Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue to Retire After Historic Career

Perdue's 40-year tenure spanned roles from local zoning board to U.S. Agriculture Secretary

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the floor, conveying a sense of transition and change.The impending retirement of Georgia's long-serving higher education chancellor marks the end of an era in state politics.Atlanta Today

Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that he will retire from his job overseeing the state's 25 public colleges and universities, ending a career that spanned more than four decades, from service on a local zoning board to the cabinet of President Donald Trump, with two terms as governor in between.

Why it matters

Perdue's retirement marks the end of an era for Georgia's higher education system, which has seen record enrollment, modernized campuses, and the launch of new medical education programs under his leadership over the past four years. His focus on affordability and restraining tuition growth has also been a key priority.

The details

Perdue, who assumed the chancellor role in 2022, will leave the post after a national search finds a successor. During his tenure, the University System of Georgia has grown to a $12.1 billion budget with 54,000 employees and 382,000 students. Perdue also worked to eliminate a fee that saved students hundreds of dollars per year and kept tuition growth below inflation.

  • Perdue assumed leadership of the University System of Georgia on April 1, 2022.
  • Perdue announced his retirement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Sonny Perdue

The outgoing Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, who has had a long political career spanning roles from local zoning board to U.S. Agriculture Secretary, as well as two terms as Governor of Georgia.

Brian Kemp

The current Governor of Georgia, who praised Perdue's leadership and the legacy he is leaving behind in the state's higher education system.

Stephen R. Portch

A former Chancellor of the University System of Georgia who will help lead the search committee to find Perdue's successor.

Mark Becker

The former President of Georgia State University who will also assist the search committee in finding Perdue's replacement.

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What they’re saying

“As I prepare to retire, I'm grateful for our presidents, faculty and staff, our students and the many communities that make up this remarkable system.”

— Sonny Perdue, Chancellor, University System of Georgia

“Under his leadership, the system has seen record enrollment, modernized campuses and advanced medical education, including the launch of UGA's new School of Medicine. His time leading the University System of Georgia has solidified a legacy of impact that will continue for generations to come.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

What’s next

The Board of Regents will conduct a national search to find Perdue's successor as Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. The search committee will be assisted by former Chancellor Stephen R. Portch and former Georgia State University President Mark Becker.

The takeaway

Sonny Perdue's retirement marks the end of an influential and historic career in Georgia politics and higher education. His focus on affordability and modernization has left a lasting impact on the state's public college and university system, which will continue to shape the future of education in Georgia.