University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue has announced he will retire from his role leading the state’s public colleges and universities.

Perdue, a former Georgia governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, has served as chancellor since 2022, overseeing one of the largest higher education systems in the country, which includes 25 public colleges and universities and more than 380,000 students.

News of his retirement was confirmed this week, marking the end of his tenure as the state’s top higher education leader.

During his time as chancellor, Perdue focused on issues such as college affordability, workforce development, and aligning academic programs with Georgia’s economic needs. He also played a role in system-wide initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and expanding opportunities for students across the state.

Perdue has had a long career in public service, including two terms as Georgia’s governor from 2003 to 2011 and serving as the nation’s agriculture secretary from 2017 to 2021.

State leaders say his leadership helped guide Georgia’s higher education system through a period of growth and change.

The Board of Regents is expected to begin the process of selecting a new chancellor in the coming months.

No official retirement date has been publicly announced.