Daniel J. Kaufman
GGC President, 2005-2013
Dr. Kaufman Facts
- Native of Brunswick, Georgia.
- Holds degrees from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Recipient of the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Attained the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army.
- Former member of the National Security Council staff in the White House, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and assistant to three Chiefs of Staff of the Army.
- Former Dean of the Academic Board and Chief Academic Officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the International Studies Association, and the American Political Science Association.
- Active member of the Gwinnett community, serving in leadership positions for several organizations.
- Author of several books on international relations.
Read Dr. Kaufman’s full biography.
GGC Milestones during Kaufman's Term
- Dr. Kaufman became charter president of the then-unnamed college in September 2005.
- Georgia Gwinnett College opened its doors on August 18, 2006 to 118 students as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first four-year public institution created in Georgia in more than 100 years.
- GGC’s students voted to name its Grizzly mascot “General” to honor Dr. Kaufman.
- In 2008, GGC held its inaugural commencement ceremony, graduating 17 students.
- In 2009, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Georgia Gwinnett its initial accreditation in record time. More than 3,000 students attended GGC.
- In 2010, GGC celebrated the opening of its new Library and Learning Center and its first student residence halls, transforming the commuter college into a residential campus.
- More than 5,300 students enrolled for the 2010 fall semester.
- The Student Center and laboratory structure opened in 2011.
- GGC enrolled 9,400 students in fall 2012.
- In 2013, the College broke ground on its Allied Health and Sciences Building.
- 2012-13 was the Grizzlies’ first season of official intercollegiate competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The varsity athletics facilities were completed.
For GGC’s full history, click here.
