News
LaGrange College Names Aubrey Vice President for Academic Affairs After National Search
from the website of LaGrange College
Dr. Karen Aubrey has been named LaGrange College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, President Dan McAlexander announced today.
Currently associate dean in the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Augusta University, Dr. Aubrey will be replacing Provost David Garrison, who is retiring in February. He will be joining his wife, Donna Barger, in Orlando, Florida, where she serves as vice president of clinical services for WeCare TLC.
McAlexander said Dr. Aubrey’s knowledge and expertise make her the right fit for LaGrange College.
“She has extensive academic experience and an impressive track record of success,” he said. “Her ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal will be a great asset for us.
“Dr. Aubrey is eminently qualified to build on the foundation built by Dr. Garrison over the last seven years.”
A native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Aubrey earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Central Arkansas, a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Central Arkansas and a Ph.D. in 18th century British literature with an emphasis in satire from the University of Southern Mississippi.
She began her career at Augusta University (then Augusta College) in 1990 as a professor in the department of languages, literature and communications. Since 2007, she has served as an administrator.
In 2012, the university merged with neighboring Georgia Health Sciences University (Medical College of Georgia). Dr. Aubrey played a key role in helping consolidate the primarily undergraduate liberal arts campus with the medical research university.
She was appointed associate dean in 2014, and is responsible for budgeting, fundraising, personnel and strategic planning and assessment. She has extensive experience in curriculum, accreditation, viability, community need, retention, and student success.
“I'm honored and excited to serve as Vice President of Academic Affairs and to become a part of LaGrange College,” she said. “I look forward to furthering the mission of the college, working with great students and impressive faculty and joining in the vibrant community life of LaGrange.”
Dr. Aubrey is involved in her community, particularly with the Imperial Theatre, a historic nonprofit in downtown Augusta. She and her husband, Phillip D'Ambrogi, have worked with its director in finding grants for upkeep and extensive restoration. D'Ambrogi owns two project management firms based in Atlanta.
Dr. Aubrey is a liaison between the college and Fort Gordon and a member of Leadership Augusta. She is active in fundraising activities in the Augusta and Atlanta areas, and is a partner with Richmond County nonprofit organizations to cultivate student internships and build connections to the university. Recently, she was a panelist and presenter at a conference on liberal arts in Jackson, Mississippi.
She will assume her new duties on Jan. 17, 2017.
