Provost is well prepared for new role thanks to GCSU

Provost is well prepared for new role thanks to GCSU

D r. Holley Morris Roberts ('93, '96) intended to become a kindergarten teacher. But throughout her tenure at Georgia College & State University, her career trajectory changed. As of August, she began serving as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, a role she had filled in an interim capacity since August 2024, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

From the time Roberts started working in elementary schools, she held leadership roles, and this trend continued throughout her career. In 2005, she started at Georgia College as a limited-term instructor in the John H. Lounsbury College of Education. Then she served as director of Assessment & Accreditation, interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education and interim associate dean of the College of Education.

Roberts then served as interim associate provost for Academic Affairs and director of The Graduate School. She also co-chaired the development of the university's strategic plan - Imagine 2030 - and strengthened the academic assessment and accreditation processes.

"Although I've never been a kindergarten teacher, I serve as a provost, which seems far apart, but it's really not," Roberts said. "I think of our students as young adults who are continuously developing and learning. I also think about the parents' perspective on their child's education."

Former Early Childhood Education Professor Dr. Kathryn Powell taught Roberts how to think critically and appreciate children's unique gifts.

"Some people think, as teachers, you're not powerful, but you're extremely powerful when it comes to influencing human beings," she said.

Roberts' mentor, Dr. Lyndall Muschell, taught her what it means to lead in a school.

When Roberts pursued her undergraduate degree in early childhood education at Georgia College, she worked at a local bank, cared for her mother and went to school.

"I'd work, go to class and then back to work," she said. "This was common for many students at that time, because it was a convenient commuter, regional institution."

During her first year of teaching, Roberts was earning her master's in early childhood education at Georgia College's Macon campus. She also received a certificate in Education Leadership.

During her Georgia College career, Roberts received the Teaching Excellence Award, served as president of the Georgia Assessment Director's Association and was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, where she chairs the Educator Preparation and Certification Committee. She is also co-founder of Georgia College's Faculty Fellows Leadership Academy and represents the university on the American Council on Education Women's Network.

"We have been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Roberts' graceful leadership over the past year," said Georgia College President Cathy Cox, "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."

Every day Roberts is amazed by seeing students, faculty and staff excel at Georgia College.

"I get inspired when there's a program or an initiative that gets put in place, and students, faculty and staff benefit from it," she said.

"I keep thinking of ways for faculty, students and staff to be successful," Roberts said. "I love mentoring and empowering them to reach their potential."

Roberts feels honored to be a servant leader and is glad she stepped outside of her comfort zone to pursue leadership opportunities. She hopes others will follow her lead.

"Success is about taking a chance and being confident in the knowledge and co-curricular experience you've gained from Georgia College," she said. "So, take a risk and focus on making an impact."

The Georgia College Alumni Association dropped in on the President's cabinet meeting to surprise Dr. Roberts in celebration of her appointment as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. From left: Seth Walker, VP for University Advancement; Dr. Dan Nadler, VP for Student Life; President Cathy Cox; Dr. Holley Roberts; Susan Allen, Interim VP for Finance & Administration; Monica Starley, Chief of Staff; Nadirah Mayweather, Director of Alumni Engagement.