Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Commissioner Greg Dozier today announced the appointment of Dr. Michele Shirley as Interim President of North Georgia Technical College, effective upon the retirement of President John Wilkinson.

Dr. Shirley has served as North Georgia Technical College's Executive Vice President of Administrative Services since 2021. During her years at the college, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of Admissions and Registrar, Special Populations and Retention Coordinator, Career Planner, Marketing Specialist, and Associate Instructor of Business Management.

"Dr. Shirley is a respected leader who understands North Georgia Technical College, its students, employees, and the communities it serves," said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. "Her extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to student success make her exceptionally well-qualified to lead the college during this transition. I am confident she will continue the momentum established under President John Wilkinson's leadership while advancing the college's mission of providing outstanding technical education and workforce development opportunities."

John Wilkinson announced his retirement after leading North Georgia Technical College through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the college expanded academic programs, strengthened partnerships with business and industry, enhanced student success initiatives, and invested in facilities that support the workforce needs of Northeast Georgia.

"It is an incredible honor to serve as Interim President of North Georgia Technical College," said Dr. Shirley. "I am grateful for the trust Commissioner Dozier has placed in me and for the opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation President Wilkinson has established. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to serving our students and communities, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue preparing graduates for successful careers and meeting the workforce needs of our region."

Dr. Shirley will lead the college beginning July 1 with the support of North Georgia Technical College's executive leadership team as the Technical College System of Georgia conducts a search for the college's next president.

A native of Habersham County, Dr. Shirley earned a Doctor of Education in Adult Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a minor in Accounting, from Piedmont College. She resides in Clarkesville with her husband, John, and their two daughters.