CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Dr. Michele Shirley is returning to the top leadership role at North Georgia Technical College, marking the second time she has been tapped to serve as the school’s interim president.
Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier announced Wednesday that Shirley will become interim president effective July 1, following the retirement of President John Wilkinson. She will lead the college while the Technical College System of Georgia conducts a search for its next permanent president.
Shirley currently serves as executive vice president of administrative services, a position she has held since 2021. During her career at North Georgia Technical College, she has also served as vice president of administrative services, director of admissions and registrar, special populations and retention coordinator, career planner, marketing specialist and associate instructor of business management.
The appointment marks Shirley’s second stint as interim president. She previously led the college in 2020 following the death of then-President Dr. Mark Ivester from complications related to COVID-19. She served in the interim role until Wilkinson was selected as president in 2021.
“Dr. Shirley is a respected leader who understands North Georgia Technical College, its students, employees and the communities it serves,” Dozier said in a statement. “Her extensive experience, collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to student success make her exceptionally well-qualified to lead the college during this transition.”
Dozier said he is confident Shirley will build on the momentum established during Wilkinson’s tenure while continuing the college’s mission of providing technical education and workforce development opportunities.
Wilkinson recently announced his retirement after leading the college through a period of growth that included expanding academic programs, strengthening business and industry partnerships, enhancing student success initiatives and investing in facilities to meet workforce demands, according to the Technical College System of Georgia.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as Interim President of North Georgia Technical College,” Shirley said. “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.”
She said the college’s faculty and staff remain committed to serving students and communities across the region while preparing graduates for successful careers.
A Habersham County native, Shirley earned a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in accounting from Piedmont College. She lives in Clarkesville with her husband, John, and their two daughters.
Don’t miss what everyone in town is talking about.
Join 4,000+ locals and choose our free newsletter covering news, events and the stories shaping our region.
