Gordon State College’s J. Ardovini, Ph.D. Joins 2022 Academy for New Provosts
By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager
Dr. J. Ardovini, Gordon State College provost and vice president of academic and student affairs has been named to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2022 Academy for New Provosts (ANP), a leadership development program geared toward the distinctive needs of provosts who lead state colleges and universities.
In its third year, ANP is an opportunity for newly appointed provosts to connect with their state university peers in an environment tailored to the specific challenges that a first-time provost is likely to face. The academy will include monthly virtual learning and networking sessions. Ardovini attended its in-person gathering on Oct. 25–27 in Washington, D.C.
“To be an academic leader at this level may be a bit overwhelming. However, once the student is put at the center of the training, everything falls into place,” Ardovini said. “At Gordon State College, we put the student first, second, and always. This is the Highlander way! I personally cannot wait to implement the skills that I’ve learned. My purpose is to move our ‘Highlanders Forward’!”
Ardovini’s career and experience spans around 28 years in leadership, strategic planning and initiatives, program development, budgeting and mentoring professional relationships. She has been published in the areas of curriculum development, feminist pedagogy, research methodologies, inequalities in education, juvenile boot camps, media portrayal of rape, as well as victimization and sexual harassment. Her most recent publications explore innovations within curriculum development as a form of social justice. Ardovini joined GSC on July 1, 2022.
Some of ANP’s objectives include using data effectively to create a culture of evidence and inform decisions; integrating academic planning with budget, facility, and IT planning; navigating between the president’s vision and the expectations of the faculty; and strengthening psychological and physical resilience.
ANP will prepare 30 new provosts participating in this year’s program.
"I am proud to welcome the third class of outstanding leaders to ANP," said Terry Brown, vice president for academic innovation and transformation at AASCU. "As these newly appointed provosts and chief academic officers begin navigating the challenges and complexities of their roles, AASCU is committed to providing the specialized expertise, guidance, and support they need to succeed."
ANP is made possible in part by generous support from AASCU strategic partner Ad Astra.