Dr. Angel Cabrera, the first president of an American university who was born in Spain, is one step closer to leaving the presidency of George Mason University to lead Georgia Tech.
The University System of Georgia board of regents announced Thursday that Cabrera is the sole finalist for the presidency of the Atlanta school, formally known as Georgia Institute of Technology.
Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley said in a statement that Cabrera, an alumnus of Georgia Tech, “has the academic background, leadership skills and community ties necessary to lead a premier research institution like Georgia Tech. His strong record of improving student outcomes, increasing enrollment, strengthening research and enhancing stakeholder partnerships will enable him to successfully advance the priorities and meet the needs of the Georgia Tech campus community.”
Cabrera’s comments were cautiously optimistic, and he said he is continuing to focus on his work at GMU as the process unfolds.
“I am honored to be considered for this position,” he said. “Georgia Tech is very special to me. My wife and I met there and our son is a recent graduate. It would be a privilege to lead such a great institution.”
The USG board’s next scheduled meeting is Aug. 8, although it could take action before then.
GMU rector Tom Davis said Cabrera – who sits on the Georgia Tech advisory board and chaired it in 2011 – has taken Virginia’s largest public university to new heights with his leadership and vision since arriving in 2012.
