Aug 12, 2016 12:00 AM EDT By Leah NY, UniversityHerald Reporter

Hank Huckaby, University System of Georgia chancellor announced on Wednesday morning about his plan for retirement to be effective the end of the year.

Huckaby's retirement will end his more than five years of meaningful service to the administration.

The chancellor expressed his gratitude to be given a chance to work with the team of faculty and staff that brings life to the University System which he refers to as one of the greatest strengths of Georgia. He also believes that the University System is holding a bright future for the next generation.

Taking Huckaby's place as system chancellor beginning January 1, 2017, is Steve Wrigley, the administration executive vice chancellor.

Hank Huckaby stepped in the office on 2011. Since the beginning of his service, he has brought in some significant improvements in the system which is composed of 29 public colleges. Some these colleges are Gordon State College in University, Fort Valley State University, Middle Georgia State University and Georgia College, The Macon News reported.

Believing that public higher education is like a fabric holding people together and that it provides lifetime dividends, Huckaby's focused on the consolidation of campuses and reducing the number of system schools. He also did it believing that consolidation plays a big part in lowering the operating cost.

His plan eventually succeeded trimming down the number of system schools to 29 from 35. The system's enrollment rate also grew from 298,510 students when Huckaby started to 318,164 students this year.

People who had and are still having experiences to work with him cannot help but express how thankful they are to the chancellor and wishes him well on his "well-earned retirement.

Kessel Stelling, Board of Regents Chairman refers to him as State of Georgia's life-long public servant.

Bonita Jacobs, University of North Georgia said that Huckaby's support and leadership will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of students, the university and the system as well, Gainsville Times reported.

Know more about the retiring chancellor through this video.

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