Board of Regents Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley of the University System of Georgia (USG) have asked an advisory group to review and study the names of buildings and colleges on all USG campuses and report to the Board on any recommended changes.
“It is important to the Board of Regents that USG represents the very best of our state and 333,000 students who are working to attain their degrees from our colleges and universities across the state,” Shailendra said. “I appreciate the time and commitment of all those who have agreed to do this review, and know they will work quickly and thoroughly.”
Members of the group include:
• President Marion Fedrick, Albany State University; Group Chairwoman
• Michael Patrick, Marketing and Strategic Growth, Chick-fil-A
• The Honorable Herbert Phipps, Retired, Georgia Court of Appeals
• Neal J. Quirk, attorney; Executive Vice-Chairman, University of Georgia Foundation
• Dr. Sally Wallace, Dean, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University
“USG’s mission is knowledge, and this action today is a step toward addressing how communities understand the history and context involving our campuses,” Wrigley said. “While the review may be one part of a much broader discussion, I believe it is essential to advance how we serve students and all Georgians. I am grateful to the group’s members and look forward to receiving their recommendations.”
Recommendations from the group will be announced publicly upon completion of its work.
Institution Statements of Support:
President Mark Becker, Georgia State University: “I applaud Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley for appointing a group of distinguished leaders to review and make recommendations on names of buildings on University System of Georgia campuses. Georgia State University looks forward to supporting the work of the advisory group, and to their recommendations.”
President Ángel Cabrera, Georgia Institute of Technology: “I am fully supportive of the effort by the University System of Georgia to examine the names on buildings on our public university campuses. As institutions of higher education, we have an opportunity to serve as an example of thoughtful and inclusive dialogue. Georgia Tech is ready to support this effort and looks forward to any resulting recommendations.”
President Brooks Keel, Augusta University: “I am grateful to Chancellor Wrigley, Chairman Shailendra and the University System Board of Regents for creating a process aimed at thoughtfully reviewing the names associated with its campuses, structures and buildings as we all come together to do the essential work of making our campuses more inclusive places.”
President Kyle Marrero, Georgia Southern University: “Georgia Southern University applauds this measure by the University System of Georgia and welcomes a full review of the historical namings that have taken place at Georgia Southern as part of the University’s goal of achieving inclusive excellence.”
President Jere W. Morehead, University of Georgia: “I want to express my strong support and appreciation to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, particularly Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley, on announcing a distinguished group of civic leaders to engage in this very important and timely work. UGA stands ready to assist and support in this review of names at USG institutions, including those at the University of Georgia.”
President Pamela S. Whitten, Kennesaw State University: “As presidents of the institutions of higher education in Georgia, we are tasked with educating the leaders of tomorrow. An essential part of that work is the commitment to a learning environment and community that allows for all of our students to succeed. I commend the decision by Chairman Shailendra, Chancellor Wrigley and the Board of Regents to appoint an advisory panel to review the naming of buildings on campuses and I look forward to working with system on any recommendations for the future.”
Geoff Collins, Football Head Coach, Georgia Institute of Technology: “I fully support and am grateful to Chairman Shailendra, Chancellor Wrigley and USG for initiating this examination. Creating an inclusive environment is a cornerstone of the culture of Georgia Tech football. I applaud the efforts of USG to examine ways that we can enhance inclusion across our great state.”
Kirby Smart, Football Head Coach, University of Georgia: “As both a UGA alum and the head football coach, I fully support the USG Board of Regents and chancellor’s decision to form this committee to study these important issues. This is an important first step in the right direction to help us evaluate our history and work to bring us closer together.”
