President Emeritus
Carl V. Patton

1992-2008

Carl V. Patton became president of Georgia State University in July 1992. With his expertise as an academic leader and urban planner, Patton helped Georgia State become a vital part of the downtown Atlanta community. Patton's focus on recruitment of world-class faculty, strengthened academic programs, improved campus infrastructure and increased recognition for Georgia State through national rankings, peer journals and media reports.

Patton led the way for much of the downtown revitalization recent decades have seen and serves as a board member and member of many organizations dedicated to strengthening the downtown community. He and his wife, Gretchen, live in a downtown loft within walking distance of the university.

Patton and his wife are major contributors to Georgia State. Their financial gifts have supported the construction of the Rialto Theater, the Aderhold Learning Center, the Science Teaching and Research Laboratory, the Children’s Book Collection in the University Library, the business and humanities buildings, and the first Georgia State football scholarship. In 2013, Freshman Hall was named in honor of Patton.