News roundup: USG chancellor Perdue announces his retirement
Staff report
University System of Georgia chancellor Sonny Perdue announced his retirement on April 15.
USG announced a national search will be conducted to find a replacement for Perdue, 79, who will stay on the job until that search is completed.
Perdue, who gave the commencement address at Augusta University in May 2024, has been on the job since April of 2022. He served two terms as governor of the state (2003-2011) and would later lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2017-2021).
“Serving as chancellor has been one of the most impactful roles of my life, and stepping away is not a decision I make lightly,” Perdue stated on the USG website. “From Houston County to the governor’s office to Washington and back home again, my career has been guided by a simple belief: public service is a calling, and we’re meant to lift others and leave things better than we found them.”
Perdue has emphasized education at USG colleges and universities is one of best values in the country. The system also has seen enrollment increases the last three academic years under Perdue.
“As I prepare to retire, I’m grateful for our presidents, faculty and staff, our students and the many communities that make up this remarkable system,” Perdue said. “USG is a family, and I know it will continue to thrive, grow and serve Georgia.”
Perdue supported the Medical College of Georgia’s merger with Wellstar. The Dental College of Georgia has also been expanded under Perdue’s leadership.
A native of Perry, Perdue has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971-1974.
Keen gives state-of-the-university address
President Russell T. Keen gave his first state-of-the-university address on April 23 at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on the Summervlle Campus.
Keen noted that AU had 12,400 students in Fall 2025 and is expected to reach 13,000 for Fall 2026. Thus, he said the university was on pace to reach its goal of 16,000 students by 2030.
Gas prices in Augusta
Since the start of the war with Iran, gas prices have risen by more than a dollar in Augusta.
Currently, the lowest price gas is at Costco at 825 Alexander Drive and Murphy Express on Bobby Jones. At both, gas is going for $3.29 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to GasBuddy. Enmarket on Bobby Jones is selling for $3.39 per gallon. Circle K on Old Evans Road is selling for $3.49 a gallon.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s gas tax relief is scheduled to end on May 20.
In North Augusta, gas is typically selling for $3.69 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.
Note: At the top of the page, USG chancellor Sonny Perdue at the Spring 2024 Commencement at the Marriott Convention center in downtown Augusta. (photo by DCM)
