Georgia Gwinnett College President Stanley C. “Stas” Preczewski announced his plans to retire effective May 2019. Preczewski has served as president of GGC since 2014, overseeing the growth of Georgia’s youngest state institution to an enrollment of more than 12,500.

“Whether it’s national rankings, fundraising or accomplishments of our graduates, GGC has been on a remarkable upward trajectory for over 12 consecutive years,” Preczewski said in a message to the campus community. “The credit goes to the faculty, staff and students who shatter records as a matter of routine operations. They have a selfless commitment to our culture and are dedicated to student success in all of its forms. I have been privileged and proud to shoulder this work alongside the members of this community each and every day.”

Preczewski was appointed president in 2014 following eight years of service as the college’s inaugural vice president for academic and student affairs and one year as interim president. He also served one year as interim president at Georgia College and State University.

Prior to joining the administration at GGC, Preczewski served on the faculty of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“President Preczewski is a true leader in every sense of the word,” said Steve Wrigley, chancellor of the University System of Georgia. “He brought a wealth of experience to our youngest institution and guided GGC to continue its path of success. He will be greatly missed as an administrator, educator and friend. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Under Preczewski’s leadership, GGC achieved the following:

• Grew enrollment to more than 12,500.

• Ranked No. 10 in the “Top Public School in the Regional Colleges South” category for 2019 by U.S. News & World Report.

• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report in top 10 for three consecutive years and as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college.

• Became a model of effectiveness, affordability and access in higher education.

Preczewski earned a B.S. in engineering from Cornell University in 1980 and concurrently received his Army officer commission. His other degrees include an M.S. in engineering from the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in national security strategy and planning from the United States Naval War College, and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Missouri.

Before retiring from the U.S. Army in 2006 as a colonel, Preczewski commanded two artillery units with the 2nd and 1st Infantry Divisions. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and Airborne (paratrooper) and Air Assault wings.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will conduct a national search to fill the presidential vacancy, and an announcement of the search committee will be forthcoming at a later date.