After the death earlier this month of Dr. Mark Ivester, leaders with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) have named Dr. Michele Shirley to fill the president's role on an interim basis.
TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier announced Shirley's appointment as Interim President on Monday.
"Dr. Shirley’s leadership experience at the college, passion for higher education and love for the surrounding community make her the right person to lead North Georgia Technical College at this time,” Dozier said. “Dr. Mark Ivester left a lasting legacy at North Georgia Technical College and I know Dr. Shirley will carry his vision forward by providing more students with opportunity and by continuing to develop a skilled workforce for the region.”
Ivester died Sept. 12 after a short battle with COVID-19 at the age of 57.
Shirley has served in various roles at NGTC for more than 14 years, including Director of Administrative Services, Director of Admissions and Registrar, Special Populations and Retention Coordinator, Career Planner and Marketing Specialist and Associate Instructor of Business Management. Since February, Shirley has served as the college’s Vice President of Administrative Services.
"This is truly an honor to help lead North Georgia Technical College and continue fulfilling the college goals and visions that Dr. Ivester had set forth,” Shirley said. “We have a wonderful, supportive college community, and we are all thankful for the outpouring of love shown for Dr. Ivester and his family. Fulfilling his plans to take our college to the next level will continue to be our priority."