University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue today named Dr. Timothy Charles Lieuwen as interim president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, effective Nov. 1, 2026.

In June 2026, the Aspen Institute named Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera as its next president and CEO to lead one of the world’s foremost nonprofit organizations dedicated to leadership, dialogue and addressing society’s most pressing challenges. Cabrera, who has led Georgia Tech since 2019 through one of the most successful periods in its history, will leave the institution on Oct. 31.

“We’re deeply grateful to President Cabrera for his visionary leadership over the last seven years, driving historic growth in research and strengthening Georgia Tech’s reputation as a global engine of innovation,” Perdue said. “As we conduct a nationwide search for the university’s next president, we’re fortunate to have Dr. Tim Lieuwen step into this leadership role. With his deep roots as a Georgia Tech alumnus, acclaimed researcher and executive leader, he brings the experience and stability needed to keep Georgia Tech moving forward without missing a beat.”

Details regarding the nationwide search for Georgia Tech’s next permanent president were announced in July, when the Board of Regents named a 14-member presidential search committee chaired by Regent Harold Reynolds. The search is ongoing, with the committee guiding its initial stage to identify three to five unranked candidates for the Board’s consideration.

Lieuwen brings more than 25 years of service, academic leadership and higher education experience to the interim role. He currently serves as executive vice president for Research at Georgia Tech, overseeing the university’s record-breaking $1.4+ billion research enterprise, economic development initiatives and sponsored projects. 

This includes leadership of the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the Enterprise Innovation Institute and 11 interdisciplinary research institutes. 

A double alumnus of Georgia Tech, Lieuwen earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the institution after completing his undergraduate degree at Calvin College.

Throughout his career at Tech, he has served in various key roles, including executive director of the Strategic Energy Institute and interim chair of the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. A Regents’ Professor and the David S. Lewis Jr. Chair in Aerospace Engineering, Lieuwen is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and an internationally recognized expert in clean energy, propulsion and national security.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve Georgia Tech as interim president during this transition,” Lieuwen said. “Georgia Tech is a special place that has shaped my own career, and I’m deeply committed to serving our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Our mission to deliver progress and service through world-class education, groundbreaking research and economic impact for Georgia has never been stronger, and I look forward to supporting our community as we build on this remarkable momentum.”