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Stuart Rayfield Named Sixth President of CSU


The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) has named Stuart Rayfield president of Columbus State University, effective July 1, 2023.  Rayfield currently serves as USG’s vice chancellor for leadership and institutional development and previously spent more than 10 years at Columbus State as a faculty member and administrator.  John M. Fuchko III, a USG vice chancellor, has served as the university’s interim president since former President Chris Markwood retired last June.  “This is a tremendous opportunity to support the success of students, faculty and staff,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Stuart lives in the community, has taught on campus and has an immediate grasp of how Columbus State helps us be the leading provider of a highly skilled workforce in Georgia. I want to thank Dr. Fuchko for his service and commitment to the university and look forward to Dr. Rayfield’s continued leadership in her new role.”  Rayfield most recently served as USG’s interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and has been interim president of three USG institutions during her 17-year career with the university system.  “I’m thrilled to return to Columbus State University as its next president. With its deep ties to the Chattahoochee Valley community, including Fort Benning, Columbus State is the driver of the region’s workforce and is poised to lead and partner with other entities to meet the demands of an ever-changing economy,” Rayfield said.  “My family and I have called Columbus home for almost 20 years, and we look forward to supporting its future. This role is personal for me. I know from experience how much hard work has gone into building this institution into what it is today, a destination in Georgia and beyond. As we look to the future, I am convinced Columbus State will continue to reflect the innovative spirit of the region and I’m eager to join them on that journey.”

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