Albany State University has announced an effort that will reimagine the academic programs at the university.
 
The effort will evaluate the current academic curriculum and make needed changes to better serve students, and also align more closely with the needs of the local workforce.
 
“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,” said Marion Fedrick, ASU executive vice president. “This effort will ensure that we are providing the academic preparation our students need for the current and future workforce opportunities of our region and state.”
 
ASU faculty will be at the forefront of initiating this change for the university.
 
“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,” said Fedrick.
 
Over the next few months, the university 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.
 
“State and national workforce data indicates that key areas of opportunity for the region and Albany State include information technology, healthcare and logistics,” said Art Recesso, chief innovation officer for the University System of Georgia. “This effort will sync workforce talent demand in these areas with the University’s educational offerings. Close collaboration with local employers will be critical throughout this process.”
 
Recesso will guide ASU teams of faculty through the curriculum assessment and redevelopment process.
 
Associate degrees will also play a critical role for Albany State. Two-year degrees are in high demand due to the types of jobs available in the region.
 
“It’s incumbent on us to make sure our institution is strong, robust and meets the needs of our students and the local workforce,” said Kimberly Holmes, vice president for organizational effectiveness and strategic initiatives, and interim provost. “We have to implement a framework to make sure we are building a 21st century curriculum, and we’ll build those degrees in partnership with area businesses. This is a logical next step for a new university.”
 
A steering committee, led by Holmes, has been established and will put forward initial recommendations in early February.
 
The steering committee will include the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, which will provide input and perspective on the workforce needs of businesses, and which opportunities connect the university to area stakeholders. ASU representatives from across campus will also serve, including: academics, enrollment management, and the Student Government Association. Individual 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

Cameron Southerland, Student Government Association vice president of west campus

Victoria Butler Smith, associate professor of communications

Denise Ward, special assistant to the president for marketing and strategic communications