Albany State University President Art Dunning has announced a strategic initiative on Albany State University alumni engagement.  After meeting with alumni throughout the state, Miami and Washington, D.C., hearing many alumni express a need and desire for greater engagement and communication directly with their alma mater, Dunning decided to explore options to address alumni concerns. He indicated that staff is currently researching the best models of alumni engagement and support at universities across the country.
 
"I am announcing the establishment of an Albany State University Alumni Engagement Council to assist in the development of a new strategy for alumni engagement," Dunning said.  "Two alumni, Ms. Maria Boynton (BA,'86), president of the DeKalb County Chapter of the National Alumni Association, and Mr. Marvin Laster (BA, '00), the 2017 Founder's Day speaker, have agreed to serve as the co-chairs of the council.  They will recommend two alumni from each decade to participate and provide input for the development of our engagement infrastructure."
 
Valuing the importance of alumni in the life of the university, Dunning is exploring ways to staff the initiative and hopes to create a sustainable model that far exceeds the current level of engagement.
 
"It is clear from our recent feasibility study, that alumni and stakeholders are vital in our efforts to raise funding for student enrichment, the fund for excellence, programmatic opportunities, faculty enhancements and athletics," Dunning said.  "We want our engagement to be symbiotic so that alumni and stakeholders are also continuing to benefit from the vast resources of the university.  From mid-career change support, to study travel opportunities, to providing platforms for professional networking, we want to be the place to which Golden Rams turn."  
 
Dunning said the committee's first meeting will be later this summer.