Athens, Ga. (May 16, 2006)– Karen E. Holt, former executive director of the non-profit organization Project Pericles, will become director of the Fanning Institute at the University of Georgia effective July 1, pending approval by the Board of Regents.

“I am delighted that Karen will be leading the Fanning Institute,” said Art Dunning, vice president for public service and outreach. “She brings tremendous energy, vision and leadership to the Institute as we seek to enhance our work in Georgia, nationally, and abroad.”

Holt will be the first director of the newly realigned Fanning Institute, previously known as the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership. In 2005, four public service units — the Fanning Institute for Leadership, Community and Regional Development, the Office of Economic Development Assistance, and the Initiative on Poverty and the Economy — were combined to create the new Institute. The new Fanning Institute simplifies access to UGA’s diverse services and provides a more holistic approach to the state’s community, economic and leadership development needs.

“The legacy of J.W. Fanning – his vision, his values and his lifelong commitment to service – is embodied in the Institute that bears his name,” Holt said. “It is an honor to assume the stewardship and to be a part of the University of Georgia’s work for the betterment of community and society.”

For the past two years, Holt has managed the national office of Project Pericles, which was founded by philanthropist Eugene M. Lang (founder, “I Have a Dream” Foundation). Project Pericles works with colleges to develop and implement institutional commitments to civic engagement and responsible citizenship.

Prior to joining Project Pericles, Holt was director of the University of Virginia’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, served in the general counsel’s office at the University of Tennessee System, Knoxville, and worked as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

Holt earned a doctorate in political science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from the Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville. She also graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor’s degree in zoology.

This article was posted on Tuesday, May 16th, 2006 at 4:30 pm and is filed under News.