Olens Named KSU President; Chris Carr New Georgia Attorney General

ATLANTA, GA — Kennesaw State University has a new president, and Georgia has a new attorney general.

Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Chris Carr will take the place of outgoing Attorney General Sam Olens, who will take over the reins of Kennesaw State University on Nov. 1.

The University System's Board of Regents named Olens president of Kennesaw State on Wednesday.

“Sam Olens’ two decades of public service and outstanding leadership qualities make him the right person to lead Kennesaw State University at the right time,” said Board of Regents Chair Kessel Stelling, Jr. “While Sam has successfully led a large workforce and managed a substantial operating budget, he also has a passion for KSU and public higher education.”

University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby said, “Sam Olens is a proven consensus builder, and he will bring this important quality to Kennesaw State’s campus to partner with faculty and staff to the benefit of students. With Sam’s background and experience, he understands how KSU and the community can best work together for the long-term good of the institution.”

Carr is currently commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Olens was the only candidate interviewed for Kennesaw State's presidency. Several protests have been held recently at the school over Olens' candidacy, and an online petition opposing an Olens' presidency was created.

• See also: Protest on Monday Over Possible Sam Olens KSU Presidency

"Olens is known for waging legal battles against the LGBTQ community in Georgia, including LGBTQ students," the petition says. "Olens has previously mocked those who argued for marriage equality within the state, arguing that his view of so-called traditional marriage "was an accepted truth for almost everyone who ever lived, in any society in which marriage existed."Hiring Sam Olens as the new KSU President is one huge step backwards for the university."

Image: Georgia Attorney General