Georgia Regents approve Albany State University-Darton State College consolidation

ATLANTA — Georgia Regents, as expected, unanimously approved the consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College on Tuesday. The motion to consolidate was placed on the table by Phillip Wilheit Sr. of Gainesville.

The BOR also approved Art Dunning as president of the consolidated institutions. In addition, Darton Interim President Paul Jones was named the new president of Fort Valley State University.

The University System of Georgia issued the following statement after the consolidation decision was approved:

“Albany State University (ASU) and Darton State College (DSC) will consolidate to form one institution under a new dynamic vision for public higher education. Today, the Board of Regents approved a proposal from Chancellor Hank Huckaby to consolidate the two institutions to increase education attainment levels and transform how the University System impacts southwest Georgia. Today’s action marks the fourth round of consolidation within the University System.

“The new institution will be named Albany State University, and the Board named Albany State Interim President Art Dunning as the permanent president of the new institution to lead this bold new effort.”

BOR Chairman Neil Pruitt said the consolidation is an opportunity to transform the region.”

“The consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College is a historic milestone for these institutions, our University System, the Albany community and our state,” Pruitt said. “We are creating an institution of nearly 9,000 students, which would be the largest institution of higher education in Southwest Georgia. We have the opportunity to transform how we serve the community and the region.”

Huckaby said the aim is to build on the combined strengths of the two institutions.

“The consolidated institution, Albany State University, will continue to serve the HBCU mission and build on its mission and that of Darton State to serve students, the community and region,” Huckaby said. “We respect the passion the community, students and alumni hold for these institutions. The new Albany State University will blend the strengths and values of each institution to strengthen the community and region more deliberately.”

State Rep. Darrel Ealum (D-Albany), whose district includes Albany State, attended the Tuesday meeting said there will be difficult decisions to be made on both sides of the Flint River.

“As a state representative for Dougherty County and ASU, being at the Regents’ Board meeting when the decision has been made to consolidate Albany State University and Darton has been exciting,” Ealum said. “This consolidation process is scheduled to take a little over 12 months, and by December of next year we should have or be close to a finished product. Many difficult decisions must be made and it’s important that every segment of our community participate in the process and pull together to create a new institution we will all embrace, admire, and support.

“We must create a new university that will become the educational epicenter for all of southwest Georgia.”

The chancellor is confident in Dunning’s ability to pull the the two institutions together.

“Dr. Dunning has demonstrated great dedication to Albany State, especially the students,” said Huckaby. “I have always had confidence in his ability to lead and that has further been solidified by his interim presidency at ASU which is why he is the right choice, at the right time, to lead ASU as its permanent president.”

Dunning said, “I am proud of our accomplishments thus far, but we are not done. We have an extraordinary opportunity to create the premiere institution in southwest Georgia that will positively impact not just students, but the community and economy. I am excited to continue to lead Albany State and work with our stakeholders to create the new Albany State University.”