Campus Message: Announcing Curriculum Re-Visioning Effort
Marion Fedrick
Dear ASU Community:
I’m excited to announce an opportunity for you to participate in an effort that will
reimagine academics at Albany State University.
As we focus on student retention and success, we are taking a close look at our academic
foundation to make changes that will better serve our students and the community.
This effort will ensure that we are providing the preparation our students need for
the current and future workforce opportunities of our region and state.
We will look to our faculty to lead us in this initiative as they play the critical
role of innovators and creators of ASU’s curriculum.
We have reviewed the state and national workforce research, and key areas of opportunity
include: information technology, healthcare and logistics.
Associate degrees will also play a critical role for Albany State. The data shows
that two-year degrees are in high demand due to the types of jobs available in the
region.
Understanding these important facts will allow us to set a new vision together for
a more effective curriculum for the University.
Over the next few months, we will:
- identify and begin the development of new academic programs that will provide additional pathways to high-employment occupations, and
- conduct a comprehensive review of the complete set of program offerings and curriculum to ensure ASU best meets the economic needs of the region and ASU’s future graduates.
A University steering committee has been established that will also include our community
partner, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. This committee will put forward initial
recommendations in early February.
Dr. Kimberly Holmes, vice president for organizational effectiveness and strategic
initiatives, and interim vice president of academic affairs and provost, will lead
this committee which includes representatives from across campus, including academics,
enrollment management, and the Student Government Association. This demonstrates great
cross-collaboration in all areas of the University.
The committee members include:
- Sarah Brinson, assistant vice president of academic affairs and department chair of health sciences
- Kimberly Carter, associate director of human resources
- Janis Carthon, assistant professor of educational leadership
- Charles Durrah, Student Government Association vice president of east campus
- Richard Foreman, professor of biology
- Rani George, dean of college of arts and humanities
- Sherie Gordon, director of athletics
- Marcia Hood, department chair of visual and performing arts
- Tim Hughley, department chair of health and human performance
- Emmanuel Konde, professor of history
- Stephanie Lawrence, executive director of student financial services
- Maria Lumpkin, director of new student success programs
- Hema Mason, department chair of sociology and psychology
- Meghan McBride, interim associate registrar
- Shawn McGee, senior vice president for administration and fiscal affairs
- William Moore, chief information officer
- Robert Owor, interim department chair of mathematics and computer science
- Jeremiah Pitts, associate professor of ESOL
- Michael Rogers, professor of economics and management
- Jan Rogers, bursar
- Earnell Seay, department chair of accounting and marketing
- Victoria Butler Smith, associate professor of communications
- Cameron Southerland, Student Government Association vice president of west campus
- Denise Ward, special assistant to the president for marketing and strategic communications
It is our responsibility to our students to prepare them to become effective contributors
to our community and experience personal and professional success.
By doing just this, we will also ensure the future and sustainability of ASU.
Our vision for Albany State University is to be recognized for innovative and creative
delivery of excellent educational programs that will promote community and economic
development for the citizens of southwest Georgia and beyond.
We look forward to sharing updates on the progress of this effort in the near future.
Regards,
Marion
Marion Fedrick
ASU Executive Vice President