Sonny Perdue, Perry native, to retire as University System of Georgia chancellor

Board of Regents to launch national search as longtime public servant steps down

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Sonny Perdue, a native of Perry, will retire as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, ending a decades-long career in public service that began in Middle Georgia.

Perdue announced his decision on Wednesday, according to the university system. He will continue serving in the role until a successor is named.

The system’s Board of Regents will launch a national search for the next chancellor.

Perdue has served as the system’s 14th chancellor since April 2022, overseeing 25 public colleges and universities across the state.

Roots in Middle Georgia

Perdue was born in Perry and raised on a farm in nearby Bonaire. His public service career began in the 1980s with the Houston County Planning and Zoning Board.

From there, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1991 and later served as Senate president pro tempore.

Perdue went on to serve two terms as Georgia’s governor, becoming the state’s first Republican governor since Reconstruction.

He later served as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, overseeing national food and agriculture programs.

Impact on higher education system

During his time as chancellor, the University System of Georgia saw record enrollment growth and increased degree completion, according to a USG news release.

Officials said the system awarded more than 82,000 degrees in fiscal year 2025, an all-time high. The system also worked to improve affordability, including eliminating certain student fees and supporting new financial aid programs.

Perdue said serving as chancellor has been one of the most impactful roles of his career.

The university system said more details about the leadership transition will be announced later.