Fall Convocation Kicks Off A-Day Campaign

The annual Fall Convocation held August 21 in Maxwell Theatre doubled as the semester's first faculty meeting. Twenty-five new faculty members were introduced as well as the campus and community chairs for the A Day for Augusta State University annual fund campaign.

Highlighting the event was the annual State of the University presentation by President William A. Bloodworth, Jr. After citing several noteworthy accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students over the past year, he referenced the positive review from the visiting Reaffirmation Committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, referring specifically to their commendation about the university's collegiality, sense of family, high quality of faculty and staff, high opinion of students, and commitment to academic freedom.

"I think I can say with complete accuracy that whatever laurels we have, we do not rest on them," he said. "We are looking at ourselves more closely than ever before in order to continuously improve everything that we do," said Dr. Bloodworth.

He described some important challenges facing the university–challenges related to our calendar, location, competition, and our educational setting. "Whatever our challenges are–or how long they remain in front of us–there is no lack of will or of energy, or of creativity–no absence of teamwork, or of pride in what we do that will keep this university, this faculty, these staff members, and our students from adding great value to the larger society that we serve," he said.

Dr. Bloodworth also announced a new collaborative program with T.W. Josey and Lucy Laney High Schools. The Partners in Education program is being funded by a $200,000 grant and is designed to increase the academic success of high school students. The program is being led by Dr. Bill Dobbs, learning support.

Another highlight of the meeting was the kick-off of the A Day for Augusta State University annual fund campaign by campus chairs, Dr. Jim and Ms. Michele Benedict, mathematics and computer science, who took on the persona of Captain and Commander Pledge, Starfleet, Ms. Elaine Clark Smith, chair of the community drive for the A-Day campaign, Dr. Chris Sligar, mathematics and computer science, and Dr. Bill Bompart, academic affairs also participated in the program. Dr. Sligar made presentations to the Faculty-Alumni Scholars.