Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Commissioner Greg Dozier announced his appointment today of Dr. Michele Shirley as North Georgia Technical College’s (NGTC) Interim President after the recent death of NGTC President Dr. Mark Ivester.

Dr. Shirley has served as NGTC’s Vice President of Administrative Services since February and previously was the Director of Administrative Services for the college since 2017. She has served in various roles at the college for more than 14 years, including Director of Admissions and Registrar, Special Populations and Retention Coordinator, Career Planner, and Marketing Specialist and Associate Instructor of Business Management.

“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,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “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.”

Dr. Shirley assumes the position to lead the college along with the college Executive Team of Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Mike King, Vice President of Academic Affairs Mindy Glander, Vice President of Economic Development Keith Powell, Vice President of College and Community Relations Amy Hulsey, and Executive Assistant to the President Trudi Schubring.

“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,” said Dr. Shirley. “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. The 67 years of combined technical college experience of our Executive Team will provide the basis to guide the future of our college during this interim time, and I certainly look forward to working together with them and our entire college family.

A native of Habersham County, Dr. Shirley received a Doctorate of Education degree in adult education from the University of Georgia in 2009, a Master of Business Administration degree from Brenau University in 1997 and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in accounting from Piedmont College in 1994. Dr. Shirley lives in Clarkesville with husband John and two daughters, Julianne and Ellison, and attends Shirley Grove Baptist Church.

NGTC President Dr. Mark Ivester, 57, passed away on Sept. 12 after a short-term battle of Covid 19.