By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
North Georgia College & State University has new face for alumni relations
0601MYGLeavitt
Andrew Leavitt

Meet your government

Every Monday, The Times takes a look at someone who keeps local government running smoothly.

North Georgia College & State University students will be happy to know someone new joined their team today.

Andrew Leavitt starts today as the Dahlonega school’s new vice president for institutional advancement.

Leavitt will oversee the university’s public relations and marketing departments and will help raise funds for the school and develop alumni relations and scholarships.

"College is so expensive these days and there’s a lot of students who really struggle to pay the bills," he said. "To me it’s about getting many more deserving students in the doors of North Georgia and helping them financially."

Leavitt is coming to the school after 15 years at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.

At West Georgia, Leavitt was a chemistry professor and associate vice president for development and alumni relations. He also served as the executive director of the University of West Georgia Foundation.

He will continue to teach chemistry at North Georgia College & State University.

"It’s very important to me to keep my hand in teaching because I did that for many, many years at West Georgia and it’s part of who I am," he said.

Leavitt, a father of three, said he moved to Dahlonega this past weekend and his family will join him there when his son finishes high school in Carrollton next year.

His wife, Karen Leavitt, is a nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Hospital.

Andrew Leavitt said he enjoys working out and mountain biking, and he is looking forward to living near the mountains.

"I’m very excited about the idea of moving to Dahlonega because of its proximity to the Appalachian Trail," he said.

And students in North Georgia College & State University’s band might have a new classical saxophonist performing with them soon. "I love playing with college students," Leavitt said.

Although he’ll be based in Dahlonega, Leavitt said he looks forward to spending time in Gainesville where many North Georgia alumni live.