Albany State University has appointed Dr. Erin Wiggins Gilliam as Vice Provost for Student Academic Progression, effective March 2, 2026.

Reporting to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen, the Vice Provost for Student Academic Progression provides comprehensive leadership for initiatives that support student achievement and academic innovation. The role guides strategic and operational efforts aligned with University System of Georgia priorities and ensures that academic support services operate cohesively to promote student progression and success.

The Vice Provost provides oversight for University Libraries, the Honors Program, Undergraduate Research, International Education, and Distance Learning, while collaborating with academic deans and campus partners on accreditation, program development, and student success strategy.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Erin Gilliam to Albany State University as our Vice Provost,” said Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen. “Dr. Gilliam brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of student success, and a clear commitment to mission-driven academic leadership. I look forward to working closely with her as we advance pathways that promote access, excellence, and student achievement.”

Dr. Gilliam is a seasoned scholar-administrator with more than twenty years of experience in higher education. Her leadership background includes service as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Dean of the Honors College at Kentucky State University. She has led institution-wide initiatives focused on retention, academic recovery, curriculum redesign, and degree completion, with measurable outcomes aligned to accreditation and accountability frameworks.

A proud graduate of Kentucky State University, an HBCU, Dr. Gilliam holds a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Kentucky. She is an Aspen Faculty Fellow and an HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Fellow, reflecting her national engagement in equity-minded leadership and institutional transformation. Her full biography can be found here. 

Dr. Gilliam’s appointment underscores Albany State University’s continued focus on student-centered academic strategy and sustainable institutional growth.