Alumnus Pruitt joins STEM Advisory Board

Dr. Stephen Pruitt, '91, president of the Atlanta-based Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), has joined the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Board.

Pruitt served as keynote speaker at UNG's summer 2018 commencement.

He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from UNG. Pruitt added a master's degree in secondary science education from the University of West Georgia and a doctorate in chemistry education from Auburn University.

UNG's STEM Advisory Board is an advocacy and fundraising group in the College of Science and Mathematics.

Pruitt took over as president of SREB, an interstate compact which seeks to improve public education at all levels, in May 2018.

He previously served as education commissioner for Kentucky. At the national level, he worked closely with state agencies and educators around the country to improve policy and practice in science education. 

Pruitt held the roles of science and mathematics program manager, director of academic standards, associate state superintendent for assessment and accountability, and chief of staff while working for the Georgia Department of Education from 2003-10.

He also served as a board member to the Council of Chief State School Officers, president of the Council of State Science Supervisors and the National Research Council's Board on Science Education.