New Hires, Promotions & Retirements

Suzanne Smith joins GSW as VP for Academic Affairs

GSW welcomed two new Vice Presidents on July 1. Suzanne Smith, Ph. D., is the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). Smith comes to GSW from Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV) where she has been employed for over 20 years.

As the new provost and VPAA, Smith will be responsible for the instructional program of the university and the daily administration of academic affairs for both faculty and students. She will serve as the chief academic officer for the university, reporting to GSW President Neal Weaver. Working closely with the president and an extensive group of campus colleagues, she will guide strategic planning and policy development as well as promote campus-wide academic initiatives.

To learn more about Dr. Smith and her position as VPAA, click here.

Laura Boren join GSW as VP of Student Engagement and Success

Laura Boren, Ph. D., joined GSW on July 1 as Vice President of Student Engagement and Success. Boren comes to GSW from Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M University System, located in Stephenville, Texas, where she serves as vice president for Student Affairs. Previously, Boren served as vice president for Student Affairs at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK.

As the VPSES, Boren will be responsible for providing innovative and strategic leadership, as well as, administrative direction for student engagement and retention priorities across institutional lines. Reporting to President Neal Weaver, she will serve as the chief student affairs and retention officer at the institution.

To read more about Dr. Boren, click here.

Lynda Lee Purvis retires as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Lynda Lee Purvis retired from GSW for the second time on June 30.

Purvis joined the faculty at GSW in 1991 as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics before her move to the Office of Academic Affairs. She served as VPAA from 1994 until her retirement in 2012.

Purvis returned to GSW in 2017 to serve as the Interim VPAA upon Brian Adler’s retirement. She served in this position throughout the nationwide search to fill the position and the transition.

Teresa Teasley named Associate Dean of College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Nursing professor Teresa Teasley, DNP, RN, has been named Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Nursing Undergraduate Chair. Her new position was effective July 1.

Sheryl Venable retires from School of Education

Sheryl Venable, Ed.D., recently retired from the School of Education, effective July 1. Venable was an Associate Professor of Education and the Interim Chair for the Early Childhood, Reading and Special Education programs.

Cindy Holloway retires from Rosalynn Carter Institute

Cindy Holloway recently retired from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, effective July 1. Holloway served as the BRI Care Consultation Program Manager. In this capacity, she partnered with the Georgia Department of Aging Services to provide statewide supervision of an evidence-based telephonic caregiver support program through the Georgia Area Agencies on Aging.

Kimberly Fleming joins College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Kimberly Fleming joined the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on June 25 as Student Services Coordinator. She is currently enrolled in online classes at GSW. Fleming is working towards her BBA in Management and plans to continue her career in higher education. She was previously an employee of Albany State University, where she held a position in the Registrar’s Office. Fleming has a one-year-old daughter, AnaKate.