Dr. Arthur Dunning formally named Albany State University president at investiture ceremony

ALBANY, Ga. – Arthur N. Dunning was officially installed as the ninth president of Albany State University at the Presidential Investiture Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 30.

The ASU Presidential Investiture Ceremony was held at the Albany Municipal Auditorium in Albany, Ga. The ceremony included a formal procession and greetings from elected officials.

Steeped in history and tradition, a presidential investiture symbolizes the embrace of a new era for the institution and acknowledges the authority of a new leader, as well as, the official rights and responsibilities of the office.

Dunning was named president of Albany State University in November 2015 by University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby. For two years, he led Albany State as the interim president, focusing on strategic direction, economic development and developing collaborations that enhance educational opportunities for the residents of Southwest Georgia.

“Dr. Dunning is a proven administrator, scholar and lecturer and has a distinguished track record for his contributions to higher education in Georgia and Alabama,” Huckaby said. “I believe no one is better suited for the job than Dr. Dunning. He is the right leader at the right time for Albany State University.”

Dunning is currently leading the consolidation process of Albany State University and Darton State College, along with DSC interim president Richard Carvajal. The new university will be the largest academic institution in the Southwest Georgia region, serving approximately 9,000 students.

“I feel privileged to serve Albany State University. This is a historic time and this is a significant time, not just in the life of these two campuses but in the life of Southwest Georgia,” Dunning said. “Moving forward, I expect administrators, faculty, staff and students at Albany State to aim high. We will be in a position where everything we do, we will measure ourselves against the best in the nation.”

Prior to his appointment at Albany State, he served as vice chancellor for International Programs and Outreach for the University of Alabama System in Tuscaloosa.

During his 30-year career in higher education in Georgia, Dr. 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, acting executive vice chancellor and vice chancellor for Services at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

The Alabama native earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Alabama.

About Albany State University …
Albany State University, in Southwest Georgia, has been a catalyst for change in the region from its inception as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute to its designation as a university. Founded in 1903 to educate African-American youth, the university continues to fulfill its historic mission while also serving the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. A progressive institution, Albany State University seeks to foster the growth and development of the region, state and nation through teaching, research, creative expression and public service. Through its collaborative efforts, the university responds to the needs of all of its constituents and offers educational programs and service to improve the quality of life in Southwest Georgia. For more information, see https://www.asurams.edu. Follow the university on Twitter at @AlbanyStateUniv and on Facebook at Albany State University Official Page.