Danahar selected as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs

VALDOSTA—Dr. David C. Danahar has been named to the position of interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Valdosta State University. Danahar’s career in higher education leadership spans more than 40 years including president of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and provost and vice president for academic affairs at Loyola University New Orleans.

Danahar began Aug. 12 and will serve through the 2013-2014 academic year. VSU contracted Danahar’s professional academic services through the Registry for College and University Presidents, a nationally recognized interim placement service for senior higher education administrators.

"David was the top choice of every campus constituency,” said VSU President William J. McKinney. “At a time when higher education demands visionary leadership at all levels, we are thrilled to have someone of David's experience and expertise to lead academic affairs."

Danahar began his academic career at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, where during a 15-year period he was professor of history, director of general education and associate dean of the College of Arts and Science. Following SUNY at Oswego, Danahar was dean of the College of Arts and Science at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn.

Danahar served as president of SMSU for 10 years and guided more than $130 million in construction including a new Student Center, Regional Event Center and several residence halls. New undergraduate programs were added, and he was instrumental in the successful completion of a $23 million capital campaign.

Danahar retired from SMSU in 2011 and after 18 months was ready to extend his administrative career in higher education.

This is Danahar’s first appointment with the Registry and he is looking forward to working on various projects at VSU including strategic planning and budgeting.

“I am here primarily to support the president and institution,” said Danahar. “This is a beautiful campus; you can see that right away. I am impressed with the people I have met and have had a very good experience. The people are very gracious and supportive.”

Danahar and his wife, Cecelia, are adjusting to life in Valdosta. He has three children, Deirdre, Rebecca and Michael.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Goal 5: Develop and enhance Valdosta State’s human and physical resources.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.