President's Executive Team & Cabinet

Abbott became Provost on December 1, 2025., bringing 22 years of experience within the University System of Georgia. Prior to her tenure at Georgia Southwestern State University, she was at the University of West Georgia as an Assistant Professor. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education and Health Promotion from the University of Alabama in 2005. She holds a Master of Education from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of degree from Longwood College. For the past 11 years, Abbott has held the position of Dean of the College of Education. Her recent work has focused on partnering with local schools and the Georgia Department of Education to introduce registered teacher apprenticeship programs to rural school systems in Georgia. In addition, she serves as a chair on Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) accreditation review teams and as an invited member of the Evaluation Review Panel for the GaPSC. 

Jeff Hall serves as Vice President for Business and Finance at Georgia Southwestern, a position he has held since returning to the university in August 2020. He provides oversight for Accounting Services, Purchasing, Budgets, Auxiliary Services, Public Safety, Student Accounts, Human Resources, and Physical Plant. Prior to his current role, Jeff served as GSW’s Comptroller from 2010 to 2017 before joining Albany State University as Controller. Earlier in his career, he worked as an auditor with the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). Jeff earned Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Accounting from Georgia Southwestern and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Georgia.

Kimberly Carter serves as Director and Chief Human Resources Officer at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership for the university’s human capital functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee development, compensation and classification, performance management, organizational culture, and benefits administration. She ensures institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, and System-level regulations while advancing HR practices that align with the university’s mission and strategic priorities. Ms. Carter is a trusted advisor to the university president and senior leadership team, partnering closely with faculty, staff, and campus stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive talent and workforce strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness. She provides counsel on a broad range of employee relations matters and serves as a key resource in evaluating the impact of personnel decisions on institutional operations and culture. Her higher education experience includes leadership roles as Director of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, Interim Director of Human Resources at Albany State University, and Assistant Director of Human Resources at both Bainbridge State College and the former Darton State College. Ms. Carter is a two-time graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration.

Slenker has been with Georgia Southwestern since 1998, serving as Video Production Specialist (’98-’03), Media Supervisor (’03-’07), Instructional Technology Coordinator (’07-’17), and Technology Services Director (’17-‘26.) Slenker is the executive responsible for GSW’s information technology (IT) strategy, computer systems, and digital transformation. He aligns technology with university goals to increase viability, improve efficiency, and manage risks. Key duties include directing IT infrastructure, managing cybersecurity, vendor management, and implementing new technology like AI. He is a GSW alumnus, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management (’04) and Master of Business Administration (’06) degrees.  Bob also has associate degrees from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (’95) and Lake Sumter State College (‘94.)

Jamie MacLennan joined GSW in 2008.  He is a Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Psychology and Sociology Department.  He also currently serves as the Faculty Senate President.  He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in 2005.  Dr. MacLennan studied social interactions among Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers for doctoral dissertation, completing an end-to-end hike of the 2,172.6-mile trail in 2003.  He is currently researching social-psychological factors related to the development of alcohol use disorder.