Peterson announced in January his intention to retire as president this summer. The legislature seized the opportunity to honor the Petersons with resolutions thanking them for their work on behalf of Georgians.

“All of us owe President Peterson a debt of gratitude,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, a Georgia Tech alumnus. Duncan recognized Sen. P.K. Martin (R-Lawrenceville) as one of the resolution’s sponsors, who also spoke in support.

“Over the past decade President Peterson has led our school to new heights,” said Martin, who is also a Georgia Tech graduate. He cited Georgia Tech’s doubling of research funding, the economic impact of companies locating in Georgia, workforce development in technology fields, and enhancing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 programs across the state.

Rep. Bert Reeves (R-Marietta), also a Tech graduate, introduced the resolution in the House.

“President Peterson has served as president for the last 10 years,” said Reeves, “and if there’s one word that describes his tenure, it’s ‘success.’”

The Petersons were in attendance in the Senate and then the House for the resolution.

“Val and I have been tremendously pleased to serve the citizens of Georgia,” Peterson said. “It’s one of the highlights of our career. Georgia is fortunate to have two top 15-ranked public institutions, and I have frequently said this is one of the best systems for higher education in the country.”