Presidential Messages

ASU Gold Seal
 

Welcome to the 2023 -2024 Academic Year! 

New students, faculty, and staff, thank you for choosing Albany State University. I am elated that you have decided to become a part of this remarkable institution. 

To returning students, faculty, and staff, I hope that each of you took the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate over the summer in preparation for what I envision will be a successful year.

The beginning of each academic year positions us to take stock of the past while exploring new possibilities and opportunities that align with our mission and vision.  Thus far, we have impressively achieved significant success with each pillar of The Standard, ASU’s strategic plan:

  • Student Success and Access: Matriculating more than 870 graduates and celebrating a 100% NCLEX pass rate for first-time test takers.
  • Institutional Sustainability and Responsible Stewardship: Implementing the facilities master plan that includes the approval of new construction for a residence hall, Early Learning Center (ELC) through the HEERF Construction, Renovation, and Real Projects funding and renovations to the Billy C. Black (BCB) and F buildings creating space for new academic program opportunities.
  • Partnership and Economic Competitiveness: Welcoming more than 1,000 high-school students to experience learning opportunities in logistics/transportation, social justice, and STEM fields.
  • Leadership Development and Employee Engagement: Celebrating the contributions and institutional knowledge of retirees through employee engagement and training institutional leaders to measure accomplishments using scorecards.

I am confident that continued focus on the objectives of the 2025 strategic plan will yield more outstanding accomplishments benefiting current and future students.  Let’s continue to use the plan as a roadmap guiding each of the institutional initiatives we undertake. This year, we will refocus our attention on process improvement. Target areas include:

  • Developing a more collaborative model to focus on student success by enhancing and aligning student support with the University College
  • Increasing retention and improving the student experience by focusing on first- and second-year experience
  • Completing new innovative construction projects such as the Simulation Lab, improving Billy C Black and Sanford Gym facilities, and redesigning the lower East campus athletic areas to strengthen our connection to wellness for students and the community.
  • Building renovations, furniture additions, and entertainment enhancements to the C.W. Grant Student Union (East) and C. Building Student Center (West).
  • Launching a new leadership development academy in 2024, designed to develop and advance university employees.

These and other impressive initiatives and plans underscore Albany State’s promise and commitment to developing students who are prepared to compete successfully in a global environment.

I look forward to the continued emphasis on academic excellence, student success, and creating a community of collaboration. Thank you for the exemplary work thus far and for the outstanding body of work we have yet to collectively achieve. Have a safe and amazing academic year!

Yours for ASU, 

Marion Ross Fedrick
President