UAlbany's Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Celebrates 30th Anniversary

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 26, 2009) -- Chicago State University Interim President Frank Pogue, who initiated UAlbany's first Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon, will be the guest speaker for the event's 30th anniversary at noon on Feb. 5 in the Campus Center Ballroom.

Pogue served as UAlbany's vice president for student affairs from 1983-1986, becoming the first African-American to hold a vice-presidential office at the University. He was also formerly an associate professor and chair of African/Afro-American Studies at UAlbany and worked in the SUNY system for 23 years, including as vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Special Programs for SUNY Central Administration.

"Dr. Pogue is a leader of vision and principle who has made a difference at UAlbany and beyond," said Interim President George M. Philip. "It is an honor to welcome him back to campus to help us celebrate Black History Month."

Pogue's career in higher education spans over 45 years. After serving for one year as interim president at the SUNY College at Cobleskill, Pogue was appointed president of Edinboro University in 1996, becoming the first African-American to lead a traditionally white college or university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His years at Edinboro were marked by unprecedented growth and advancement in academic programs, graduate enrollment, campus facilities, and fund raising. Pogue created the Edinboro Family concept, a learner-centered environment where students come first in caring and supportive campus community functioning under the core value of civility.

Pogue has served on the American Council on Education's (ACE) Commission on Women in Higher Education and as chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative. He also served on higher education advisory panels for Pennsylvania governors Tom Ridge and Edward G. Rendell.

In 2000, the UAlbany Council of Trustees presented him the Distinguished Service Award for Leadership and Vision. He continues to use his own paradigm for 21st century leadership to teach future college presidents. He consults for two national university presidential search firms.

Other speakers will present lectures throughout the month to help the University celebrate Black History Month. All events are free and open to the public.

• Wednesday, February 11, 3 p.m., UAlbany alumnus Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, superintendent of Shenendehowa Central Schools, Humanities Room 039
• Thursday, February 12, 11:45 a.m., Ralph Boyd, local activist and founding member of NAACP-Schenectady branch, Lecture Center 25
• Thursday, February 26, 11:45 a.m., Rev. Damone Johnson, pastor of Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church, Lecture Center 25

A timeline is available of African-Americans at the University at Albany.

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