
“It’s an honor to help lead a college that has been so integral to the workforce and well-being of our communities in South Georgia,” Tanner said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and will work with SGSC’s students, faculty and staff to celebrate their accomplishments, support them in times of struggles and give them a place they can call home.”
Tanner has been involved in some form of education his entire career. Prior to SGSC, he served as a school principal at primary, elementary and high schools in Douglas, Ware Shoals and Nicholls. He’s also in the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Hall of Fame, having been named the Georgia Region XVII Softball Coach of the Year after leading ABAC to the 1995 National Junior College Athletic Association Softball Championship.
Tanner earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Georgia Southern University, and master’s degrees in both physical education and education leadership from Valdosta State University. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership and supervision from Nova Southeastern University.