Cecil Staton

The University System of Georgia has named an interim president to lead Valdosta State University during the search for a replacement.

System Chancellor Hank Huckaby has named Cecil Staton as interim president of the university in south Georgia. Staton is the University System of Georgia's vice chancellor for extended education.

Valdosta State University's president William McKinney has announced plans to resign effective July 1.

Huckaby says Staton has extensive experience in higher education and leadership experience in business operations. University system officials say Staton also been a professor at Mercer University. Officials say Staton also served 10 years as a Georgia state senator.

Tags: Valdosta State University, Cecil Staton, william mckinney, Hank Huckaby