Bonita Jacobs has been named the next president of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega.

Jacobs is executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the University of North Texas. She previously served as vice president for student development at the university.

She will be the first woman to serve as president of North Georgia College & State University.

"She's student centered," said Robert Fuller, chair of the faculty senate and a member of the presidential search committee. "Our strongest tradition really is our focus on students. In fact that's been one of our slogans, focus on students. And that's what Dr. Jacobs is all about."

Tuesday's announcement wraps up a nine-month replacement process following President David Potter's September decision to step down at the end of this school year. Potter has held the position since January 2005.

Jacobs said she became aware of North Georgia's strong reputation during her 12-year tenure as interim vice chancellor for student development and dean of students at Western Carolina University.

She said she was drawn to apply for the presidency because of the college's high quality of students and military background.

Jacobs said she became aware of how a strong Corps of Cadets positively impacts the campus environment while completing her doctorate degree at Texas A&M University.

"I'd go on campus and it would feel like one great fraternity. And it didn't take long to realize that it was the impact of the corps on the campus," she said. "So I have the greatest respect that the corps is there and that was a huge draw for me."

Jacobs does not have a military background, but Potter, the first person without military experience to serve as president, said her enthusiasm for the school's tradition makes her qualified to lead.

"(The military) is such a powerful part of this place that you can't come onto this campus and not realize how important and how valuable it is as a part of our mission," Potter said. "... There's a group of military leaders here who can help out and there's an enthusiasm, I'm sure, on her part for learning about it and supporting it."

Potter said he's confident Jacobs will continue the college's commitment to international programing while focusing on improving the student life of not just residential but also transfer students.

"I really think what she can bring in the way of infusing new ideas into our student life experience is the most exciting feature of her background," Potter said.

Martin Erbele, outgoing student body president and a member of the search committee, also cited Jacobs student focus as one of her strongest assets. He said Jacobs carried herself with confidence during campus interviews and was well received by students, faculty and staff.

"When we were doing referencing, we tried to find something negative about her and we just couldn't," he said. "Everybody she had worked with in the past had a glowing recommendation. Stepping up to the role of the president is a big job, but she was ready to do it and I have complete faith that she will."

Jacobs holds a doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University as well as a master's degree in counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University.

She will begin work in Dahlonega on July 1.