Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier announced today his appointment of Lanier Technical College President, Dr. Ray Perren as TCSG Deputy Commissioner for Technical Education. Lanier Technical College Executive Vice President, Tim McDonald has been named Interim President of Lanier Technical College.

“Dr. Ray Perren has spent his entire professional life dedicated to providing an outstanding education to students,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “He has a tremendous amount of leadership experience in both K-12 and postsecondary education in Georgia and will do an outstanding job leading our Technical Education division at TCSG.”

Dr. Perren has spent 41 years as an educator, most recently as President of Lanier Technical College. Under his leadership, the college experienced more than 35 percent annual enrollment growth as well as a 100 percent graduate placement for the last five years. Perren led efforts to construct a new main campus for Lanier Technical College in Hall County, the largest single capital project undertaken by TCSG. Perren previously served as President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Valdosta Technical College, Assistant Commissioner for Technical Education at TCSG, President of East Central Technical College in Fitzgerald, and Dean of Academic Affairs for DeVry University’s operations in Georgia and North Carolina. Perren spent the first 20 years of his career with the Paulding County School System.

Tim McDonald has spent 37 years at Lanier Technical College where he currently provides leadership for the Economic Development and Adult Education Divisions of the college. He previously served as Vice President for Economic Development and as the Dean of the College’s Dawson Campus. McDonald’s first 25 years at the college were spent as an instructor in the Machine Tool Technology program.

“Tim’s extensive experience in various areas of the college make him the right person to lead Lanier Tech,” said Dozier. “He has a passion for education, for Lanier Technical College, and for the surrounding community.”

A native of Villa Rica, Dr. Perren earned the Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Georgia; Master in Education and Education Specialist Degrees from The University of West Georgia; and Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A native of Hall County, McDonald earned an Advanced General Machinist Diploma from Lanier Technical College; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University; and a Masters of Business Administration from Brenau University.

Current TCSG Deputy Commissioner for Technical Education, Joe Dan Banker is retiring on December 31st. To ensure a smooth transition, Tim McDonald will begin serving as Interim President on December 1^st as Dr. Ray Perren begins shifting into his role as TCSG Deputy Commissioner.