Dr. Bonita Jacobs takes office as the 17th president of North Georgia College & State University on July 1, 2011, and will be formally installed in an inauguration ceremony in spring 2012.

"I am deeply honored to have been selected as president of North Georgia College & State University and to begin that role," Jacobs said. "North Georgia's mission to develop and educate leaders is important as we prepare students to work and serve in today's global society. As a community of scholars, that mission is the catalyst for everything we do. The university has a strong record in achieving this, and I look forward to learning where we have opportunities to build upon existing efforts to enhance the educational experience at North Georgia and to highlight our mission nationally and internationally."

Prior to her appointment to the presidency, Jacobs served as executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2009-2011) and as vice president for student development at the University of North Texas (1998-2009). A professor in counseling and higher education, Jacobs currently serves on the Commission on International Programs for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

"Dr. Jacobs' wealth of experience as both an executive and professor is key to the development of students and leaders," then-Chancellor Erroll B. Davis, Jr. said upon her selection in May. "We are excited about the continued development of North Georgia under her guidance."

She previously served as interim vice chancellor for student development and dean of students at Western Carolina University.

Jacobs earned both a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and history and a master’s degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University, where she also served as Director of Residence Life. She earned her doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University.

Jacobs is originally from Huntington, Texas, a small town in East Texas. She and her husband, Glenn, have three children: Craig, Ashlee and Scott.