Following 14 years of service to higher education in Georgia, the University System Board of Regents has voted unanimously to name Dr. Wayne Clough as President Emeritus of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Clough was named the tenth president of Georgia Tech in September 1994, and was the first alumnus to hold that position. During his tenure, he led an unprecedented expansion of the campus, overseeing the funding of $1 billion in the construction and renovation of more than 25 buildings, and he shook hands with 51,000 graduates, which is more than 35 percent of the total number of individuals who have received a degree from Georgia Tech.

"Dr. Clough served Georgia Tech with great distinction, both in growing its footprint and advancing its prestige," President Bud Peterson said. "Under his leadership, Tech was transformed from a respected regional institution into the internationally renowned research university it is today. His enthusiasm for his alma mater has left a profound impact for which we are all grateful."

The Regents' Executive and Compensation Committee review nominations for emeritus status prior to a vote by the entire Board. Peterson submitted the request in January, and a formal recognition of the designation will be part of a groundbreaking ceremony for the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons later this spring.

In 2008, Clough became the 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, leading the world's largest museum and research complex with 19 museums, nine research centers, the National Zoo and research activities in more than 90 countries.