The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) has elected David B. Dove as its new chair and Deep J. Shah as vice chair for one-year terms beginning January 1, 2026.
Dove, who joined the board in 2024 representing Georgia’s 11th congressional district, is a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke in Atlanta. His legal practice focuses on regulatory and economic investment matters. Dove earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia.
“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve as chair and help keep USG on track as the best public university system in the country,” Dove said. “As a proud UGA graduate, I know firsthand the power of a USG degree, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back to my state. I especially want to thank Chairman T. Dallas Smith for his steady leadership over the past year and his dedication to the university system. I look forward to working with Chancellor Perdue, Regent Shah and my fellow board members to support the success of the more than 382,000 students in our system.”
USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue expressed appreciation for outgoing Chairman Smith: He “has taken on the important work of guiding this system forward, championing the needs of our campuses and helping advance USG’s mission. We’re grateful for his leadership and service, and I’m excited to continue building on that momentum with incoming Chair Dove and incoming Vice Chair Shah.”
Dove previously served as executive counsel for Governor Brian P. Kemp, collaborating with the Attorney General’s office on major legal cases such as those involving water rights among states. He was also appointed interim director of Georgia Environmental Resources Division by the Georgia Board of Natural Resources in 2023.
In addition to his government service, Dove has contributed significantly to increasing diversity within state boards and commissions alongside Governor Kemp. He has been recognized by the UGA Alumni Association with a Young Alumni Award for leadership and remains active with various alumni groups at UGA.
Deep J. Shah joined the board in 2024 as an at-large member and will serve as vice chair during Dove’s term. Shah is a primary care physician and chief operating officer at Gwinnett Clinic in northeast Atlanta.
“It’s a privilege to serve on the Board and give back to a state that’s given me so much,” Shah said. “I’m excited to step into this new role alongside Chair-elect Dove and help strengthen Georgia’s workforce and communities through the power of higher education.”
Shah graduated from UGA with highest honors before studying at Oxford University as a Truman and Rhodes scholar; he later earned his medical degree from Harvard University followed by training at Emory University. He has received recognition including Top Doctor awards from regional publications.
Shah advocates for patient-centered care at both state and federal levels, serves on several boards including Touchmark National Bank, and was appointed by Governor Kemp to Augusta University Health System’s board (now Wellstar MCG Health).
The Board of Regents oversees governance for USG’s 26 public colleges and universities, along with other educational entities serving over 382,000 students across Georgia.
