Recommendations Received For Bainbridge College Presidency

Regent Doreen Stiles Poitevint, chair of the Special Regents’ Committee for the presidential search at Bainbridge College in Bainbridge, Ga., and University System of Georgia (USG) Chief Operating Officer Robert Watts have announced the names of the three finalists for the Bainbridge College presidency.

A national search was launched to replace Bainbridge College President Thomas A. Wilkerson, who is retiring at the end of the year, after having served the University System in this capacity since 2005.

The recommended individuals are:

Dr. Neil Aspinwall, vice president of enrollment & student services at Waycross College in Waycross, GA., since 2007. During his service at Waycross College – an institution with 1,100 students – Aspinwall streamlined many of the admissions, financial aid, and student services functions in order to better meet the needs of a growing student population. He implemented the college’s first on-line advising system, first high school based dual enrollment program and first collegiate athletics program. He was instrumental in the creation of an on-site Teacher Education program and an on-site Early College program at two different high schools in the college’s service area. Aspinwall was appointed chair of a committee charged with a rebranding campaign which resulted in the introduction of new college logos, a redesigned website and new marketing strategy.

Since Aspinwall’s appointment, enrollment and retention are at their highest levels in the 34-year history of Waycross College. In 2010, he was instrumental in designing and creating the 3-year Graduation and Retention plan and assisted the college’s president in its presentation to the Board of Regents Graduation and Retention Committee. Prior to his arrival at Waycross College, Aspinwall served as vice president of economic development at Okefenokee Technical College, a member institution of the Technical College System of Georgia, from January 1999 to August 2007. While at Okefenokee Technical College, he played a key role in increasing enrollment and generating additional revenue for the College by working with business and industry, city and county governments, and local boards of education to implement new programs and services and establish new off-campus locations in all seven counties within the College’s service delivery area.

Aspinwall holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administration earned in 1999, an education specialist degree in 1994 and a master of education degree in 1992, both with a major in School Administration and Supervision. He earned a bachelor of science in education degree in Technology Education in 1986, all conferred by Georgia Southern University (formerly Georgia Southern College).

Dr. F. Gary Barnette, vice president for student affairs at Darton College in Albany, GA., since 2001. Initially hired as dean of students in 1994, Barnette was promoted to vice president in 2001, and, since June 2009, he has also served as interim vice president for academic affairs at Darton College. Prior to his arrival in Albany, Barnette served as vice president of student affairs at Lindsey Wilson College, a college of more than 1,200 students in Columbia, KY., from 1991 to 1994. Before that, he was the area coordinator for housing and residence life at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS., from 1989 to 1991.

Barnette’s oversight of Student Affairs departments at Darton College includes Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar/records, Student Activities, Challenge Course Program, Disabled Student Services, Career Development Center, International Student Services, Minority Advising, Evening Operations, Counseling Services, and Student Housing. His responsibilities have also included enrollment management. During this time enrollment increased by 119% to over 5,800 students. Barnette designed, implemented, and currently oversees a comprehensive student success program and has worked with faculty to research retention and graduation data. This effort resulted in a comprehensive retention plan that was presented to the USG Board of Regents. He serves on the Regents Academic Affairs Committee and Regents Administrative Committee on Student Affairs for the USG.

Barnette holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education with emphasis in student development in higher education conferred in 1991 by Mississippi State University in Starkville, a master of science degree in Counseling and Human Development earned in 1988 from Troy University in Phenix City, AL., and a bachelor of science in Psychology earned in 1987 and conferred by Columbus State University in Columbus, GA.

Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, vice president for student success services, since 2006, at Cascadia Community College in Bothell, WA., an institution serving more than 3,300 students. Prior to his arrival in Bothell, Carvajal served as dean of student services at Independence Community College, a college of more than 1,100 students in Independence, KS., from 2003 to 2006. Before that, he was the associate dean of student services at Coker College in Hartsville, SC., from 1997 to 2003.

In his current role at Cascadia Community College, Carvajal led a college-wide transition to Strategic Enrollment Management that reached and surpassed enrollment goals, growing by 43% from fall 2006 to fall 2009. He had oversight of the organizational restructuring and a business process redesign of a one-stop student services center, including renovation of the facility, that dramatically improved services to students. Carvajal has served as an executive officer of the Washington State Student Services Commission and has served as a member of the College Budget Council, the Capital Projects Committee, the Cascadia Community College / UW - Bothell Co-Location Committee, and was a co-founder of the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee.

Carvajal holds a Ph.D. in educational administration with emphasis in higher education conferred in 2005 by The University of South Carolina in Columbia, a master of science degree in College Student Personnel Administration earned in 1995 from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a bachelor of science in Mass Communication/Sociology earned in 1993 and conferred by East Central University in Ada, OK.

The Board of Regents expects to name the next president of Bainbridge College at a future meeting.


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Keel Named President of Georgia Southern University

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Brooks A. Keel, 53, vice chancellor for research and economic development and professor of biological sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, president of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

“Dr. Keel has Georgia roots, and is a graduate of two USG institutions, so he is an outstanding success story for the university system and the state. He brings tremendous academic credentials, understands our state challenges on all dimensions and has the experience to link industry and the academy together in creative and compelling ways,” said Chancellor Erroll Davis. “I have no doubt that he will be a great partner for the board while leading Georgia Southern to the next level.”

Regent Donald M. Leebern Jr. chair of the Special Regents’ Committee for the presidential search at Georgia Southern, added that Keel’s “history of leadership in higher education is impressive. The committee is extremely confident in his ability and readiness to lead Georgia Southern.”

Keel will assume his post on January 1, 2010, according to USG Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Susan Herbst. He will replace Georgia Southern President Dr. Bruce Grube, who will step down as President, effective December 31, 2009. Dr. Grube has served the University System in this role since July 1, 1999.

“We were searching for someone who understood that the center of Georgia Southern is its students, faculty, and staff. And in order for Georgia Southern to further build its research profile, we needed a leader who knows how to develop research infrastructure,” said Herbst. “Brooks has keen understanding of what makes a university work effectively and efficiently for its many stakeholders.”

Prior to his appointment at Louisiana State University, Keel was a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and associate vice president for research at Florida State University, Tallahassee, from 2002-2006. His professional career began in 1985 at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, where he served in a variety of positions including the Daniel K. Roberts Distinguished Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (1995-2001), president of the Women’s Research Institute (1993-2001), and director of Reproductive Medicine Laboratories (1994-2002).

He is a member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, among others. Keel has served on numerous boards related to his discipline, including the American Board of Bioanalysis, and has been honored for his work by these and other organizations. Keel earned a Ph.D. in reproductive endocrinology from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, and a bachelor of science in biology and chemistry from Augusta College (now Augusta State University), Augusta, Ga.

He has done postdoctoral work at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion.

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James N. Thompson, M.D., Named Interim President at Medical College of Georgia

University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. announced August 15 that he has appointed James N. Thompson, M.D., to serve as interim president of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta.

Dr. Thompson, an otolaryngologist and former medical school dean who has served as chief executive officer of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), will join the MCG staff on Oct. 1, 2009, and will transition into the presidency at some point during the month of October, serving in this role until the new permanent president is on board.

A national search is underway to select a new president at MCG, following the departure of its current president, Dr. Daniel W. Rahn, who is the new chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“Dr. Thompson’s career encompasses both work at a medical school and on a national level overseeing medical licensing and regulatory boards. He has an excellent understanding of and extensive experience with the rigors and skills of leading a medical research university,” said Davis. “We are fortunate that Dr. Thompson can fill this post at this critical juncture in MCG’s history.”

Dr. Thompson served as president and chief executive officer of the FSMB from 2002 to 2008. The FSMB is a national non-profit association that serves as a collective voice for the 70-member allopathic and osteopathic state medical licensing and regulatory boards in the United States and its territories.

In his FSMB role, Dr. Thompson was the official spokesperson for the organization and represented the nation’s medical boards in public forums related to health regulatory policy. He speaks often about health and medical education policy, professional behavior of physicians, and the role of regulatory authorities in preserving the integrity of the medical profession.

Prior to joining the FSMB, Dr. Thompson was on the faculty of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During that time he served as dean of the School of Medicine, and Wake Forest University vice president. In 2002, he was named dean emeritus of the School of Medicine.

Dr. Thompson represented the American Medical Association (AMA) on the Executive Committee of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting authority for medical education leading to the M.D. degree in US and Canadian medical schools. He is past chair of the Governing Council of the AMA’s Section on Medical Schools.

Dr. Thompson has received numerous awards from universities and associations related to his work, including the distinguished service award from the National Board of Medical Examiners, the Harris Mosher Award for Excellence in Clinical Research from the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society for research on corrosive esophageal injuries, the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from DePauw University, and the 2006 Alumni Achievement Award from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Thompson earned his B.A. degree at DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind, and his M.D. degree at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

He and his wife Carol live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

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GA Tech President Makes Visits Across State

Georgia Institute of Technology President G.P. “Bud” Peterson is kicking off a tour across the state today in Columbus visiting with alumni and friends of Georgia Tech. He will follow with stops in Macon, Savannah and Brunswick.

Peterson became the 11th president of the Georgia Institute of Technology on April 1 and has been meeting with key stakeholders throughout the state to gather input and direction as the Institute begins a strategic planning process.

"Georgia Tech is one of the truly outstanding research universities in the country and benefits the state of Georgia well beyond the city of Atlanta,” said Peterson. “As we begin to formulate our strategic vision for the future, we are reaching out to our alumni and to the community and state leaders all across Georgia.”

Georgia Tech played a significant role in one of Georgia’s recent economic development successes - the move of Fortune 500 corporation NCR to Georgia. The company will be looking to Georgia Tech as a source of engineering talent and as a partner in development of future technology and innovations.

According to NCR’s leadership, the opportunity to partner with top-tier academic institutions such as Georgia Tech was one reason among many that the company made the decision to relocate to Georgia.

Georgia Tech not only assists with attracting new industry to the state, the Institute also impacts the economy through research and economic development. For example, for the first time ever, Tech’s research activity exceeded the $500 million mark, reaching a record $524.9 million in fiscal year 2008. This represents a 10 percent increase over 2007 and an increase of 99 percent over the past decade, helping the Institute consistently rank among the top ten in research programs among universities without medical schools.

To help meet the state’s demand for math and science teachers, this funding also helps support the newly established Tech to Teaching program designed to create pathways for students pursuing K-12 or college teaching careers. Likewise, the Foundations for the Future initiative helps Georgia Educators incorporate technology into the classroom.

Georgia Tech is also leading the effort to create need-based aid for Georgia students who cannot afford the tuition and associated costs with attending a research university.

Launched in 2007, the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise program is designed to help Georgia students whose families have an annual income of less than $33,300 (150 percent of the federal poverty level) earn their college degree debt-free. The program is the first of its kind offered by any public university in Georgia.

"The gift of education is the most valuable gift you can give. It not only helps the individual who receives it, but also the family and the larger community,” said a student receiving Tech promise who is majoring in electrical engineering. “It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. During these financial times, it’s something we can’t afford to cut out because it’s so beneficial to society. It’s really a life-changing gift.”

"The Tech Promise program assures that eligible Georgia students from all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to attend Georgia Tech without placing a financial burden on their families,” said Peterson. “We don’t want a family’s financial status to stand in the way of a qualified student pursuing a Georgia Tech degree.”

This year, Tech Promise made access to a college education a reality for 198 students from 53 counties across Georgia - from Appling to Wilkes. There were 139 students who entered the program as freshmen, along with 59 transfer students. In addition, 23 Tech Promise scholars graduated this spring.

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Peterson Named President of Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson, chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder, was named today as the eleventh president of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Peterson will assume his new post on April 1, 2009, according to Board of Regents Chair Richard Tucker. He replaces G. Wayne Clough, who stepped down on June 30 to become the 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

“Dr. Peterson’s credentials are excellent and we were very impressed with what he has achieved in his time at the University of Colorado,” said Tucker. “His leadership experience and his outstanding engineering credentials are a good fit with Georgia Tech.”

University System Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. said that Peterson’s appointment “provides the high caliber leadership that will allow Tech to continue to build and expand upon its national and international reputation.”

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as President of the Georgia Institute of Technology,” said Peterson. “As an engineer, this is, of course, a great professional fulfillment. But as someone who has spent a majority of his career as an educator, it also presents an opportunity to continue to have an impact on higher education nationally. Georgia Tech is at the forefront of innovation and discovery in a time in our nation’s history where both are great necessities, and I am privileged to be a part of these efforts. Val and I are looking forward to meeting and getting to know the entire Georgia Tech community.”

Peterson’s academic career has been spent at three institutions, not counting a one-year assignment with the National Science Foundation in 1993-94. He worked for 19 years at Texas A&M, where he served as head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering for three years (1993-96) and executive associate dean of engineering for four years (1996-2000). Peterson also had the title of associate vice chancellor for the Texas A&M University System from 1996-2000.
He was recruited to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, as provost in July 2000. Peterson served in this capacity until 2006 when he accepted the position of chancellor at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Peterson is widely published in the field of phase change heat transfer and is a fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He was recently appointed to the National Science Board.

Early in his career, Peterson taught mathematics and science in several Kansas high schools. Later, he went on to work as a research scientist for the NASA-Johnson Space Center in Houston, and in the private sector for Black & Veatch Consulting Engineers in Kansas City, Missouri.

Peterson earned bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics from Kansas State University, Manhattan. He earned a master of science degree in engineering from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in the same discipline from Texas A&M University, College Station. He was a “walk on” receiver on the Kansas State football team, who earned a scholarship and started at the position for three varsity seasons. He and his wife, Val, have four grown children.

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Tim Hynes Named Interim President of Clayton State

University System of Georgia Chief Academic Officer Susan Herbst announced today that she has appointed Dr. Thomas J. (Tim) Hynes Jr., provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of West Georgia (UWG) in Carrollton for many years, to serve as interim president of Clayton State University, effective June 1, 2009.

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to call on Dr. Hynes’ strong leadership skills during this transition,” Herbst said, referring to the previously announced resignation of Clayton State President Thomas K. Harden as of the above date. “Clayton State University has a great deal of momentum going for it, and I am confident that the institution will be in excellent hands under Dr. Hynes.”

Hynes has held his current position at the University of West Georgia for all but two years since 1996. On two occasions since 1999, Hynes served as acting president of UWG when President Beheruz N. Sethna was called to the University System Office in Atlanta to serve as interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Hynes previously served as interim dean of the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky., from 1990 to 1996. Before that, he was associate dean of the university from 1988 to 1990 and had been a member of the University of Louisville faculty since 1978. Prior to that, he taught at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, the University of Massachusetts (UM) in Amherst and the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill.

Hynes was a member of the Board of Regents Advisory Committee that developed the 1998 Regents’ Principles for the Preparation of Teachers. Still in use today, these principles guarantee the quality of all teachers prepared by the University System of Georgia.

Hynes holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a Ph.D. in communications studies from UM and a Master of Arts degree in speech from UNC. In 2005, he earned a certificate of participation in the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Institute for Educational Management, and in 2003, he participated in the American Institute for Managing Diversity’s Diversity Leadership Academy.

Plans regarding the search for a permanent presidential appointee at Clayton State will be forthcoming at a later date.

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Georgia Southern University President Bruce Grube Stepping Down

Bruce Grube has announced that he is stepping down as President of Georgia Southern University effective June 30, 2009. On July 1, 2009, Grube will take one year of educational leave to prepare to return to the classroom as a professor of Political Science for the 2010-2011 academic year at Georgia Southern University.

In addition to preparing to return to the classroom, Grube will also serve as a consultant and mentor with the University System of Georgia where he will work with new and newer presidents within the 35-school state system. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will begin a national search to replace Grube.

Grube began his tenure as the 11th President of Georgia Southern University July 1, 1999. During his presidency, Georgia Southern University has undergone the greatest increase in academic quality, and the greatest expansion of physical facilities than during any other comparable period in the history of the institution.

“It has certainly been an honor beyond words for my wife Kathryn and me to have served at Georgia Southern University,” Grube said.

Grube recently informed the University System of Georgia of his plans to step down as president next year, providing the University time to complete a search and transition to a new president. “While I have enjoyed serving as President, I am excited to begin this next chapter in my life. Kathryn and I are looking forward to spending more time with friends and family.”

Timing played a role in his decision. “It is the right time for the University. The University’s strategic plan has been developed and put into action, numerous construction projects are underway and a new president will have the opportunity to come in and not only build upon what the University has already accomplished, but take Georgia Southern to new a level. An experienced leadership team is in place and we have an outstanding base of alumni, friends and supporters not only at the institution, but in the community, the state of Georgia and throughout the country.”

University System of Georgia executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer Susan Herbst, applauded Grube’s service, “During Dr. Grube’s tenure, Georgia Southern University has made tremendous progress in nearly all areas. He has expanded university facilities, beautified the campus, introduced the most sophisticated practices in higher education, and inspired his faculty, staff and students. Most important has been his keen and unyielding focus on academic excellence and achievement.”

President Grube is a bold leader and a true intellectual; he has made Georgia Southern University one of the real success stories in academe today. We will miss him immensely. Dr. Grube has served as a visionary leader, not only for Georgia Southern, but the University System as well. His work has benefited and will continue to propel the entire system forward.”

Academic Success

Grube’s tenure has been marked by records in enrollment, academic quality, fundraising and retention. He has increased student enrollment by more than 3,200 full-time students during the past 10 years and the composite SAT score for incoming freshman has risen 124 points with the Fall 2008 class scoring a record 1111. In addition, the University has increased its student retention rate, a key measure of academic and University quality, from 69 percent to a record 81 percent this past fall. Under Grube’s leadership, Georgia Southern University was designated a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University and the institution has been featured in U.S. News &World Report’s Best Colleges guide. In addition, the institution was recently named one of the Top 100 Best Values by Kiplinger. While at Georgia Southern, Grube also oversaw the introduction of new ways to learn. The first Internet-based courses were introduced in 1999 and the University now offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees online via Georgia Southern University Online. A student may now also earn a full engineering degree while never leaving Georgia Southern University’s campus through a unique relationship with the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), while previously their only option was to take two years here before transferring to another institution. The Honors endowment has attracted significant support from donors, and the rapid growth of qualified applicants has ensured its success.

Perhaps one of the most visible additions has been the creation of two new colleges: the College of Information Technology, the only one of its kind in the Southeast, and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. Both have greatly expanded the University’s ability to offer unique and innovative programs that are not only in high demand, but result in the continued improvement in the quality of life in the Southeast.

Funding for the Future

Another remarkable accomplishment is the doubling of the amount of scholarships funded through the Georgia Southern Foundation, Inc. In 1999, scholarships totaled $644,000. In 2007, the Foundation distributed $1.3 million to deserving scholars. Georgia Southern University’s Campaign for National Distinction, between 2001 and 2006, set a new standard for private support, more than tripling the highest amount ever raised in a capital campaign collecting $53.1 million. In addition, thanks to private sector support, the University Foundation’s permanent endowment has grown from just more than $21 million in 2000 to nearly $40 million today. Finally, during the past 10 years, Georgia Southern has raised more $1 million each year through the A Day for Southern campaign.

Building for Growth

During the past decade, more than one billion dollars in capital has been invested in the growing campus. In fact, Georgia Southern has enjoyed a boom in new construction and building re-use since 1999. The College of Education building opened in 2000 and was followed in rapid succession by other academic and support buildings. Public service was given a huge boost when the expanded Nesmith-Lane building and its 825-seat Performing Arts Center opened in 2002.

One of the most visible additions to campus is the Zach S. Henderson Library. Serving as the center of campus, the University began a massive expansion of the facility and has since renovated the original structure. When complete, it will be among the finest university libraries in the Southeast.

Other major building projects completed during Grube’s tenure have included the College of Information Technology, building, the Nursing/Chemistry building, the Center for Art & Theatre, the Soccer and Track facility, the Gene Bishop building and the Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center.

Grube has also led projects to expand on-campus living. Residence halls like Southern Courtyard, Southern Pines and Eagle Village have set new standards for student housing. An even higher benchmark will soon be raised when the 1,001-bed Centennial Place is complete. It will feature recreational spaces and even retail shops on the ground floor.

On the Field

Another aspect of Georgia Southern’s success in the past 10 years is the excitement and institutional loyalty of students, faculty, staff and alumni brought about by athletics. Since 1999, Georgia Southern has enjoyed great athletic successes by both teams and individuals. Some of the accomplishments include two NCAA championships in football, two Walter Payton award winners, multiple NCAA tournament and playoff appearances, Southern Conference championships and a cheerleading national championship.

More recently, Grube launched a study to research the feasibility of moving its football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision. While President, Grube has served as Chair of the Council of Presidents of the Southern Conference and as Vice Chair of the Council of Presidents of the North Central Conference. He is currently a member of the NCAA Executive Committee and Division I Board of Directors. He also serves as Chair of the NCAA Division I Presidential Advisory Group.

“As I begin this next phase of my life, I will never forget the people or the students of Georgia Southern University. It has been an honor,” said Grube. Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 110 degree programs serving nearly 18,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

Quoting Bruce Grube

“I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved with engaged colleagues in the efforts that have resulted in such positive changes.”

“It has been an honor to work with the very supportive Statesboro and Bulloch County community—both the people and the leadership.”

“Without the team at Georgia Southern University and without the University community, the achievements of the past ten years could not have been realized. The University is clearly positioned to continue its vigorous progress, and it is a strong institution.”

“I have been very fortunate and lucky to have spent these past 10 years as President at Georgia Southern University. These have been the most rewarding years of my career.”

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Regents Name New Georgia State President

The Board of Regents has appointed Mark P. Becker, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina, the next president of Georgia State University.

Becker, 50, will become the 7th president in Georgia State’s history in January, when President Carl Patton retires after 16 years of service.

With experience as a biostatistician, public health researcher and academic leader, Becker is a good fit for Georgia State, members of the presidential search committee said.

“Dr. Becker has the experience as a faculty member, a dean and a provost at leading research universities in the country,” said Paul Alberto, chair of the University Senate Executive Committee and a search committee member. “With that background, he will be able to work with the faculty to assess where we are and how we can move forward to greater national prominence.”

Prior to his appointment at the University of South Carolina, Becker spent three years at the University of Minnesota as a biostatistics professor, dean of the School of Public Health and assistant vice president of Public Health, Preparedness and Emergency Response.

From 1989 to 2000, Becker was a professor and associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. He also has held academic posts at the University of Washington, the University of Florida and Cornell University. Additionally, Becker has fundraising experience both as a dean and a provost.

Becker earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Towson State University and his doctorate in statistics from Pennsylvania State University.

Internationally recognized as a researcher in biostatistics and public health sciences, Becker has published more than 40 articles and has been principal investigator on research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

“Georgia State is poised to advance as one of our nation’s leading urban public research universities,” Becker said. “There is the opportunity, building on its location in Atlanta and the tremendous progress made under President Patton’s leadership, for the University to enhance Atlanta’s national and global stature.”

Becker, who is married to Laura Voisinet and has two children, Matthew, 22, and Julia, 18, said he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting and “experiencing and learning about new cultures.”

Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. said Becker will bring a lot to Georgia State.

“As the [presidential search] committee knows, as the Regents know, as I have come to know – let me assure the Georgia State community that you will enjoy becoming acquainted with and working with Dr. Becker.”

by Liz Babiarz
Georgia State University

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Recommendations Received for Georgia State Presidency

Board of Regents Chair Richard Tucker and University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr., have announced the names of two finalists for the Georgia State University (GSU) presidency.

The recommended individuals, in alphabetical order, are:

Dr. Mark P. Becker, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, the University of South Carolina, Columbia, since 2004. Prior to his current appointment, from 2001 to 2004, Becker worked for the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, as a professor of biostatistics, an assistant vice president for public health preparedness and emergency response and as dean of the School of Public Health. He held a number of academic and administrative positions at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from 1989 to 2000. Becker also has held academic posts at the University of Washington, Seattle (1987-1989), the University of Florida, Gainesville (1985-1989), and Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. (1995-1996). During his career, Becker has been involved in a number of professional associations related to his expertise, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Statistical Association, where he is a Fellow, and the International Biometric Society. He has served on a number of editorial boards of publications dealing with statistics and sociology and is a published author in these fields, as well as a consultant for business and professional associations. His research has been supported in part by grants from a variety of sources, and he was the principal investigator on research grants from the National Institutes of Health and from the National Science Foundation.

Becker earned his Ph.D. in statistics from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. and a bachelor of science in mathematics (Magna Cum Laude) from Towson State University, Towson, Md.

Dr. Brooks A. Keel, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development and Professor of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, since 2006. Prior to his current appointments, Keel was a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Associate Vice President for Research at Florida State University, Tallahassee, from 2002-2006. His professional career began in 1985 at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, where he served in a variety of positions including the Daniel K. Roberts Distinguished Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (1995-2001), President of the Women’s Research Institute (1993-2001), and Director of Reproductive Medicine Laboratories (1985-2002). He is a member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, among others. Keel has served on numerous boards related to his discipline, including the American Board of Bioanalysis, and has been honored for his work by these and other organizations.

Keel earned a Ph.D. in reproductive endocrinology from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, and a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Augusta College (now Augusta State University), Augusta, Ga. He has done postdoctoral work at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion.
The Board of Regents expects to name the next president of Georgia State University at a future meeting.

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Allagnon to Preside Over Georgia State French Organization

Foreign language chair at Sandy Creek High, Stephane Allagnon, has been elected president of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), Georgia Chapter.

“This is certainly a honor for him and for Fayette County. I know he will represent French teachers well in Georgia,” says Cathy Geis, foreign language and social studies coordinator for Fayette County Schools.

As president, Allagnon will preside over meetings of the chapter as well as appoint the director of the AATF National French Contest, members of all special committees and the delegates to the national convention of the AATF. He will also be responsible for processing and ranking applications for the AATF summer scholarship as well as appointing directors to administer various state-level contests.

Allagnon replaces Dr. Kristin Hoyt of Kennesaw State University. His term will be for two years.

The mission of the American Association of Teachers of French, Georgia Chapter is to assist the national chapter in representing the French language in North America and encourage the dissemination of knowledge concerning all aspects of the culture and civilization of France and the French-speaking world to both schools and the general public.

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GT Presidential Search Committee to Begin Work

The search for Georgia Tech’s next president officially kicks off Tuesday, August 12, 2008. That’s when the 20-member presidential search committee will receive marching orders from Board of Regents’ Chair Richard Tucker, Regent Willis Potts, who is chair of the search committee, and Susan Herbst, University System of Georgia (USG) executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer.

The search committee will hear details on the upcoming search process and be formally charged with its mission from Tucker, Potts and Herbst in a meeting on the Tech campus in Atlanta.

“We have a truly excellent committee now in place,” said Tucker. “I look forward to seeing the results of the committee’s work, and feel confident that we will be able to locate a president who will further enhance Georgia Tech’s prominence in national and international higher education.”

The Board of Regents has engaged R. William Funk and Associates, Dallas, Texas, to serve as the search firm for the committee. The company was selected to aid in the search from a number of national higher education executive recruiters.

The national search will be conducted to replace former Georgia Tech President G. Wayne Clough, who stepped down on June 30 to become the 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Tucker announced the membership of the Tech presidential search committee in July.

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