AUGUSTA AND MACON, Ga., Jan. 25, 2022 - - Helms College today announced the appointment of Dr. David N. Pugh as the College's second president. Dr. Pugh brings with him more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience including serving as president of Art Institute of Atlanta (AI), vice president of Savannah College of Art and Design's (SCAD) Hong Kong campus, and vice president for Student Success at SCAD's Savannah and Atlanta campuses.
"David has been a champion for student success his entire career and an innovator of programs that help students matriculate and graduate into career paths of their dreams," said James Stiff, chancellor of Helms College and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area (GIMG).Helms College is operated by GIMG.
While at AI, Dr. Pugh successfully led the institution to a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for AI campuses in Atlanta and Virginia Beach. During his tenure at SCAD, Dr. Pugh served on the team that opened the SCAD Atlanta campus, led the global admission team resulting in record growth at the institution, and represented the university throughout Southeast Asia at prominent civic and community events. While serving as vice president of SCAD Hong Kong, Dr. Pugh was a member of the American Chamber of Commerce-HK and was successful in securing several industry partnerships in the region resulting in internships and jobs for students and alumni.
Pugh holds an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He also holds a master's degree in counselor education and a bachelor's of sciences degree in education – both from Jacksonville State University.
Stiff continued, “David will play a critical role in growing our student support services as well as expanding our educational programs in culinary, health services, and industrial trades in order to serve existing and new markets. His proven ability to recruit great talent, secure vital resources, and develop important partnerships will help keep Helms on a growth trajectory.”
About Helms College
Helms College is a private, accredited, not-for-profit postsecondary career school licensed by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. Helms College provides a unique approach to experiential learning and career education. Named in honor of Rev. Edgar Helms, the founder of Goodwill Industries, Helms College creates opportunities for students to discover their strengths and build upon their knowledge, skills and attitudes through extensive integrative and experiential learning.