“Making the decision to give up my job as president has been very difficult for me,” he said.  “But there’s a time for everything—and now is the right time for this decision.”

He said that the decision was his alone and based primarily on his desire to return to full-time teaching and scholarship. In June he notified then-Chancellor Erroll Davis of his desire to step down as president and later discussed it with Hank Huckaby, who became chancellor in July.

It was agreed that Dr. Bloodworth would spend the six months following his presidency completing a history of his time at ASU, and during this time he will be available to the new president to facilitate a seamless transition. “I’ll be making myself as helpful to the new president as the new president wishes me to be helpful,” he said, “or as much out of the new president’s way as the new president wishes me to be out of the way.”

He will then begin full-time responsibilities as a professor of English and American Studies, beginning in January 2013.

Dr. Bloodworth’s teaching career spans 47 years, beginning as a public school teacher in Boerne and Port Neches, Texas, and continuing through a higher education career at East Carolina University and Central Missouri State University. He was serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Missouri when he was named the eighth president at then-Augusta College.  He assumed the presidency on October 1, 1993.

“Dr. Bloodworth is one of the longest-serving presidents in the University System of Georgia (USG). During his almost 18 years leading Augusta State University, he has worked to engineer the transformation of ASU to a vibrant university, serving not only the region, but also the state,” said USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby.

During Dr. Bloodworth’s tenure, he spearheaded over $103 million in new construction and renovations that have enhanced the learning environment for ASU students.  A new Science Hall, two classroom replacement buildings (Allgood and University Halls), a new student activities center,  new golf practice facilities and golf house, a golf pavilion, an amphitheatre, a museum, History Walk, a new art gallery and studios, and other renovations produced state of the art facilities for student study, research, and activities while transforming the appearance of campus.

Augusta State also moved from a commuter, non-residential campus to one offering student housing. Currently, a marketing study is underway to determine the extent to which additional housing is needed.  Expanded housing will complement a new $27 million academic building that is now in the design stage and a new student wellness and recreation center at ASU West.

Dr. Bloodworth has overseen the transition from a college to a state university, the development of new programs, new program accreditations, and an entry into online class offerings, while keeping the needs and opportunities of ASU’s students, challenges, and mission in mind. His focus on student success and access underscores a new strategic planning effort that will guide campus development through 2015.

“His steady hand and forward-thinking leadership has benefitted thousands of students. We appreciate his leadership and his stewardship,” said Chancellor Huckaby.

Dr. Bloodworth’s leadership extends to fundraising where he has been instrumental in developing community partnerships and relationships, said Helen Hendee, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We launched our first annual A Day campaign with him at the helm, literally, with him taking off in a hot air balloon. And ever since, he has played a vital role in the success of that annual fund drive and in other development activities that have benefitted the university.”

He is in his second year of serving as the national president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary honor society. He also is active in the university’s chapter of the organization.

Earlier this year, he was recognized by Leadership Augusta with a Community Leadership Award for his work to improve the community.  He serves or has served on a number of area boards including the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corp., the American Red Cross, Historic Augusta, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, CSRA Development Companies, and the CSRA Regional Education Service Agency.

Dr. Bloodworth is a member of Augusta Tomorrow and the Rotary Club of Augusta. In 1998, he was named a Brevet Colonel and honorary member of the Signal Corps Regiment at Fort Gordon.

He is the author of two books, Upton Sinclair (1997) and Max Brand (1993) and of many articles.  In 2003, he appeared on national television as Upton Sinclair’s biographer when The Learning Channel featured Sinclair’s The Jungle in its “Great Books” series.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and Education from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, a master’s degree in English from Lamar University in Beaumont, and a doctoral degree in American Civilization from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2009, he was named a distinguished alumnus of Texas Lutheran University.

Dr. Bloodworth is a frequent speaker on higher education issues, and his personal experience as a first generation college student seeps into his role as a president and as a teacher. “There is no greater joy than knowing you have played a role in changing lives,” he has said.  “That’s the power of education.”

Today he ended his remarks in much the same way that he has ended nearly every speech at Augusta State:  “Go Jags.”

# # #

“We are proud to be part of this community’s vision to expand nuclear science education and training opportunities,” said Marc Miller, vice chair of the SRSCRO, member of the Nuclear Workforce Initiative Task Force, and dean of Augusta State’s Hull College of Business. “This vision supports the energy workforce and research needed for the future of our region and our nation.”

Miller described the collaboration, which involves Aiken Technical College, Augusta State, Augusta Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, and SRSCRO, as “monumental.”

A five-year Memorandum of Understanding, which recognizes the long-term partnership, was signed by representatives of the five colleges, SRSCRO, and the Department of Energy. It states that all the institutions involved:

•    Affirm their cooperative relationship in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, and research for environmental management,
•    Share a mutual interest in training, education, and capacity building programs for these areas to meet future Department of Energy workforce needs and national challenges, and
•    Reaffirm the commitment to extend and build upon this partnership with the goal of expanding opportunities for joint work and support.

The partnership yielded a $935,000 Department of Energy (DOE) grant and a commitment to continue the collaboration on future projects. The collaborative effort of the five academic institutions involved in the Department of Energy grant took place under the umbrella of the SRSCRO Nuclear Workforce Initiative.

SRSCRO previously commissioned a study that identified the need for nearly 10,000 new nuclear workers in the CSRA over the next decade. “No single institution can satisfy that need alone. But with a shared vision and collaborative leadership, we can effectively serve our community in a way that builds on each institution’s individual strengths,” added Miller.

The DOE grant provides funding to the five academic institutions to pursue curricular development in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  “Our institutions have come together because we share a unique understanding of the Department of Energy mission, the complex nuclear utility industry, and the communities we serve,” Miller said.
The colleges will address the critical areas of quality control, nuclear welding, chemical technology, environmental remediation and restoration, nuclear science integration into chemistry and physics programs, and advancement of science and technology courses.

Augusta State will receive $158,000 this year from the grant to purchase equipment and set up a nuclear laboratory. Future plans are to develop and implement nuclear science tracks in chemistry and physics degree programs, hire additional faculty, provide current faculty professional development in the field of nuclear science, and offer STEM scholarships for undergraduate study.

“This partnership is a valuable asset to the CSRA.  We have the foundation in place now, and I look forward to all that we can build together as partners,” said Miller.
For more information, call ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1444.
###
Photo attached: (l to r) Chancellor Tom Hallman, University of South Carolina-Aiken; Vice President Lisa Palmer, Augusta Technical College; Dean Ann Charmichael, University of South Carolina-Salkahatchie; President Susan Winsor, Aiken Technical College; President William A. Bloodworth, Jr., Augusta State University; and Dean Marc Miller, Hull College of Business, Augusta State University

The award was presented by assistant vice president for campus development Jeffrey W.  Foley, last year’s award recipient and former commanding general of Ft. Gordon.

Dr. Bloodworth has served as president of Augusta State since 1993. He has overseen record enrollment, the addition of campus housing, and over $100 million in campus construction projects since 2000.

Active in the community, he has served on the boards of Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corp., American Red Cross, Historic Augusta, Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Association of the U. S. Army, CSRA Development Companies, Augusta Tomorrow, and CSRA Regional Education Service Agency. He also has served on the statewide boards of the Georgia Medical Center Authority and the Georgia Post-Secondary Education Collaborative Council.

He is or has been a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta, Authors Club of Augusta, Morris Museum of Art, Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, and Augustans Together.

President Bloodworth serves as the national president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary honor society.  He has published numerous articles on American literature and is the author of two books: Upton Sinclair (1977) and Max Brand (1993).
Before joining Augusta State, Dr. Bloodworth served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Missouri State University. He previously served at East Carolina University and in the public school system of Boerne and Port Neches, Texas.

A native of Texas, he obtained a doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Austin where he also served as an assistant professor. He earned a master’s degree from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University.

For more information, call ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1444.
# # #

He has served 16 years as Augusta State’s president. During his tenure, he has overseen more than $100 million in new construction, the addition of student housing, a record enrollment, and a change in the institution from being a senior college to a state university.

Active in the community, he has served on many local boards including the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, American Red Cross, Historic Augusta, Greater Augusta Arts Council, Association of the United States Army, CSRA Development Companies, and CSRA Regional Education Service Agency as well as the state boards of the Georgia Medical Center Authority and Georgia Post-Secondary Education. Dr. Bloodworth has served as president of the Peach Belt Conference and is national president-elect of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He is a member of Rotary Club of Augusta, Authors Club of Augusta, the Morris Museum of Art, and the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art.

He is the author of two books, Max Brand and Upton Sinclair, as well as numerous articles on the American West and Native Americans that have appeared in such journals as Western American Literature, South Dakota Quarterly, and the Journal of American Culture. He has also authored book chapters and entries in reference books as well as reviews of books about American literature and literary criticism, folklore, Native American studies, American history, and journalism.

Before joining Augusta State in 1993, he served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Missouri State University. He also served at East Carolina University and the University of Texas at Austin.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Texas Lutheran University, a master’s degree in English from Lamar University in Beaumont, and a doctorate in American civilization from the University of Texas at Austin. He also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University.

Dr. Bloodworth is married to Julia Rankin Bloodworth, who works as guardian ad litem for child custody cases in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. The Bloodworths have two children. Their daughter, Nicole, is a graduate of North Carolina State University, and their son, Paul, is a graduate of Augusta State University.

For more information, call ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1444.
###

William A. Bloodworth, Jr., ASU president, and Dan Whitfield, vice president for business operations – Augusta Chronicle, about budget reduction

Paul Harris, political science – Augusta Chronicle, about women voters and proposed tax increase

Richard Harrison, College of Education – Augusta Chronicle, about Supt. Dana Bedden

Willene Holmes, financial aid – Augusta Chronicle, about finding scholarships online

Rick Pukis, communications and professional writing – Augusta Chronicle, about IMAX Theaters and text messaging

Louise Shivers, ASU’s writer-in-residence – North Carolina Literary Review, summer issue, as part of an in-depth interview

Katherine Sweeney, registrar – Augusta Chronicle, about writing scores and admissions

Mark Thompson, Hull College of Business – Augusta Chronicle, about poverty and lottery sales

Ralph Walker, political science – Augusta Chronicle, about elections

Dan Whitfield, vice president for business operations – WRDW, about budget reductions

Judi Wilson, teacher education – WAGT and Spiritual Voice, about public school vs. home school