Statement Regarding Withdrawal of Ga. State Presidential Candidate Dr. Harris Pastides

Dr. Harris Pastides, vice president for research and health sciences, the University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C., has formally withdrawn his name as a candidate for the presidency of Georgia State University. Pastides was one of three finalists announced by the Board of Regents on June 4, 2008. Both the other two candidates, Dr. Guy Bailey, chancellor, University of Missouri at Kansas City, and Dr. Deborah Anne Freund, distinguished professor of public administration and former vice chancellor for academic affairs at Syracuse University, N.Y., had previously withdrawn.

University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. had the following statement regarding Pastides' withdrawal: "Presidential searches are complex and involved and it is to be expected that the path from search to naming a president will be lengthy. At the highest levels of university leadership, there are many searches in which finalists withdraw, and often there are multiple rounds of candidate interviews. Since Georgia State is a very strong university with tremendous momentum, we will -- without question -- find a superb new leader, and will proceed in a thoughtful, measured manner within the procedures of the Board of Regents and in the best interests of the state of Georgia."

University System officials indicate that the Georgia State Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Regent William Cleveland, will continue its work. Current Georgia State University President Carl Patton will continue to lead the university during the search.