Biography

Dr. George A. Pruitt, who was appointed president of Thomas Edison State University in 1982, is active in the formulation of educational policy nationally and within the State of New Jersey. He is among the longest-serving public university presidents in the nation and was identified as one of the country's most effective college presidents in a study of presidential leadership funded by the Exxon Education Foundation. Prior to his tenure at Thomas Edison State University, he served in executive leadership positions at Illinois State University, Townson State University, Morgan State University, Tennessee State University, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Dr. Pruitt has served five secretaries of education under three presidents during his tenure as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, which advises the U. S. Secretary of Education on the recognition of accrediting agencies. His is the recipient of five honorary degrees, in addition to numerous awards, honors and commendations, and has consulted widely within the higher education community, as well as in business and government. He is past chairman and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and past chairman and a member of the New Jersey Presidents' Council. He is the former chairman of the board of trustees for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning; former vice chair, National Commission on Higher Education Attainment; past member and chairman, board of trustees of The Union Institute & University; past member of the board of directors of the American Council on Education and of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities; past member, board of trustees, Rider University; and former advisor, Kellogg National Fellowship Program, W. K. Kellogg Foundation. He is a member of the boards of directors of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. Dr. Pruitt is past chairman and a longtime member of the board of directors of SEEDCO (Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation) and the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce. He is a former member of the boards of directors of the New Jersey State Planning Commission, The Trenton Savings Bank, Capital City Partnership and of Sun National Bank, and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Choose New Jersey, Inc., and of Greater Trenton, Inc. He has an adult daughter, Shayla and grandson, Landon. He and his wife, Pamela, reside in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.