Atlanta — March 30, 2005

Board of Regents Chair Joel O. Wooten and University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith announced today the appointment of the two committees that will be charged with assisting in the selection of a new president for Albany State University.

The search is being conducted to replace Dr. Portia Holmes Shields, who announced in December 2004 her intention to step down from the presidency in June, after serving in the position since 1996.

“We are looking forward to a very fruitful and productive search that will produce ASU’s next leader,” Chancellor Meredith stated. “Dr. Shields’ leadership has brought distinction to Albany State, and we are certain we will benefit from a strong field of candidates interested in continuing that success.”

Board of Regents Chair Joel Wooten announced that Regent Connie Cater has been selected to chair the Special Regents’ Committee for the presidential search. Regent Julie Hunt and Regent Wanda Yancey Rodwell will serve as members of the committee.

Chancellor Meredith will charge the nine-member Presidential Search and Advisory Committee formally today, during a visit to the ASU campus.

The search will follow the traditional process, commencing with the Presidential Search and Advisory Committee, comprised of members of the ASU campus community, alumni and foundation representatives. The Special Regents Committee, comprised of members of the Board of Regents, will conduct the second phase. After screening applicants, the campus-level committee will forward at least five unranked candidates to the Special Regents’ Committee. The regents on that committee will interview identified candidates and make a recommendation, with the chancellor, to the full Board of Regents for their approval.

The members of the Presidential Search and Advisory Committee were selected from a list of nominees submitted for consideration by the leadership of their respective groups, as called for in the Board of Regents’ policy on presidential searches. Dr. Wilburn Campbell, interim dean of the College of Education, will serve as chair of that committee. Additional faculty members selected to serve include: Dr. Audrey Beard, professor of early childhood education; Mr. Maurice Elliard, assistant professor of marketing; Dr. Linda Grimsley, assistant professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing; and Dr. Ravindra Malik, assistant professor of biology.

Mr. Robert Xavier Bailey, ASU’s director of information technology, will represent the institution’s staff. Ms. Cassandra Yvonne Lewis, president of the ASU Student Government Association, will represent the student body. Mrs. Virginia Harris, president of the Albany State University Foundation, will represent the Foundation. Mr. Virgil Adams, an attorney and alumnus of the Class of 1977, will represent the University’s alumni.

Meredith also announced that an executive search firm would be retained to assist in identifying qualified candidates. He said he expects to conclude the presidential search by the September Board of Regents’ meeting.

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