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ATLANTA (Aug. 8, 2012) —This year's recipient of the Regent Willis J. Potts Student Advisory Council (SAC) Leadership Award is Patrick Pickens, the second-term Student Government Association president at North Georgia College & State University.

SGA President Patrick Pickens, right, receives the SAC Leadership Award from Regent Willis J. Potts, for whom the award is named.

"Pickens is very committed to the student body of North Georgia College & State University and the institution's success, as well as the University System as a whole," said Tonya Lam, USG SAC advisor.

The Cumming, Ga., resident is a rising senior majoring in chemistry and biology. Pickens is also conducting undergraduate research in biochemistry, while serving on several campuswide committees, including the Campus Consolidation Implementation Committee for North Georgia and Gainesville State College.

"I am incredibly blessed to receive an award named for Regent Potts – someone who leaves a lasting impression upon first meeting him. His leadership in the state of Georgia is something that I strive to emulate and look up to," said Pickens. "North Georgia has provided me with an environment that cultivates leaders and pushes students to their utmost potential."

The award is in its third year, and this marks the second time a North Georgia student has been selected for the honor. The award was established in 2009 by SAC, an advisory council composed of student government association presidents at all USG institutions. The SAC membership named the award in honor of Potts' leadership, service and commitment to University System students.

Each year the membership of the SAC anonymously votes for one of its members who has attended at least three SAC conferences or sponsored events and exhibited strong leadership in the organization. The student must also demonstrate knowledge about the USG, its policies and operations. And finally, the student must be open, honest, respectful of others and enthusiastic in the engagement of all SAC activities and conferences.

The Student Advisory Council was formed in 1968 and provides a forum for communications between University System students, the chancellor, the board, state officials and the public. The council promotes better student government at institutions and discusses issues affecting USG students.