Arthur (Art) N. Dunning, Ph.D., was named president of Albany State University in November 2015 by University System of Georgia Chancellor
Hank Huckaby. For two years, he led Albany State as the interim president, focusing on strategic direction, economic development and developing collaborations that enhance educational opportunities for the residents of Southwest Georgia. Dr. Dunning, a veteran administrator, scholar and lecturer, has a distinguished track record in higher education in Alabama and Georgia. He has also worked and traveled in more than 30 countries.

Prior to his appointment at Albany State, he served as vice chancellor for International Programs and Outreach for the University of Alabama System in Tuscaloosa. In that role, he advised the chancellor on opportunities to build international programs, strengthen the base of academic and research partnerships, expand economic development initiatives and develop strong linkages with emerging economies around the world, specifically in India and Argentina.

Dr. Dunning, who had seven years of service in administration and academics in Tuscaloosa, also assisted with developing and communicating a strategy for commercialization and innovation of the University of Alabama System’s faculty and research. He was chair of the committee on Strategic Initiatives, and a professor and senior research fellow in the system’s Education Policy Center.

During his 27-year career in higher education in Georgia, Dr. Dunning was vice president for Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia in Athens, and a tenured professor.

He also served as senior vice chancellor for Human and External Resources, acting executive vice chancellor and vice chancellor for Services at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. At the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education in Atlanta, he was chief executive officer. At Kennesaw State University, Dr. Dunning was dean of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research, and an associate professor.

The Alabama native earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Alabama. He is recognized for his work in international programs, economic development initiatives and innovative research partnerships. He has served on numerous state, national and international boards.

Dr. Dunning is focused on recruiting academically talented students, and developing programs to help students remain in college and thrive until graduation. He is a champion of academic rigor, increasing financial support in the academy through endowments and scholarships, and ensuring the highest possible level of quality customer service.

He is married to Karen Baynes-Dunning, an attorney and former juvenile court judge. They have four sons and a grandson.