Atlanta - TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson announced today that he has offered a position in the TCSG headquarters to Dr. Ruth Nichols, the president of North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville.

Nichols has accepted and will begin her new job, as the special assistant to the TCSG’s deputy commissioner, on July 1.

“I’m pleased that Dr. Nichols has agreed to accept this new assignment,” said Jackson. “She and I both feel that this is the time to best utilize her considerable skills and knowledge in the field of technical and adult education by moving her up to a statewide role in the TCSG’s Atlanta office.

‘Dr. Nichols has taken NGTC to great heights during her eight years as president, and her top two priorities have always been the success of her students and the college’s positive impact on the local workforce,” added Jackson.  “Now, her commitment and dedication will benefit our entire system of 33 colleges.” 

Dr. Nichols stated that while she’ll miss the campus environment, serving the state through the system office will allow her to greater utilize her long experience in technical education and adult literacy. 

“North Georgia Tech is an outstanding institution with an amazing staff, faculty, and group of board members that have produced a positive record of serving our students and the NGTC communities,” said Nichols.  “I’m proud to have guided the college into its second century and very blessed to have been a part of its rich history.  My heart will always be at NGTC.  Now, I’m looking forward to new challenges at the statewide level.”

Jackson has asked Steve Dougherty, the president of North Metro Technical College in Acworth, to serve as the interim president of NGTC.  He’ll start on July 1 and then return to his college after a new president is named for NGTC.
 
In the coming weeks, Jackson will name a presidential search committee made up of business and community leaders from the area served by NGTC.  The committee will conduct a screening and interview process for the next president, then name three finalists for interviews with Jackson and his senior staff at the TCSG’s Atlanta office. 

Jackson’s selection will be announced after he or she is approved by the state board that oversees the TCSG. 

The entire search process is expected to take from four to six months.

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