Albany State’s Dunning to retire in January

ATLANTA — Albany State University President Art Dunning announced Monday his plans to retire early next year, effective Jan. 31. The announcement marks a milestone in Dunning’s 31-year career in higher education in Georgia, in addition to his extensive experience in academics outside the state’s University System.

Dunning will best be remembered for leading sometimes contentious consolidation efforts between Albany State and Darton State College, and the building of the school’s new $22 million fine arts center.

University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley has named Marion Fedrick interim executive vice president of Albany State University to lead the institution’s transition, following Dunning’s announcement.

Fedrick currently serves as vice chancellor for human resources at the University System of Georgia, overseeing administration of all systemwide human resources initiatives, employee benefits programs, and organizational and leadership development initiatives. She will assume her new role Monday.

“Marion is a trusted, proven leader within the USG and has a distinguished career in human resources and organizational development,” Wrigley said. “On behalf of the Board of Regents, I thank Marion for leading this transition team and taking action necessary to ensure a smooth transition for the benefit of students and the southwest region of Georgia.”

Dunning, a native of Sweetwater, Ala., was appointed interim president of Albany State in 2013 and then named president by the Board of Regents in 2015.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the president of Albany State University during such a pivotal time in the institution’s history,” Dunning said. “Albany State University is an integral part of the southwest region of Georgia, and the dedicated faculty and staff of this institution, along with strong partners in the community, have given countless hours to create the new university. To build on this effort and to stay the course with consolidation, I have asked Chancellor Steve Wrigley to initiate a complete review of Albany State. This review will identify and take action steps necessary during my transition to position the new Albany State to serve generations to come.”

The University System of Georgia issued the following statement:

“President Dunning has contributed a lifetime of service to public higher education in the state of Georgia, in addition to leading the consolidation of the new Albany State University. President Dunning has impacted so many lives for the better, serving as a veteran administrator, scholar and lecturer. Thanks to Dr. Dunning’s vision and leadership, we will continue the momentum of the consolidation of the new Albany State University, which is so critical to the future of the southwest region of Georgia. On behalf of the University System, we are grateful to Art for his commitment to Albany State’s students, the surrounding community and the state.”

In addition to the consolidation and new fine arts center, Dunning also played a major role in:

• Developing new academic partnerships with Albany Technical College;

• Establishing a strategic partnership with the city of Albany to support professional development of senior leaders and to create internships and service opportunities for ASU students;

• Establishing a strategic partnership with the Flint RiverQuarium in Albany to promote environmental education;

• Launching a partnership with the Dougherty County Commission to develop a Rails-to-Trails Project connecting ASU to downtown Albany and beyond to promote health and wellness opportunities;

• Advocating for a support system for foster and homeless college students;

• Championing the Wallace Foundation Grant to develop a new academic program for K-12 leadership.

During his career in Georgia, Dunning was vice president for Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia in Athens, and a tenured professor. He also served as senior vice chancellor for Human and External Resources at the Board of Regents of the University System. At the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education in Atlanta, he was chief executive officer. At Kennesaw State University, Dunning was dean of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research, and an associate professor.

Dunning earned his doctorate, a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. He completed post-master’s work at the Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in Nashville and a management development program at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

Information regarding the search for Dunning’s replacement will be announced at a later date.