Provost is well prepared for new role thanks to her foundation as a GCSU alumna

Provost is well prepared for new role thanks to her foundation as a GCSU alumna

U pon graduation from Georgia College & State University with her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Dr. Holley Morris Roberts ('93, '96) intended to become a kindergarten teacher. However, her career took several twists and turns before her recent appointment as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the first alum to serve in this role.

Roberts spent 11 years teaching in both public and private schools before becoming a limited-term instructor in the John H. Lounsbury College of Education in 2005. There, she served as a teacher-educator, preparing undergraduate teacher candidates to be highly effective teachers and graduate students to expand their professional knowledge. In 2013, she was asked to serve as director of Assessment & Accreditation, which led to other leadership roles in the College of Education such as interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education and interim associate dean.

In the height of the pandemic, Roberts was asked to serve at the University level as interim associate provost for Academic Affairs and director of The Graduate School. She also co-chaired and spearheaded the development of the university's strategic plan - Imagine 2030 - the bold new plan that seeks to move the university forward as a contemporary liberal arts university.

"Although I've never been a kindergarten teacher, I serve as a provost, which seems far apart, but it's really not," Roberts said. "I think of our student-centered education and the recognition that learning is a lifelong pursuit. As a parent of two adult children, I am also able to think about the parents' perspective on their child's education."

Roberts attributes much for her education and experiences from her professors at Georgia College, such as Dr. Kathryn Powell and mentor, Dr. Lyndall Muschell.

When Roberts pursued her undergraduate degree in early childhood education in the early 1990s at Georgia College, she worked at a local bank and went to school.

"I'd work, go to class and then back to work," she said. "This was common for many students at that time, because it was a convenient commuter, regional institution."
Roberts earned her master's in early childhood education at Georgia College's Macon campus during her first year teaching full time. She also received a certificate in Education Leadership.

During her Georgia College career, Roberts received the Teaching Excellence Award, served as president of the Georgia Assessment Director's Association and was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, where she chairs the Educator Preparation and Certification Committee. She is also co-founder of Georgia College's Faculty Fellows Leadership Academy and represents the university on the American Council on Education Women's Network.

"We have been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Roberts' graceful leadership over the past year," said Georgia College President Cathy Cox, "and I am even more excited that she will now guide the academic vision of Georgia College on a permanent basis. Dr. Roberts cares deeply about this university, its students, faculty, staff and community, and that commitment combined with her decisive focus, will benefit GCSU for years to come."

Every day Roberts is amazed by seeing students, faculty and staff excel at Georgia College.

"While I'm not directly teaching students, as an academic leader I get inspired when there's a program or an initiative that gets put in place, and students, faculty and staff benefit from it," she said.

"I enjoy collaborating with faculty, students and staff to best understand what our leadership team can do to empower them to reach their potential."

Roberts feels honored to be a servant leader and to have the opportunity to serve in this critical role in a place she cares deeply about.

When asked what she would tell other alumni, "Success is about taking a chance and being confident in the knowledge and co-curricular experiences you've gained from Georgia College," she said. "So, take a risk and focus on making an impact."

The Alumni Association surprised Dr. Holley Roberts with gifts of alumni swag for receiving the 2023 JHL College of Education Alumni Achievement Award during a recent executive cabinet meeting. Pictured above, from left: Seth Walker, VP for University Advancement; Dan Nadler, VP for Student Life; Cathy Cox, President; Holley Roberts, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs; Susan Allen, Interim VP for Finance and Administration; Monica Starley, Chief of Staff; Nadirah Mayweather, Director of Alumni Engagement.