Darton State College Interim President, Dr. Paul Jones, announced today the appointment of Dr. Joan Darden as the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Darden worked at Darton as a faculty member and an administrator before her retirement as Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2009. Since her retirement, Dr. Darden has served as Director of International Nursing Programs and a professor of nursing at Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Darden back to Darton. She is a highly respected educator, and brings a wealth of leadership experience and knowledge that will be very beneficial to the College during this transitional period,” said Dr. Paul Jones, interim president of Darton State College.

In 2011, the National League named Dr. Darden one of 12 Academy of Nursing Fellows in the nation for nursing. In addition, she has been a longtime accreditation reviewer for the National League for Nursing and was selected as the Darton State College Outstanding Teacher in 1995.

Since 1966, Darton State College has been a leader in providing quality educational opportunities and services to Southwest Georgia. Darton offers a variety of programs, including Bachelor of Science in nursing, 54 transfer program options, and 41 career and certificate program options. Today, Darton is home to more than 6,000 students with over 155 international students from 40 countries. Darton State College, a public institution, is part of the University System of Georgia and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.