Two Albany State University (ASU) employees have been selected to participate in the 2024 Leadership Albany class. The selected employees are Jennifer Heyer, Associate Professor in the Associate of Science in Nursing Program, and Vanessa McKinney, Coordinator of Student Leadership and Development.

Ms. Heyer, a distinguished alumna of ASU, holds a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the university. Her exceptional dedication and educational contributions have gained her numerous accolades, including the 2021 Albany Woman of the Year Award in College Education and the ASU Teacher of the Year Award. Additionally, she was recognized with the 2020 Darton College of Healthcare Professions Shining Star Award for Superior Teaching and the 2010 Southwest Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Award. Ms. Heyer is the co-founder and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Georgia Nurse Honor Guard and was recently appointed State Director. 

"I hope to better understand our community and its needs as I become part of the solution,” said Heyer. “In addition, I look forward to serving our community with strategy and proficiency while learning to motivate others outside of the classroom. I am eager to increase my confidence as a leader and gain valuable introspection that will allow me to develop my leadership skills further.”

With 15 years of dedicated service at Albany State University, Ms. Venessa McKinney has been pivotal in the Division of Student Affairs. Her role in the Office of Student Engagement focuses on enriching the student experience outside of the classroom, fostering involvement, growth, and development. As the Student Activities Advisory Board (SAAB) advisor, she guides student-led initiatives, promoting inclusivity on campus. Ms. McKinney, who served as the immediate past Financial Secretary of the National Association for Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) for six years, underscores her commitment to student success and cultivating a welcoming campus environment through her leadership. Outside the university, she has contributed to the community through her involvement with the Junior League of Albany and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., further highlighting her dedication to service and community engagement.

Both participant’s community leadership exemplifies the university's core value of striving for excellence in all endeavors. Their participation in Leadership Albany further underscores ASU's commitment to fostering leaders who will make a meaningful impact in the Albany area and beyond.

Established in 1984, Leadership Albany aims to identify and develop leaders in the Albany, GA, area. The program exposes participants to community issues, institutions, and leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of the community. This year’s class theme of "Building Bridges in Our Community" emphasizes the importance of connectivity and cooperation among diverse groups.