Gordon State College Acknowledges the Passing of Former Chancellor Hank Huckaby
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hank Huckaby, who served as chancellor of the University System of Georgia from 2011 to 2017.
Chancellor Huckaby was born in Spalding County, Georgia, and he has been a lifelong public servant to the state of Georgia and public higher education. Early in his career, Huckaby taught at Emory University and Georgia Perimeter College, then served as an administrator at Georgia State University, Gordon College and the University of Georgia.
Huckaby contributed so much to provide support for the students, faculty and staff during his tenure as chancellor for the USG. He was instrumental in strong enrollment growth within the system, which increased the number of graduates each year, and spearheaded a consolidation initiative within the USG that cut costs and improved the quality of public higher education in the state of Georgia.
He also served in a number of key administrative positions within the USG. Early in his career, Huckaby was named by the USG Board of Regents to become the Director of Admissions and Registrar of Gordon Junior College in July of 1972 when the institution became a unit of the USG.
“I had the chance to meet Chancellor Huckaby years ago when he was touring the campuses within the system,” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President of Gordon State College. “He encouraged me to stay in the system and remain engaged. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but are proud of the fact his legacy extends not only to the system, but to Gordon as well.”
In addition to serving in the Georgia House of Representatives, Huckaby was appointed to key administrative roles for three Georgia governors – budget director under Zell Miller, executive director of Georgia Housing and Finance Authority under Joe Frank Harris, and commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs under George Busbee.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Chancellor Huckaby’s passing,” said Peter Banks, Mayor of Barnesville. “I have known Chancellor Huckaby and Amy for over 50 years, and I appreciate his friendship and days of service. He certainly was a friend of Gordon State College, and I send my deepest sympathy to Amy and the family. I will surely miss him.”
Please keep the Huckaby’s family in your thoughts and prayers at his time.