Georgia Southwestern State University will hold its Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. in Convocation Hall of the Student Success Center. The commencement speaker will be University System of Georgia Chancellor Emeritus Stephen Portch, Ph.D.
 
Portch served as USG chancellor from 1994-2001 during a transformative period for Georgia higher education, including a strategic plan implementation. During his tenure, “Change” magazine selected him as one of the “21 Most Influential Voices in the Academy.”
 
Previously, Portch spent 18 years in the University of Wisconsin System, beginning his career there at a college of 350 students and ending up as senior vice president for Academic Affairs for the 26 campus system. Since 2001, he has been a higher education policy advisor, consultant and speaker both in the U.S. and internationally. An area of major emphasis has been advising boards and colleges on presidential searches and transitions.
 
Originally from England, Portch has an undergraduate degree from the University of Reading and a masters and Ph.D. from Penn State University.
 
GSW Faculty Senate President and Associate Professor of Mathematics Chadwick Gugg, Ph.D., will serve as the Macebearer during commencement. Professor of Nursing Bonnie Simmons, Ph.D., will be the Grand Marshal.
 
Nearly 450 students are expected to graduate. Limited seating will be available. Guests are encouraged to arrive early.