Overview
Upon the recommendation of University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby, the Georgia Board of Regents voted Tuesday, November 10, 2015, to consolidate Albany State University (ASU) and Darton State College (DSC). The consolidation of the two institutions will increase educational attainment levels and student success and transform how the University System impacts southwest Georgia. The chancellor has said the consolidation is a long-term investment in the region.
The consolidated institution will be named Albany State University. The board also named Albany State Interim President Art Dunning the permanent president of the new Albany State.
“We are committed to the long-term health of public higher education in southwest Georgia and our partnership with the Albany community,” Huckaby said. “The University System is committed to strengthening the region through a long-term investment in public higher education in southwest Georgia.”
Further expressing why he is recommending consolidation, he went on to say, “We recognize this is a historic milestone for Albany State. We are committed to continuing to serve the HBCU mission and building upon the mission to serve an increasingly diverse student population and community.
We also recognize the key role Darton has played in meeting the access mission and offering workforce related associate degrees. We will maintain both missions under the consolidated institution and believe this strengthens public higher education in Southwest Georgia.”