July 8, 2016 - Albany, GA – Albany Technical College (ATC) has appointed a new Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Dr. Sherry Aaker, will begin her new position with ATC on Monday, July 11, 2016.
Dr. Aaker comes to Albany Tech from Northwest Florida State College, where she has served as Dean of Students since 2012. Prior to this role, she served as the Vice President of Student Services for Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. Most of her career has been dedicated to teaching and serving students. Past positions in higher education include: Dean of Student Services for Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois and for Wilson Community College in Wilson, North Carolina; Director of Disability Services (both ADA and WIA), Academic Computing Training Specialist, and Associate Professor for the Business Division for Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee; Coordinator and Counselor of Talent Search TRIO and Counselor SSS TRIO and Tutor Coordinator, and Adjunct Faculty Instructor for Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland.
Aaker began her career in education as a K12 teacher for seventh through twelfth grade in the Missouri School System. She holds 30 years of experience in higher education with progressive leadership roles and increasing responsibilities. With extensive knowledge of grant proposals, funding and reporting, she has conducted financial aid audits, SAP appeals, and veteran services to students. She has also designed and led Behavior Intervention Teams and Student Code of Conduct Committees and has a strong belief that anyone can learn and achieve with hard work and determination.
“I am deeply humbled and privileged to be invited to join the premier college in Georgia, the Albany Technical College team,” said Aaker. “I am looking forward to learning and gleaning from the experience and leadership of Dr. Parker, a man who has a great vision, my respect, and is held in high regards in his leadership and passion for assisting students to graduate and become gainfully employed in the community.”
Aaker is a champion for the college within the marketplace to build, strengthen and support community and offers a leadership style built upon collegiate governance with collaborative efforts of embedded practices. She also believes in a high participation in business, industry, community, and workforce development alliances and partnerships.
“I am passionate about assisting students with policies, processes, and procedures to increase possibilities,” she said. “I want to make better tomorrows and dreams come true. I am aware that business and industry are in need of well-trained credentialed employees and Albany Tech students graduate with quality skills, are in high demand and obtain high wages, and I am honored that I can assist with this mission to improve lives and to make an impact on students’ lives, the community, and the college.”
Aaker holds a bachelor’s degree in Education in Elementary and Special Education from Missouri State University, a Master of Administrative Science degree with a concentration in Information Systems Management from the John Hopkins University, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University.
Photo: Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Dr. Sherry Aaker