Albany State University-Darton State College consolidation committee meets with Chancellor Hank Huckaby

ATLANTA — Ground was broken Wednesday on the “New Albany State University” when University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby and the 40-member Albany State University-Darton State College Consolidation Implementation Committee conducted its first panel meeting to discuss its charge and responsibilities.

The meeting provided the initial direction for what is expected to be an 18-month process of merging the two campuses.

“I thought it was a very successful first meeting,” USG Vice Chancellor for Planning and Fiscal Affairs Shelley Nickel said. “All of the members were there to learn and asked good questions.”

The meeting, which lasted just more than an hour, laid out the USG’s immediate priorities.

“The meat of the meeting involved what (the committee’s) most important work will be over the next 18 months,” Nickel said. “First, they are going to have to create a new mission statement as to what is relevant to the new Albany State University. We expect to see cost-savings, especially in the area of administration. Those savings will then be directed toward the student side of education.”

The committee will be broken up into work groups of 40-80 subcommittees that will look at every aspect — involving 800 to 900 subjects — to basically create a new university.

“Everything is on the table,” Nickel said. “Nursing is just one example, as are arts and science, and business. The subcommittees will also determine the best use of facilities across both campuses. It will be hard work, but also exciting because how often do you get a chance to build a new university?”

Shelley said the new mission statement should be before the Board of Regents by the middle of January. The second priority is a prospectus to be presented to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) by September. SACS must approve the merger before it can move forward.

At the moment, however, one of the most pressing questions is what will happen with the schools’ athletic programs, specifically at Darton?

ASU and Darton have three duplicate sports — men’s baseball and women’s basketball and softball. Darton has two unique sport offerings — men’s and women’s soccer. Sources close to the soccer teams expressed concern that the uncertainty surrounding the program will cost the school many of its international students who are heading into what may be their final season.

“We currently have conferences going on about that,” Nickel said. “Some sports at Darton will disappear while others may show up at Albany State. I think this situation will resolved fairly quickly since students are directly involved.”

Darton Interim Athletic Director Lea Henry could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Darton on Thursday held a farewell reception for outgoing Interim President Paul Jones, who has served as Darton’s interim president since October 2013. He has been named the new president at Fort Valley State University and will assume that position Tuesday.

Jones will give up his place on the 40-member consolidation committee and his spot will be taken by incoming Interim President Richard Carvajal.