Sonny Purdue To Retire From GA's University System After 40 Years Of Public Service

ATLANTA, GA — Chancellor Sonny Purdue, the University System of Georgia's top official, on Wednesday announced plans to retire after 40 years in public service.

Purdue has served as a Georgia senator, two terms as governor and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture before heading up the public university and college system.

He will serve as chancellor during a national search for his replacement, the USG said.

“Serving as chancellor has been one of the most impactful roles of my life, and stepping away is not a decision I make lightly. From Houston County to the governor’s office to Washington and back home again, my career has been guided by a simple belief: public service is a calling, and we’re meant to lift others and leave things better than we found them," Perdue said.

"I also want to thank my wife, Mary, whose love and support have steadied me through every chapter of this journey. Our children and grandchildren remind me every day why this work matters and why an affordable, high‑quality public education can open the door to prosperity for every Georgian.”

Purdue was born in Perry and was raised on a Bonaire farm. The veterinarian and agribusiness owner is a Warner Robins High School and University of Georgia graduate, officials said.

His career began in the 1980s in Houston County, where he served on the planning and zoning board. He also served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

He was later voted to the Georgia Senate in 1991, where his work benefitted the HOPE Scholarship and the Senate Higher Education Committee. Purdue filled the role of senate president pro tem.

Purdue made history in 2003 when he became Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. He moved on to win a second term and guide the Peach State through two recessions.

His passion to serve stretched beyond Georgia in 2017 when he became the 31^st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, where he oversaw 110,000 employees through the COVID-19 pandemic and launched the Farmers to Families Food Box program.

In April 2022, Purdue was chosen to serve over Georgia's 25 public colleges and universities as USG's 14th chancellor. During his tenure, he oversaw a $12.1 billion annual budget and led 54,000 faculty and staff members, officials said.

“As I prepare to retire, I’m grateful for our presidents, faculty and staff, our students and the many communities that make up this remarkable system,” Perdue said. “USG is a family, and I know it will continue to thrive, grow and serve Georgia.”

Gov. Brian Kemp, in a statement, said Purdue's legacy will last through generations.

He noted Purdue's work to ensure the HOPE Scholarship fully covers tuition and to launch the Georgia Match and the Dreams Scholarship.

"Under his leadership, the system has seen record enrollment, modernized campuses and advanced medical education, including the launch of UGA’s new School of Medicine," Kemp said. "Marty, the girls and I want to thank him for his years of history-making service and leadership, and on behalf of grateful Georgians everywhere, we wish him and Ms. Mary all the best in the years to come spent with loved ones.”