Board of Regents Chairman Don L. Waters and University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Steve Wrigley today announced Dr. Kyle Marrero as the finalist for president of Georgia Southern University.

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

“During his tenure at West Georgia, Marrero oversaw record enrollment growth, fostered and strengthened ties within the community and implemented strategic initiatives aimed at increasing student and academic success,” said Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “Kyle’s devotion to student success, innovation and growth are evident and will serve Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff well. I’m grateful for the diligent efforts of the campus search committee and am thrilled to name Dr. Marrero as our finalist.”

Under Marrero’s leadership, UWG has achieved record enrollment, record 4 and 5-year graduation rates, record degrees conferred, record fundraising, and record annual economic impact to the region. He has worked to develop new, student-centered partnerships within the education and business communities, and with the implementation of the Engage West! initiative, won the 2015 national award for Innovation and Excellence, in the category of Leadership Development and Diversity, from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The institution was also selected as the University System of Georgia 2015 Institution and President of the Year for the Chancellor’s Service Excellence Awards.

“The search committee worked tirelessly on behalf of Georgia Southern University and the Board of Regents, and I am thankful for their time and energy,” said Regent Laura Marsh, chair of the search committee. “There were several top-notch, high-quality candidates that we vetted, but ultimately, we believe Kyle is the best fit to lead Georgia Southern in this new chapter. He will bring his leadership experience, scholarly training and commitment to engaging key stakeholders to Georgia Southern, Statesboro and the region at large. I’m excited to watch Kyle lead Georgia Southern on to achieve great things.”

Marrero founded the Carrollton/Carroll County Education Collaborative a collaborative focused on K-16 student success, now a state model. Most recently, he has been assigned to lead, as Chair of the Steering Committee, the University System of Georgia’s Comprehensive Administrative Review in its efforts to assess administrative support service and support functions for efficiency and effectiveness for all 26 USG institutions over the next two years.

“Kyle demonstrates the energy, enthusiasm and know-how to lead one of our state’s premier institutions,” Chairman Don Waters said. “His track record at University of West Georgia speaks for itself, and I’m confident he will bring that passion and commitment to Georgia Southern. On behalf of the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia, I wish Kyle well and anticipate great things from Georgia Southern and his administration as he takes the helm.” Prior to his appointment at UWG, Marrero served as Vice President for University Advancement at the University of West Florida, overseeing the university’s integrated marketing communications efforts, fundraising, development, and alumni relations’ activities. Marrero’s background in the arts has taken him to 10 foreign countries as an artistic ambassador for the United States Embassies and 40 states as a singer and stage director. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Dr. Jane Redding, have been married for 23 years and have an eight-year-old daughter, Lily.

“I am thrilled and honored for the opportunity to become the 14th President of Georgia Southern University,” said Marrero. “I have great admiration for the institution and people of Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville –their communities, faculty, staff, and students—who represent the traditions and distinctiveness of each of the campuses that define Georgia Southern and look forward to working together to build a unified Eagle Nation.”

The Board of Regents will take action on the finalist for the next president of Georgia Southern University at a future board meeting following the required five business days after the naming of a finalist.