Former chairman, Savannah native Don Waters resigns from Georgia Board of Regents post

Savannahian Don Waters, who has served on the Georgia Board of Regents since 2013, has resigned, Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Thursday.

Kemp nominated Patrick Jones to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to fill the vacated seat representing the First Congressional District. Waters was first appointed to the Board on March 1, 2013, by then-Gov. Nathan Deal.

He was appointed as the board's chairman for a one-year term in 2018.

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"I am very grateful for Don Water's contributions to the Board and our state during his time as a Regent," said Governor Kemp. "As a past chairman of the Board and a proud alumnus of two USG institutions, his impact on the system and generations of its students will continue to be felt for years to come. Marty and I wish him and Cindy well-earned time enjoyed together. I also look forward to the impact Patrick Jones will have on the Board, as it furthers the university system's reputation as a world-class education provider. With a wealth of experience as a leader in the private sector, he will help ensure our postsecondary education campuses continue to produce top talent for this state of opportunity."

Chairman of the Board of Regents Harold Reynolds and University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue also shared the following regarding their friend and colleague, Regent Don Waters:

“Having known Don for the last 20 years, I’ve seen how strongly he believes in local communities, this state, and in investing in education," said Chairman Harold Reynolds. "Don is a staunch advocate for doing everything we can to work together and create educational opportunities that empower ourselves and our neighbors. I’ve learned a lot from him as both a leader and as a Georgian, and I know many others have, too. He’s served the university system and his beloved hometown of Savannah well, and the Board and I are grateful for all he’s done on behalf of faculty, staff, and especially students. We also look forward to working with Patrick Jones as he joins us in continuing to move the University System of Georgia forward.”

“Regent Don Waters throughout his life has championed the idea that knowledge and education allow students, no matter where they live in Georgia, to pursue their dreams and build a better life for themselves, their families, their community, and their state," said Chancellor Sonny Perdue.

"He learned this early on from his mother, Bernice, who as a librarian brought home books for him and his brother to read and learn from. And he took it to heart as a student and graduate of the former Armstrong State College and the University of Georgia School of Law.

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"The University System of Georgia is going to miss Don’s counsel as a member of the Board of Regents, but I take heart that his impact on students and our mission lives on with the Waters College of Health Professions on what is now the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University. It has been an honor to have Don and Cindy as members of the USG family, and we wish them our very best. We are also happy to welcome Patrick Jones to the Board and know he will be a great addition.”

Waters also serves on the boards of the Armstrong State University Foundation, the New York University School of Dentistry, and the University of California at Los Angeles College of Dentistry. Locally, Waters serves as the chairman of the board of trustees for Union Mission, Inc., the Chatham County Hospital Authority, and Sweetener Solutions, LLC.

He is also a member of the board of directors for Coastal Bankshares, Inc.

Over the years, he has served on boards for the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Telfair Museums, Savannah Country Day School, and Armstrong Foundation.

Will Peebles is the enterprise reporter for Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at wpeebles@gannett.com and @willpeeblessmn on Twitter.