Stephen L. Pruitt began his tenure as president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on August 1, 2025. Dr. Pruitt comes to the role with more than 30 years of professional experience in the field of education. With skills and experience ranging from leading classroom instruction to, most recently, serving as the president of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Pruitt’s knowledge of all aspects of education makes him highly qualified to lead SACSCOC as it enters this new chapter.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Pruitt has led multiple education governing bodies, including as commissioner of education for the Kentucky Department of Education, and as chief of staff and associate state superintendent for the Georgia Department of Education. Pruitt earned a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry education from Auburn University, a Master of Education in secondary science from the University of West Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of North Georgia.