Dr. Holley M. Roberts confirmed as GCSU Provost

The University System of Georgia has confirmed Georgia College & State University’s appointment of Dr. Holley Roberts as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, a role she has filled in an interim capacity since August 2024, effective immediately.

Roberts, a two-time Georgia College graduate (’93, ’96), has been part of the GCSU academic community for two decades. She joined the faculty in 2005 as a limited-term instructor in the John H. Lounsbury College of Education. Since then, she has earned tenure and the rank of Professor of Elementary Education, holding numerous leadership positions including Director of Assessment & Accreditation, Interim Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Interim Associate Dean of the College of Education.

In 2020, Roberts moved to the Office of the Provost, where she served as Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of The Graduate School. She was appointed permanently to that role in 2022. During her tenure, she has led several key initiatives, co-chaired the development of the university’s strategic plan, Imagine 2030, and strengthened academic assessment and accreditation processes.

Roberts has received the Georgia College Teaching Excellence Award, served as president of the Georgia Assessment Director’s Association, and has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, where she continues to serve as chair of the Commission’s Educator Preparation and Certification Committee. She is also co-founder of the Georgia College Faculty Fellows Leadership Academy and represents GCSU on the American Council on Education Women’s Network.

“Dr. Roberts has dedicated her career to advancing academic excellence and supporting students,” said Georgia College President Cathy Cox. “Her collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success will be invaluable as we continue this era of growth for the university and look to expand our graduate program offerings.”

“We have been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Roberts’ graceful leadership over the past year,” Cox continued, “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.”

Roberts earned both her B.S. and M.Ed. in early childhood education from Georgia College and her Ed.D. in curriculum studies from Georgia Southern University.

“I am deeply honored to accept the role of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia College & State University.” Roberts said.  “I look forward to working alongside our exceptional administration, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to advance the university’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. Together, we will continue to build on the rich traditions of Georgia College while shaping a bold and inspiring future.”