The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named members of the University of West Georgia (UWG) Presidential Search Committee. The committee will conduct a national search for a permanent president to lead the system’s fastest-growing comprehensive university.

Former UWG President Brendan B. Kelly announced in June he had accepted the role of president of the Arkansas State University System. Kelly transitioned away from the university over the summer, and UWG has since been led by interim President Ashwani Monga. At the conclusion of the search, Monga will transition back to his role as USG’s executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer.

“UWG makes a critical impact in the West Georgia region and helps lead our systemwide online collaboration that includes partnerships among USG institutions through eCore and eCampus,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “I look forward to the committee’s work, as we seek to maintain the university’s momentum and find an exceptional leader who meets student needs, supports faculty and staff, keeps UWG competitive and prepares graduates for 21st-century workforce success.”


Members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows:

• Regent Mat Swift, committee chair          

• Regent and Board Chairman Harold Reynolds

• Regent T. Dallas Smith

• Ashley Knight Bush, director of communications, Southwire Company, LLC

• David Godwin, senior vice president, BankSouth Mortgage; school board chairman, Carrollton City Schools

• Gary W. Kinard, CFO, Verida, Inc.; chair, UWG Foundation

• Ashley May, vice chancellor of external affairs and chief of staff, USG

• Dylan S. McLean, Ph.D.; chair, UWG Faculty Senate; associate professor of political science, UWG University College

• Christopher Sanders, executive director, The East Metro Community Improvement Program; chair, UWG Alumni Association Board of Directors

• Bill Stone, CEO, Systems and Methods, Inc. (SMI)

• Chase Williams, president, UWG Student Government Association

“UWG’s reputation attracts students from some 32 states and 41 countries, and its next president must continue to help it grow while focusing on their success and meeting community and industry needs,” Regent Swift said. “It’s an honor to chair this committee and work with its members on behalf of UWG students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who want to keep this outstanding institution thriving.”

The Presidential Search Committee will guide the first stage of the search. The system has retained Buffkin/Baker to provide executive search consulting services. At the conclusion of its work, the committee will forward the credentials of three to five unranked candidates to the Board of Regents for consideration.

The initial meeting of the Presidential Search Committee will be Nov. 12, at which time the members will be formally charged with their roles and responsibilities in conducting the search.