Atlanta — April 17, 2012

University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced today the appointment of Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny as the interim president of Augusta State University. Kenny will assume the post on July 1 of this year, upon the planned retirement of current president Dr. William Bloodworth.

“The consolidation of Augusta State and Georgia Health Sciences University is an exciting time in the history of both institutions,” said Huckaby. “Such a transition requires a steady hand and good leadership, and we are very fortunate to secure this appointment. Dr. Kenny’s exceptional track record will provide Augusta State the leadership it needs.”

Kenny served as president at two institutions during her career: Queens College, City University of New York from 1985 to 1998 and for the State University of New York at Stony Brook, from 1994 until her retirement in 2009.

She served as the chair of the Department of English at the University of Maryland, College Park from 1973-1979 and has taught at various institutions in New York, Maryland, Delaware and Texas.

Kenny earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Texas, Austin, a master’s from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

She has served on a number of corporate boards, including Toys “R” Us and Computer Associates. Kenny also served on the Chase Manhattan Bank Regional Advisory Board and the New York Stock Exchange Nominating Committee.

Her public service includes serving on the executive committee of the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of New York, the Seagram Scholarship Board and the Queens Lighthouse of the Blind board of directors.

A published author, Kenny has books on the theater to her name as well as a wide range of articles related to the theater and higher education.

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