Gordon State College is preparing for a leadership transition after President Dr. Donald Green was confirmed as the next president of Valdosta State University.
Green has served as president of Gordon State since 2023. His departure comes after a stretch in which Gordon State reported growth in retention, enrollment, workforce development and student achievement.
For Gordon State, the timing is notable. Just as the college is highlighting some of its strongest numbers in recent years, it will now be turning the page to another president.
The Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15. Gordon State awarded 338 degrees to 338 graduates, making it one of the largest graduating classes in the college’s history. The Spring 2026 class surpassed last spring’s total of 294 degrees awarded to 290 graduates.
Green’s tenure also included the launch of Gordon State’s “Future Forward” strategic plan, a record Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 64.5% in 2025, and a 7.5% increase in spring enrollment.
Gordon State will now be tasked with maintaining that momentum under new leadership.
Dr. Russell Crutchfield was named Gordon State College’s sixth president by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents on June 8, 2026. He currently serves as chief operating officer in the Office of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and will officially begin his role at Gordon State on Aug. 1.
The college will host a community drop-in welcome for Crutchfield on Monday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hightower Library on Gordon’s campus.
The event is free and open to the public.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
