UWG News

University System of Georgia reorganization

July 18, 2006

CARROLLTON, GA - University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. has instituted a major reorganization of the University System Office (USO), one that will focus all operations under three senior executives.

The new organizational structure, which took effect July 17, now includes a chief academic officer, a chief operating officer, and a chief of staff, to whom the operating units of the University System Office will report. In addition, the 35 University System of Georgia presidents will have varied reporting relationships.

Dr. Thomas J. Hynes, acting UWG president, anticipated changes as the new Chancellor assumed leadership of the USG.

“Changes in the structure were done to assist the Chancellor in what he perceives to be an effective way to manage and lead the University System of Georgia,” Hynes said. “All presidents, by board policy, are ultimately responsible to the Chancellor and the new organization provides greater focus on institutions with similar interests, challenges and opportunities. For comprehensive institutions such as ours, this provides a clear focus on academic affairs.”

Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, who was serving as interim senior vice chancellor of academic affairs, now serves in an interim capacity in the newly titled post of chief academic officer/executive vice chancellor. In a major realignment, the presidents of the University System’s 15 comprehensive four-year universities (which offer baccalaureate, master’s and in some cases limited doctoral degree programs) as well as the director of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will report to Sethna.

In addition, he will be responsible for Health and Medical Programs, Academic Affairs (which includes Faculty, Programs, and Planning), Student Affairs, Strategic Research and Analysis, P-16 Initiatives, and the Office of Information and Instructional Technology.

Dr. Daniel Rahn, president of the Medical College of Georgia, was named to the newly created position of senior vice chancellor for health and medical programs, reporting to Sethna. Rahn will retain the MCG presidency, integrating the new responsibilities into his current role.

Corlis Cummings, former interim chancellor, was named chief operating officer/executive vice chancellor, a new position aimed at aligning the USO’s business-related operations. Cummings is responsible for the USO’s Legal Affairs, Facilities, External Affairs, Business and Fiscal Affairs, and Human Resources, Health & Life Plan divisions.

Robert E. Watts, formerly the interim president of Georgia Perimeter College, now serves as chief of staff and leads the USO’s strategic planning efforts. The University System’s 16 two-year and state college presidents will report to Watts, as will the office of the Secretary to the Board. In his new role, Watts also is responsible for managing a number of strategic initiatives for the chancellor.

Sethna, Cummings and Watts will report directly to the chancellor. The presidents of the University System’s four research universities remain as direct reports to Davis, along with a senior policy advisor and the Internal Audits operation.

Davis says the new streamlined organization will be more efficient and will allow for more effective interaction and communication with USG presidents.

“The organization of the University System should reflect its mission as set by the Board of Regents and its core academic values. The new, streamlined organization will provide greater cooperation and communication among our institutions, a closer working relationship between the institutions and the Board staff, and increased accountability to Georgia’s citizens,” Davis said. “This new structure is much more manageable and better accommodates truly effective management, goal-setting and performance assessment. With it, we will be better able to align our resources with the strategic priorities of the System and the state.”

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