UNG students featured in investiture of new USG Chancellor

Students from the University of North Georgia (UNG) played key roles in the formal investiture of University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Steve Wrigley at the Georgia State Capitol on May 3.

An investiture is an academic ceremony in which a new leader is ‘vested’ with the official powers of office. Gov. Nathan Deal presided over the ceremony for the 13^th chancellor of the USG. As chancellor, Wrigley leads the state’s public college network of 28 institutions, an $8.4 billion annual budget, more than 48,000 faculty and staff, and 320,000 students.

Oreva Aki, president of the Student Government Association at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus, was one of only two students from across the state included in the ceremony’s processional and provided greetings from the students. The ceremony also featured the Boar’s Head Brigade Color Guard, highlighting UNG’s role as The Military College of Georgia.

"As a member of the USG Student Advisory Committee, I have had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Wrigley and have been impressed with his honesty, his integrity and his willingness to advocate for higher graduation rates and college affordability. Dr. Wrigley has also focused on student leadership and, as an example, has included students on System-wide committees, and in discussions designed to improve student enrollment and retention," Aki said.

UNG President Bonita Jacobs, along with presidents from other USG colleges and universities, participated in the ceremony’s processional, also.

"I am very proud that our students were among the few selected to participate in this important event," Jacobs said. “UNG’s mission is focused on producing leaders, and for our students to be selected for roles in the investiture is a testament to their achievement and capabilities.”

Prior to becoming chancellor, Wrigley served as executive vice chancellor of administration for the USG from June 2011 until his appointment as chancellor. As executive vice chancellor of administration, Wrigley oversaw the day-to-day operations of the System’s budget, facilities, Information Technology Services, human resources, legal affairs and strategic planning units.

Wrigley formerly served as senior vice president for external affairs, as well as vice president for government relations, at the University of Georgia. He also served as director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Prior to his work in the USG, he worked in state government in Georgia, including five years as chief of staff to former Governor Zell Miller. During his career, Wrigley has worked on a number of key issues, including the creation of the state lottery and the HOPE scholarship, along with campus consolidations within the USG. Wrigley earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and his doctorate in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.