Albany State University President Art Dunning looks at what the future may hold for ASU

ALBANY — During Albany State University President Art Dunning’s State of the University address on Monday, he talked about ASU’s “vibrant history” and the recently consummated consolidation with the former Darton State College.

However, he also addressed where the university stands at the moment and cast an eye toward the institution’s future.

“A few years ago, the university had the opportunity to establish the Flint River Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State.” Dunning said. “Today, the program provides the institutional framework and academic expertise to proactively address the state’s water policy issues on a regional basis. In 2016, the center received $499,000 to improve USDA agricultural programs.”

Dunning said there are many more examples of faculty, staff and students leading by example and seizing the opportunity to strengthen the region and address needs nationally and internationally.

“That’s who we are and that’s what we do,” he said. “As we look toward the future, ASU will continue to work strategically to support economic development by focusing on what we do well — provide technical assistance, promote global reach, create a quality workforce, transfer expert business knowledge and advance innovation and creativity.”

The president then emphasized bringing more of a global mindset to the university.

“In 2017, student success will be the university’s chief priority. Together, we can ensure that this is a holistic learning environment that empowers students to be great decision makers in every facet of life.” Dunning said. “Students must be involved in real-world experiences in order to develop collaborative skills and a global mindset.

“There is a larger world beyond our local and national borders — a world made up of different views, products, ideas and cultures.”

Last year, the university provided study-abroad opportunities to more than 30 students in at least seven foreign countries.

“Fortunately, we have many students who are embracing opportunity and making the most of an ASU educational experience,” Dunning said. “For example, in 2016, more than 30 students participated in study-abroad opportunities in Belize, China, England, Ireland, France, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Japan and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Since 2010, more than 130 students, in various majors, have explored other cultures, histories and languages while taking classes and earning credits toward graduation.”

Closer to home, Dunning expects the university’s new $19 million Fine Arts Center, 12 years in the making and scheduled to open sometime this spring, to provide a boost to the region.

“During the fall semester, we topped out the Fine Arts Center, putting us one step closer to the completion of a $19 million facility that will replace Holley Hall,” he said. “The new center will continue to develop student talent and creativity, and it will be available to the community to serve as a source of revenue for the area through productions and events.”

Dunning also pointed to two recent grants received by the university — $5.5 million from the Wallace Foundation and $600,000 from the NIJ, and a multi-million capital campaign for scholarships from the ASU Foundation.

“In the fall, ASU received a $5.5 million grant in our College of Education to enhance our principal preparation program over the next five years. We will work with several surrounding county school systems on this effort.” Dunning said. “During the same semester, ASU received a three-year grant, through the College of Sciences and Technology, totaling more than $600,000 from the National Institute of Justice for a study in forensic science.

“In February, the ASU Foundation will kick off a feasibility study to determine the focus and goal for a multimillion-dollar capital campaign to fund scholarships, athletics, faculty development and other needed programs. There are many more exciting university initiatives under development. It is important to remember community partnership is essential to the success of many of our initiatives.”