Regents Appointed Thomas Fanning as System Chancellor

The former Southern Co. CEO will lead the 25-school University System of Georgia beginning in 2027.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People

Regents Appointed Thomas Fanning as System Chancellor

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The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has appointed Thomas A. Fanning as the system's 15th chancellor. Fanning, the former CEO of Southern Co., is set to succeed current chancellor Sonny Perdue.

Why it matters

This leadership transition shifts the administration of Georgia's 25 public higher education institutions to a veteran corporate executive. The change is significant for operators monitoring how the system balances academic objectives with workforce development and state-level financial management.

Thomas A. Fanning will serve as the 15th chancellor in the history of the University System of Georgia, which currently oversees a network of 25 public schools.

The players

Thomas A. Fanning

The former CEO of Southern Co., a major American electric utility holding company, and the incoming chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Sonny Perdue

The outgoing chancellor of the University System of Georgia who has led the network since 2022.

University System of Georgia Board of Regents

The governing body responsible for the management and oversight of the 25 public colleges and universities in the state.

The details

The Board of Regents confirmed Fanning's appointment during a teleconference following his designation as a finalist for the role in September 2026. Fanning moves into the position after a tenure at Southern Co., where he served as CEO. He will take over the system's administrative operations from Sonny Perdue, who has held the chancellorship since 2022.

Sonny Perdue began his term as chancellor in 2022.
Fanning was named a finalist for the position in September 2026.
The Board of Regents voted to appoint Fanning on October 1, 2026.
Sonny Perdue will retire from the role on December 31, 2026.
Thomas A. Fanning will begin his tenure as chancellor on January 1, 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition follows the hiring pattern established by the 2022 appointment of Sonny Perdue as chancellor, emphasizing leadership with high-level executive backgrounds. The shift continues a trend of appointing candidates with substantial private-sector experience to lead public academic institutions.

Operators in Georgia should monitor the new chancellor's stated priorities regarding workforce partnerships and institutional budget management. Business owners should track the upcoming leadership change as a signal for potential shifts in the state's higher education procurement and research strategies.

The takeaway

The incoming chancellor brings a corporate background to the state's largest educational network. Leaders should watch for Fanning's first policy remarks in early 2027 to gauge his approach to university-industry collaborations.