Albany State University President Art Dunning has announced the appointment of Olufunke A. Fontenot as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs of Albany State University, effective July 1. He has also updated the university community on several other key appointments and progress of searches.
 
Fontenot is a tenured professor of criminal justice and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Georgia College in Milledgeville.
 
“Dr. Fontenot’s 30-year career in higher education includes teaching and serving in leadership positions,” said Dunning. “Albany State University is fortunate to have her leadership as we continue to serve our students during the consolidation process.”
 
Fontenot has served in a variety of institutional settings, including 10 years as a professor of law at an overseas institution, and 22 years at two University System of Georgia institutions.
 
“I am excited at the opportunity to join the new Albany State University at this momentous time in the institution’s history,” said Fontenot. “The ongoing consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College presents immense opportunities for innovation and creativity. The sky is the limit! I look forward to working with students, staff, faculty and administration as we navigate the new challenges and opportunities as one institution in the service of our local and global communities.”
 
Fontenot has served as an interim dean, assistant dean, associate dean, and interim chair in various colleges at Georgia College. She has also held key administrative roles including dean at Savannah State University. She holds a doctoral degree in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and law degrees from Yale Law School, Cambridge University, England, and Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.
 
Fontenot succeeds Abiodun Ojemakinde, who is returning to faculty in the College of Business. Ojemakinde has served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the past year and has also served as department chair and dean during his tenure at ASU.
 
“I am grateful for Dr. Ojemakinde’s leadership at Albany State University and look forward to working with him on special assignments and as a member of faculty,” Dunning said.
 
Dunning also announced the following appointments effective July 1: Kimberly Carter, interim director of Human Resources for Albany State University, who holds a similar position at Darton State College; and Jason Goodner, interim coordinator of assessment for Albany State University, who is currently interim chair of social sciences and assistant professor of sociology at Darton.
 
Search firms, Myers McRae and Parker Associates, and search committees continue to work to fill the positions of vice president for Academic Affairs and director of Athletics. Other positions being advertised include vice president for Information Technology, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and director of Title III programs.