Margaret Ferguson will join Georgia State University as Senior Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, effective August 1. Ferguson brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership and institutional effectiveness, coming to Georgia State from Indiana University Indianapolis, where she serves as Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“Georgia State’s national leadership in student success and commitment to inclusive excellence drew me here,” Ferguson said. “I’m honored to join such a dynamic academic community and look forward to working with colleagues across the university’s many campuses to support our students and faculty in meaningful and measurable ways.”

At IU Indianapolis, Ferguson led efforts in accreditation, academic program review, curriculum development, and faculty advancement. She played a key role in managing the campus-wide promotion and tenure process and served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission. Her leadership was instrumental in the successful realignment of Indiana and Purdue Universities—an endeavor requiring deep coordination across academic and administrative units.

Ferguson also led the creation of several pioneering initiatives, including one of the nation’s first promotion and tenure pathways to recognize the broad spectrum of faculty relating to equity. She launched university-wide mentoring and leadership development programs for individuals at all levels of experience, as well as a review process for community-engaged scholarship. These efforts reflect a broad and inclusive view of academic excellence—aligning deeply with Georgia State’s mission and values.

“Dr. Ferguson brings a depth of experience in academic affairs that will strengthen Georgia State’s commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation,” said Provost and Executive Vice President, Nicolle Parsons-Pollard. “Her thoughtful leadership and ability to build collaborative solutions across complex institutions make her an ideal fit for this role. I’m excited to welcome her to our academic leadership team.”

As senior associate provost for academic affairs, Ferguson will oversee the university’s academic program development and review processes, curricular policy, faculty advancement, and accreditation. She will work closely with academic units across the university to support the quality, integrity, and innovation of our academic offerings.

Ferguson earned a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. A professor of political science, her scholarly work has focused on state executive leadership, institutional governance, and public administration. She has published extensively on topics related to gubernatorial power, executive orders, and faculty engagement.

— Shana Bagley, Director of Communications, Office of the Provost