Kaufman to Step Down as President of GGC

He welcomed the first students to Georgia Gwinnett College, but on Thursday afternoon, GGC President Dr. Daniel Kaufman announced he is stepping down. Kaufmann accepted the position of President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. 

Kaufman began his tenure as President of the Lawrenceville college in 2005. His last day on the job will be June 30th.

“President Kaufman was the right choice to lead Georgia Gwinnett College at its founding," said Hank Huckaby, chancellor of the University System of Georgia in a release. “Under his leadership, the college opened and has lived up to expectations at the state and local level to provide access and to create a new model for higher education in the 21st century. On behalf of the University System, all of us are proud of what has been accomplished in only seven years under his leadership. He will be missed, but we are excited his talents will continue to serve Gwinnett County and the State of Georgia. 

In October 2004, the Board of Regents voted to create a new four-year college located in Lawrenceville. The following fall, Georgia Gwinnett College welcomed 118 students. Today there are .

The campus has also grown under Kaufman’s leadership. Several new buildings were constructed and intercollegiate sports brought to the school.

“I cannot adequately express my appreciation to GGC’s faculty, staff and students, as well as our incredible partners – the Board of Regents, the chancellor, the University System office, our trustees, Foundation, Gwinnett legislative delegation and of course, our many community supporters,” said Kaufman. “Together, we have built a unique college that has proven that higher education can indeed be transformed, a college that will change lives for many decades to come, and a college that will forever enrich our community, state, nation and world.”

Kaufman is active in many Gwinnett County organizations. He is a member of boards of directors for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, and of the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation

GGC has not yet announced plans for a search for Kaufman’s successor.

--Are you a GGC grad or current student? Post your memories and well wishes for Dr. Kaufman in the comment section below.