South College Atlanta adds experienced educator Dr. Gina Peyton as dean of academic and student services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2026

South College has selected Gina Peyton, Ed.D., to serve as dean of academic and student services for its Atlanta campus. Peyton brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education and a passion for servant leadership to the role.

“We have a number of nontraditional students who may need support as they balance responsibilities on top of their education, including full-time jobs and parenting,” Peyton said. “I understand those challenges, both from personal and professional experience, and I look forward to helping students achieve their dreams.”

Peyton was selected for the dean role in Atlanta after serving as associate dean of academic and student services for South College Orlando. Prior to that, Peyton worked as a graduate professor, grants officer and research associate at another higher education institution.

“Dr. Peyton brings a wealth of knowledge and demonstrated success to our campus, and we’re pleased to welcome her to Atlanta,” said Josh Huffaker, campus president for South College Atlanta. “As a higher education leader and former professor, she offers unique insight for students and faculty alike.”

Peyton began working in higher education while she was in college as a work-study student and fell in love with education while advancing her own. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, master’s degree in Reading and Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with specialization in Higher Education Leadership at Nova Southeastern University.

Peyton met her husband, Kevin, in college, and they have two adult sons, Tommy and Cole. She loves to read, travel and spend time with family and friends.

New to Atlanta, Peyton is looking forward to exploring the city and is excited about a cooler climate, at least compared to Florida.

South College Atlanta offers a variety of healthcare programs, including Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and healthcare-centric Associate of Science programs in Surgical Technology, Nursing, Health Science (Pre-Nursing), Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Respiratory Therapy, along with a number of certificate programs including Practical Nursing.

For additional information about the programs, visit south.edu/atlanta or call admissions at 404-282-3632.

Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, online learning and Competency-Based Education (CBE).

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (CBE). South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.