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Jesup, Georgia 31545

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

75

Jere Morehead is the right choice to lead UGA forward

Decisions are like architecture. Choicesespecially the critical onesshould stand the test of time. You want to look back after 25 years and say, We did the right thing for back then and now. I am confident Georgians will look back and say, Jere Morehead was the right choice to become president of the states flagship of higher education on July 1, 2013. The University of Georgia has been stuck like Velcro to my soul since the 1966 ride to Athens in the backseat of my dads Buick. Before my freshman year was over, Big Dink wondered if I was learning anything. Youve joined everything but the womens glee club, he said. Do you have time to study? I got more than a college education. I came away with scores of lifelong friends and a wife. Our three children met their spouses through UGA. So when our family gathers for a meal, there are 16 feet under the table that have stepped forward to receive a total of 10 degrees. All 15 of us, including seven grandsons, are lifetime members of the UGA Alumni Association. Who leads our alma mater is important to us and 10 million other Georgians. Thats why, as an alumnus and chairman of the University System of Georgias Board of Regents, I had one goal in the selection of Dr. Michael Adams successor: Recruit the best. Like most change-agent leaders, President Adams hasnt always taken the scenic route. But he got us on the expressway to excel-

My Opinion

lence and national prominence. The 4-H motto proclaims: To Make the Best Better. Come July, thatll be Jere DINK Moreheads NeSMITH challenge. Chairman I thought you might be interested in the process that chose him to be the 22nd president of the nations oldest-chartered public university. When Mike Adams announced his retirement, the board engaged a nationally acclaimed search firm. Seven Regents, along with faculty, alumni and the president of the student government association, formed the 20-member committee. Dozens of candidates surfaced. Academic rock stars studded the list. The committee, led by Regent Larry Walker, did its homework. The roster was narrowed to six, and they were invited to Atlanta. Over two days, we drilled deeper to compare the information provided and the reference feedback with the people sitting before us. We analyzed their leadership styles. One thing was certain: UGA Provost Jere Morehead was a rock star. His name, along with those of presidents of two major universities, was

advanced to the 18-member Board of Regents. When decision day was over, Jere emerged as the sole finalist. I like what this says about The University of Georgia. After a coast-to-coast search, the best candidate, an alumnus, was right here in our midst. Jere Moreheads integrity, loyalty, passion for teaching, institutional knowledge and vision moved him to the top. Those who know him are not surprised. He is among UGAs most-acclaimed faculty members. Jere reminds me of a UGA legend, the late Dr. J.W. Fanning, who was a world-class listener. Dr. Fanning worked magic pulling people together through quiet, collaborative leadership. Jere has those gifts, too. And Bulldogs will appreciate that hes vice chairman of the athletic board. Another huge plus is that he knows Georgias government and its 159 counties, inside and out. Jeres connectionsand respect among classmates and his former honors students are endless. Just one example is Rep. David Ralston, Georgias Speaker of the House. The two were partners on UGAs law school moot court team. Just like the architectural tribute on South Lumpkin Street that bears J.W. Fannings name, the Morehead decision will stand the test of time. I predict that Georgians will say now and 25 years from now, Jere Morehead was the right choice for The University of Georgia.
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com