University of Georgia president Jere Morehead was formally invested as the school’s President in a ceremony in Athens on Nov. 19.

Morehead was named President of the University of Georgia earlier this year. At Tuesday’s ceremony, Morehead promised to do his best to live up to the university’s expectations.

“By continuing to elevate the academic stature of the University of Georgia as a world-class institution. And to increase the support and service it provides to the citizens of Georgia. This is our unique calling as a land grant university,” said Morehead.

He stressed that students are and will remain his first priority.

Governor Nathan Deal praised the Board of Regents for choosing Morehead to lead the university. “From professor to Provost, to head cheerleader, Jere Morehead has done it all. What better credentials could you have? From someone who has been an academic, a supporter of the students of this institution, to someone who cherishes its history.” Deal said.

The Governor wished Morehead many years of successful service, calling him the perfect choice to lead UGA, saying “You have been a part of the history that has brought us to this point of excellence.”

Morehead says the university has touched the lives of many Georgians over the years and he is certain that UGA’s best days lie ahead.

The state’s flagship university is embarking on a comprehensive campaign – a multi-year massive fundraising effort that will likely collect more than a billion dollars for UGA.

Morehead told GPB’s Joshua Stewart in August that "In large measure, I think I will be judged on whether we've been able to take the next step and close the gap between the size of our endowment as compared to other institutions similarly situated to UGA, like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Florida”.

Jere Morehead is the 22nd President of the University of Georgia.

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