ATLANTA/NEW YORK — In recognition of his dedicated support for student activities and the important role of the college union in fostering community on campus, Georgia State University President M. Brian Blake has been named President of the Year by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI).
Blake received the award Sunday, March 16, during the ACUI’s annual conference in New York. The ACUI, founded in 1914, includes member colleges and universities from across the United States, Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland. Its President of the Year award honors those who promote an understanding of the importance of campus community to student success, devote resources to those efforts and ensure those involved in the college union and student activities — staff and students — have a voice at the table.
“I couldn’t be more proud to accept this honor from the Association of College Unions International on behalf of Georgia State and the collective efforts of everyone in our Division of Student Engagement who work every day to advance community on our campuses,” Blake said. “We understand that keeping students engaged both inside the classroom and outside the classroom is critical to their learning outcomes and eventual career success. And this affirms that the efforts we’re undertaking to strengthen that sense of community among Panthers is an investment that will pay dividends well into the future.”
The ACUI said Blake’s dedication to creating a vibrant, engaged campus community is evident in his hands-on involvement with students and staff, as well as his active collaboration with key student organizations such as the Student Government Association and fraternity and sorority groups. His ability to prioritize the needs of student affairs and ensure that the college union and student activities have a voice at the table speaks to his commitment to the student experience, the group said.
And Georgia State’s plans to utilize an $80 million grant from the Woodruff Foundation to transform campus and student spaces demonstrate his forward-thinking leadership and understanding of the importance of a connected and thriving campus community.
“It is imperative to recognize the work of university presidents who understand the role of the college union and the important work our members do,” ACUI CEO John Taylor said. “This year, we’re honored to acknowledge Dr. Blake, who truly appreciates the role of student leaders, student organizations and student activities, as well as the significance of providing spaces and programming that advance campus community.”
Among the pillars of Georgia State’s 10-year strategic plan, BluePrint to 2033, is “Identity, Placemaking and Belonging,” which brings together a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing a sense of community on campus, including the creation of the GSU Blue Line, a 3.7-mile marked and illuminated walking path connecting GSU housing, learning and research spaces throughout downtown Atlanta. Georgia State has also announced plans to create outdoor quads on each of its campuses, and last year announced the receipt of the $80 million Woodruff Foundation gift that will help fund transformative projects in the areas of Woodruff and Hurt parks.
Dubbed the Building Pathways for Success Initiative, the project calls for remaking the districts surrounding the parks into central hubs that encourage student engagement and strengthen GSU’s efforts to create safe, inviting and comfortable spaces for the community — creating a true “College Town Downtown.”
Blake was nominated for the President of the Year award by Boyd Beckwith, assistant vice president for student life, and Student Center Director David Murkison. The nomination was also supported by Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer L. Jared Abramson and Vice President for Student Engagement Michael L. Sanseviro (Ph.D. ’06). The ACUI President of the Year honoree is chosen by a committee appointed annually by the ACUI president.
Past recipients of the ACUI’s President of the Year award include Clif Smart of Missouri State University, Eli Capilouto of the University of Kentucky and Jessica Howard of Portland Community College.
— Photo courtesy of Association of College Unions International