Athens State University is pleased to welcome Andrew Dollar as the new Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning. He assumed this position on September 1, 2020.
A native of Alabama, Dollar has a BA from the University of Southern Mississippi, an MPA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and he is currently working on his doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University. He has a nearly 20-year background in public affairs, community relations, and small business development with a career beginning in Montgomery as part of the Governor’s Policy team. Dollar has worked in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee advancing higher education at the state and collegiate levels. The majority of his postsecondary experience occurred at the two-year community and technical college level focusing on expanding access and creating innovative partnerships and workforce initiatives to support regional economic development.
Dollar launched an endurance coaching firm over a decade ago that afforded him the opportunity to work with everyday competitors and world-class athletes. He has also partnered with other entrepreneurs to build successful businesses in endurance sports, online retail, and consulting spaces.
Dollar has been a competitive athlete for 25 years and enjoys going on runs before work. He is married to Jessica Dollar, with whom he has a 6-year-old son and four college-aged stepchildren.
“I am excited about being a part of the rich Athens State history and enhancing community engagement opportunities for the University,” Dollar stated. “I believe the Center for Lifelong Learning has so much potential to expand the University’s footprint in the areas of continuing education, workforce development, and innovation throughout the region.”
“Mr. Dollar brings a much-needed depth of knowledge and valuable breadth of experience to the Director’s role at the CLL, which will benefit the Center, the University, area businesses, and the wider community significantly,” said Dr. Joe Delap, Vice President for Corporate and Community Relations at Athens State University.
The Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning’s mission is to provide opportunities for students and the surrounding community to participate in community activities and educational opportunities that meet the career development and personal enrichment needs of our region. The Center extends to the community the benefits of the academic excellence of the University by offering innovative, high-quality, flexible programs designed to enrich the quality of life and promote economic and personal development for all people. It is located at 121 S. Marion Street on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square.