After a five month search, the University System of Georgia has named Dr. Kyle Marrero as the finalist for Georgia Southern University’s 14th president. 

A confidential search began following the resignation of former president Jaimie Hebert who is currently the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Marrero has served as president of the University of West Georgia since 2013. During his time at UWG, Marrero 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. 

“I am thrilled and honored for the opportunity to become the 14th President of Georgia Southern University,” Marrero said in a press release. “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 final action on naming Marrero president at a future board meeting.

Emma Smith contributed to this article.

McClain Baxley, The George-Anne Daily Managing Editor, gadigital@georgiasouthern.edu.