Georgia Institute of Technology President G.P. “Bud” Peterson kicked off his annual summer tour of the state today in Columbus, Georgia.

This is the fourth annual tour for Peterson, who will travel through several cities from June 25 to 27. Stops will be made in Columbus, Camilla, Pelham, Bainbridge, Jesup, Valdosta and Savannah.

Peterson and his wife, Georgia Tech First Lady Valerie H. Peterson, initiated the visits three years ago to provide an opportunity to meet face to face with alumni, students, state leaders and other friends to share updates on Georgia Tech and listen to questions and concerns.

Last year’s tour included visits to Dalton, Rome, Carrollton, Peachtree City, Newnan, LaGrange and Gainesville.

Stops for the 2010 tour were Young Harris, Athens, Watkinsville, Greensboro, Perry, Warner Robins, Fort Valley, Lyons, Vidalia and Albany.

Peterson visited Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Brunswick and Augusta in 2009.