Black retiring from East Georgia College

East Georgia College President John B. Black is retiring at the end of the year.

“John Black has a long and distinguished career in the University System and the Board and students have benefited greatly from his service,” University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby said in a news release. “His leadership at East Georgia College for the past seven years has overseen significant growth as it has evolved to meet the region’s growing demands for higher education.”

During Black’s tenure, enrollment at the college has grown 147 percent, officials said.

Black has held the post since August 2004. Previously, from 2003 to 2004, he was a special assistant to the vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the Board of Regents.

His replacement will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, Georgia Highlands College President Randy Pierce said will retire at the end of the year. Pierce has served as the Rome college’s president since June 2001, and that college’s enrollment increased 131 percent during Pierce’s tenure.