Board of Regents Names Thomas A. Fanning Sole Finalist for USG Chancellor

Longtime business leader and Georgia Tech alumnus selected to succeed retiring Chancellor Sonny Perdue following a national search.

ATLANTA -- Sept. 16, 2026 -- Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted today to name Thomas A. Fanning as the sole finalist for chancellor of the University System of Georgia (USG).

Fanning is set to succeed Chancellor Sonny Perdue, who announced his retirement in April after four decades of public service, and will take the helm of one of the nation’s top public university systems with 25 public colleges and universities, more than 50,000 faculty and staff and more than 382,000 students statewide.

A veteran corporate leader, Fanning spent 13 years at the helm of Southern Company before retiring in 2023. His 40-year career in public-private leadership, complex operations and deep engagement in higher education positions him to lead USG through an evolving landscape of workforce demands, research initiatives and technological innovation.

“Our university system’s strong reputation brought us exceptional candidates from across the country, but Tom Fanning stood out immediately,” Board Chair David B. Dove said. “With four decades of experience running one of the largest energy companies in the nation, Tom knows how to manage complex operations, solve big problems and lead people. He cares deeply about Georgia, understands the power of higher education and has the proven leadership to guide USG forward.”

About Thomas A. Fanning

Fanning spent more than four decades at Southern Company, culminating in a 13-year tenure as chairman, president and CEO from 2010 to 2023, followed by his service as executive chairman until his retirement in December 2023. As the longest-serving chief executive in the company's history, he helmed the second-largest utility company in the United States, serving approximately 9 million electric and gas customers across nine states.

Fanning joined Southern Company in 1980 as a financial analyst and held 15 distinct roles across executive management, finance, technology and strategy. His previous executive leadership included serving as chief information officer, chief financial officer of Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power and CEO of Gulf Power Company.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Fanning holds both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Industrial Management, as well as an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the institute. His engagement with Georgia Tech spans decades, including leadership roles on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board and the Scheller College of Business Advisory Board. In November 2023, the Board of Regents approved naming Georgia Tech’s new Student-Athlete Performance Center in Fanning's honor, recognizing his sustained philanthropic support and service to his alma mater.

A national authority on energy policy, grid resilience and critical-infrastructure security, Fanning has served as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and chair of the CISA Advisory Board.

“The University System of Georgia is second to none when it comes to keeping a top-tier college education affordable and connecting students directly to great careers,” Fanning said. “Having earned my degrees here and worked alongside these campuses throughout my career, I know how much this system means to Georgia families. I’m honored to be named the sole finalist, and I look forward to working with the Board of Regents, campus leaders, faculty and staff to build on our momentum, support our students and prepare them to lead Georgia’s future workforce.”

About USG

The Board of Regents launched its national search in April after Perdue announced his retirement following four years at USG's helm. His tenure caps a 40-year career in public service, leaving a legacy marked by record enrollment growth, expanded financial support of students and a firm commitment to keeping college affordable. Perdue will continue serving as chancellor through Dec. 31 to ensure a smooth transition.

“Leading USG has been one of the most impactful jobs of my career, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together to keep college affordable, foster innovation and drive record enrollment across our campuses,” Perdue said. “I’m confident that momentum will continue under Tom Fanning, a proven leader who deeply understands Georgia, our workforce needs and the vital mission of public higher education. I have full confidence in his ability to steer this system forward, and I look forward to working closely with him during this transition.”

With public colleges and universities serving every region of Georgia, USG is one of the largest and most impactful university systems in the nation. The system has been recognized for its excellent leadership, academic innovation, strong government support and significant improvements in student performance. In Fiscal Year 2025, the system enrolled a record 382,142 students, created over 170,000 jobs and generated a $25.1 billion economic impact on the state.

With a mission of teaching, research and service, USG campuses offer a comprehensive range of academic programs that intentionally prepare students for a 21st-century workforce, imparting to students high-demand skills, as well as an ability to think critically and engage civically. Recent initiatives include the Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership at Georgia Tech, which will engage all USG institutions to prepare future leaders at the intersection of technology, civic life and policy. Additionally, in 2025, with a focus on affordability as a means of student success, the system laid the groundwork for Georgia’s new DREAMS Scholarship, the state’s first needs-based aid program, to ensure more students complete college.

In 2025, it awarded an all-time high of 82,607 degrees, the most in system history and the most significant year-over-year increase the system has seen in the last decade. This number is further underscored by data showing that USG graduates with bachelor’s degrees will earn $1.4 million more over their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree.

The Board will take action on the Chancellor position at a future board meeting, no sooner than 14 days from naming a finalist.