The Board of Regents today named Dr. Kyle Marrero president of Georgia Southern University. Marrero will begin his new position effective April 1.

“Dr. Marrero is the right person to lead Georgia Southern University as it continues to expand its footprint in Southeast Georgia,” said University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “Kyle’s higher education experience, combined with his focus on strengthening academics and building community partnerships, will be an asset to Georgia Southern’s campus community and the region as a whole. On behalf of the Board of Regents and USG, I’m excited to welcome Kyle in his new role.

“At the same time that we welcome Kyle, we must also bid farewell to Interim President Shelley Nickel. She’s worked tirelessly on behalf of Georgia Southern’s students, faculty, alumni and staff. I’m grateful for her service to USG and proud to call her a friend.”

Marrero currently serves as president of the University of West Georgia (UWG), a position he’s held since 2013.

“Georgia Southern University is an incredible institution and I am honored to be chosen as its 14th president,” said Marrero. “The future is full of great promise for Georgia Southern and I am looking forward to working alongside the Eagle Nation - the great students, the distinguished faculty and staff and the passionate alumni and communities – as we soar to new heights across the region, the state and beyond.”

A national search for the next president of UWG will be launched at a later date.