Albany State University has named Dr. Kimberly Suress Gaiters-Fields dean of the College of Education. Gaiters-Fields, who assumed the position July 1, served one year as interim after the departure of former dean Dr. Kimberly King-Jupiter.

“I am honored that the search committee, provost and president found my qualifications competitive enough to earn me the position of dean. I am elated to be placed in a position that will allow me to “give back” to the university that provided a large portion of my higher education experiences,” Gaiters-Fields said. “As I am invested in the local community, I am optimistic about working with ASU administrators, the COE faculty and staff and the local school system on initiatives to enhance the P-16 educational experiences of students and impact the economic capital of the region.”

Under her leadership as interim dean, Gaiters-Fields increased expectations and community involvement for faculty and staff which resulted in the introduction of the “Those Who Can, Educate Tour,” an initiative to recruit undergraduate, certification and graduate candidates throughout the state. She also leveraged the University System of Georgia Employee Assistance Program to improve morale in the College of Education and foster a team approach to solving problems, collaborating and advancing the mission of the College.

Gaiters-Fields currently serves on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) State Partnership Committee and is a member of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Board of Examiners.

For more information, contact the ASU Office of University Communications at (229) 430-4671.