Special Message from the President

 

Good afternoon, Ramily & Friends,

Today, I have very bittersweet news to share. I have notified Chancellor Perdue that I have accepted a new opportunity within the University System of Georgia and will be transitioning from my role as ASU’s president.

Beginning July 1, I have accepted a new role at Georgia State University (GSU) as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to President Brian Blake. Chancellor Perdue has graciously asked that I also serve as his Senior Advisor for HBCU Initiatives, and I have accepted that opportunity as well. 

This announcement is sentimental and special for me, since it involves the end of my tenure with a great institution, dedicated colleagues, impressive students, committed alumni, a supportive community and good friends. I will never forget the remarkable experience my family and I have had here in Albany. Thanks to all of you for making ASU and Albany a home for us. 

This new role allows me to transition to one of the largest and most accomplished research institutions in the nation. However, I feel strongly that our accomplishments and collective work at ASU are what really have given me the foundation to contribute to GSU's ongoing strategic focus on the success of its more than 40,000 students.

 ASU and GSU have worked well together and will continue to do so. Our innovative partnership with the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) through GSU is helping us identify potential obstacles, analyze best practices and develop preeminent programs that elevate student retention and college completion. In fact, at yesterday's BOR meeting, it was announced that ASU achieved a 14.9 percentage point increase from 2022 to 2023 for the retention of First-Time, Full-Time, and Part-Time Freshmen, putting us at the top of the list for any USG institution currently working with NISS. I know you will continue that momentum here while I share best practices on a broader scale. 

 During the next few months, we will focus on finishing the year strong and ensuring a successful leadership transition, all while continuing to set ASU up for a sustainable future. By finishing the year strong, we will continue to follow our 2025 strategic plan, The Standard, to complete critical initiatives while undertaking new ones.  

Everyone understands the importance of ASU to USG and Southwest Georgia community. I will work closely with the Chancellor for a smooth transition to new leadership at ASU. I will also continue to support ASU and all our HBCU institutions as an advisor to the Chancellor.

 We still have the rest of the semester together to wrap up our strategic plan, focus on a seamless leadership transition and celebrate the accomplishments of our students during spring graduation. I look forward to that time with you and will be forever grateful for your commitment to our mission, devotion to our students and support for creating the ASU of the future. 

 

Yours for ASU,


Marion Ross Fedrick
President, ASU