Atlanta — October 9, 2017

Albany State University (ASU) President Arthur (Art) Dunning announced today his plans to retire early next year, effective Jan. 31, 2018. Today’s 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 University System of Georgia.

“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,” said Dunning. “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.”

Dunning was appointed interim president of Albany State University in 2013 and then named president by the Board of Regents in 2015.

“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,” said Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “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.”

Under Dunning’s leadership, Albany State University:

• Led the seventh consolidation in the University System of Georgia, Albany State University and Darton State College, to create the new Albany State University

• Secured nearly $20 million for a new Fine Arts building for Albany State University, which opened summer 2017

• Developed new academic partnerships with Albany Technical College

• Established 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

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

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

• Advocated for a support system for foster and homeless college students

• Championed 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, Tennessee and a management development program at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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

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