ATHENS — Dr. Catherine M. Wehlburg, who has been serving as interim president of Athens State University for more than a year, has been named permanent president of the state’s oldest higher education institution.
Wehlburg is the third woman to be named as a permanent president for the campus, which was founded in 1822, three years after Alabama joined the United States.
“I thank the Athens State Board of Trustees for their confidence in me,” Wehlburg said. “I look forward to partnering with all members of our community as we begin this new era at our historic and distinctive institution.
“Together we will continue to foster a spirit of innovation and academic achievement that has defined Athens State for over 200 years. Onward ever.”
The 39th president of Athens State University, Wehlburg is the first woman to serve in that capacity in more than a century. Mary Norman Moore was president in 1909, and Jane Hamilton Childs steered the institution through the Civil War from 1858-69.
Wehlburg was named by the university’s Board of Trustees.
“We are excited to officially begin the President Wehlburg era at Athens State University,” said Arthur Orr, chair of the Athens State Board of Trustees. “The board believes Dr. Wehlburg has the willingness to make any needed changes and adjustments in the months ahead to take Athens State to heightened levels not previously seen.
“She is deeply committed to our university, and we have great confidence in her leadership.”
Wehlburg succeeds Dr. Philip Way and has served as interim president since January 2023. She joined Athens State in June 2021 as the university’s provost. Dr. Wehlburg received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s and Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Florida.
In addition to her faculty and administrative roles, she has also served as a Senior Fellow at the American Association of Colleges and Universities and at the American Association of Higher Education.
Wehlburg is known nationally for her scholarly work in teaching, learning, and the assessment of student learning outcomes. She has been recognized for her work in outcomes assessment by being elected president of the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education and has received their Outstanding Achievement Award.
She is editor-in-chief for the New Directions for Teaching and Learning series and serves on editorial boards for several national higher education journals. Wehlburg is on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation Board of Directors.
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