NGCSU's new president taking helm today

DAHLONEGA - Dr. Bonita C. Jacobs officially begins her tenure as president of North Georgia College & State University today.

Previously the executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the University of North Texas, Jacobs was named president of North Georgia College & State University by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents on May 10, following a national search.

Jacobs is the first woman to serve as president at North Georgia, and she succeeds Dr. David Potter, who served as president of North Georgia from January 2005 until his retirement June 30. Since being selected, Jacobs has been working with administrators at North Georgia to transition into the role. She has made several visits to campus during that time, including speaking to parents during two new student orientation sessions.

"I am deeply honored to have been selected as president of North Georgia College & State University and to begin that role," Jacobs said. "North Georgia's mission to develop and educate leaders is important as we prepare students to work and serve in today's global society. As a community of scholars, that mission is the catalyst for everything we do. The university has a strong record in achieving this, and I look forward to learning where we have opportunities to build upon existing efforts to enhance the educational experience at North Georgia and to highlight our mission nationally and internationally."

In addition to her role with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, Jacobs was a tenured professor in counseling and higher education. From 1998 to 2009, she served as vice president for student development at the University of North Texas, which is located in Denton, Texas, and is the state's fourth-largest institution.

Jacobs served as an executive board member on the Commission on International Programs for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

She previously served as interim vice chancellor for student development and dean of students at Western Carolina University and in numerous positions at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.

Jacobs is the former editor of The Journal of College Orientation and Transition and has served on three other editorial boards. Her publications include The College Transfer Student in America: The Forgotten Student and Starting From Scratch, a first-year experience textbook, and numerous chapters, journal articles and reviews. She has received more than $3 million in grant funding to support her work and has been a frequent keynote speaker and consultant on transfer student issues.

She has received numerous awards and citations, including the Ted K. Miller Achievement of Excellence in Assessment from the Council for the Advancement of Standards, the John Jones Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and a NASPA "Best Practice Award" in 2010 for her study abroad work in Chile. The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) selected her as a "Diamond Honoree" recipient for 2010-2011.

Jacobs earned both a bachelor's degree in Spanish and history and a master's degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University. She earned her doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University.

"Dr. Jacobs' wealth of experience as both an executive and professor is key to the development of students and leaders," then-Chancellor Erroll B. Davis, Jr. said upon her selection in May. "We are excited about the continued development of North Georgia under her guidance."

Regent Richard L. Tucker, chair of the Special Regents' Committee for the presidential search at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, added, "Dr. Jacobs' focus on helping students adjust to the college experience and preparation for the future is a perfect fit for North Georgia, which specializes in leadership training and producing leaders."