Art Dunning announces several leadership changes at Albany State University

ALBANY — Albany State University President Art Dunning on Wednesday announced plans to fill leadership roles for the new Albany State University as part of the consolidation of Albany State and Darton State College.

“We are creating a new institution, which will be the largest institution of higher education in Southwest Georgia,” he said. “We want to ensure that we have a leadership team with the knowledge, skills and abilities to lead the new university. It is imperative that we find the best people who can effectively and efficiently lead.

“The leadership team of the new ASU will reflect our commitment to educational excellence, to advancing the mission of our new institution and to helping improve the economic vitality of Albany and this region.”

Dunning said he focused on blending the best talent from Albany State and Darton for the success of the students and the new university. Some appointments will be determined by June 1, while others are expected to be completed by the beginning of fall semester.

Dunning announced the following appointments:

• Danette Saylor, vice president for Student Affairs and Success

• Cynthia George, vice president for Institutional Advancement

• Shawn McGee, vice president for Fiscal Affairs

• Rowena Daniels, chief legal affairs officer

• Dan Land, head football coach

• Wendy Wilson, special assistant to the president for Strategic Communications and University Relations

• Cynthia Hoke, senior advisor and special assistant to the president

• Del Kimbrough, interim vice president for information technology.

Wednedsay’s appointments leave five leadership positions yet to be filled, which include:

• Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs

• Vice president for Information Technology

• Director of Human Resources

• Director of Title III

• Athletic director

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting and Parker Executive Search Firm will assist in the searches for the vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, and for the athletic director, respectively.