As vice president for Academic and Student Affairs from 2005 until 2013, Preczewski was involved in many aspects of the college’s development. He was responsible for overseeing GGC’s process for initial regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which was achieved in 2009. He also supervised the hiring of over 500 faculty and academic staff.
“Over the past months, Dr. Preczewski has demonstrated to the College, to the community, the Board and to me that he is ready and highly qualified to lead Georgia Gwinnett College,” said Huckaby. “The transition from interim to permanent president is not just appropriate, it is an excellent decision for the College and its future. We are pleased to give him this well-deserved opportunity for leadership.”
Preczewski’s appointment was welcome news to the GGC community.
“There could be no more fitting choice for the second president of Georgia Gwinnett College,” said Tommy Hughes, board chair of the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation trustees. “Stas understands GGC’s unique mission and vision, and was instrumental in creating the college from the ground up. Georgia Gwinnett has established itself as a new model for higher education. It is important that GGC’s chief executive officer understands and maintains the institution’s innovative approach and its commitment to student success.”
“That the Board of Regents and the chancellor would grant me this privilege to continue serving Georgia Gwinnett College speaks volumes about the reputation GGC has developed through the selfless efforts of a dedicated staff and faculty and the outstanding students they serve,” Preczewski said. “GGC itself is the result of a community’s commitment to an exceptional academic institution that is affordable, accessible and which reflects the wonderful diversity of Gwinnett County. I am excited about our future.”
Preczewski earned a Ph.D. specializing in higher and adult education from the University of Missouri in 1997. He has a master of arts degree specializing in strategic planning from the United States Naval War College earned in 1998 and a master of science degree specializing in industrial engineering and operations research from the University of Massachusetts earned in 1987. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in agricultural engineering and economics in 1980.
An ROTC graduate, Preczewski served his nation in the U.S. Army from 1980-2006, achieving the rank of colonel. He served in various command and staff positions in combat arms units world-wide, and received two Legion of Merit awards, four Meritorious Service Medals and the Army Commendation Medal, among other honors.
Preczewski has received a number of academic recognitions and awards, including a fellowship from the American Council on Education (ACE), 2003-2004, which he spent at Wake Forest University. He also is an ACE Chief Academic Officer Graduate.
Preczewski has presented a number of papers, authored and co-authored studies and held tenure as an associate professor of behavioral sciences at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served for a time as director of the academy’s Engineering Psychology Program and head coach of the academy’s rowing program. He also served as West Point’s associate dean for Plans and Resources and vice dean for Resources. His “servant leader” management style has earned him national recognition as a team builder, and he is sought after as a lecturer and conference presenter.
Preczewski and his wife, Jean, reside in Buford, and have three adult children. The Preczewskis recently became grandparents.
Georgia Gwinnett College is a four-year, accredited liberal arts college that provides access to targeted baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC opened its doors in August 2006 as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century, and the first four-year public college founded in Georgia in more than 100 years. Georgia Gwinnett produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to their local, state, national and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world. Visit Georgia Gwinnett College’s Web site at http://www.ggc.edu.
