Dr. Shields' major objectives are to strengthen academic programs, raise admission standards and create a state-of-the-art institution of higher learning in terms of facilities and technology. Her goal is to make Albany State University a premier citadel of learning. Dr. Shields embraces the University's philosophy of providing "Education on a Personal Level," and works diligently to develop, implement and refine strategies that support this philosophy.

Dr. Shields received her primary, secondary and college education in her native home, Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the District of Columbia Teachers College, a Master of Arts degree in Education from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Maryland at College Park. She has completed additional studies at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Columbia University, New York, New York; American University, Washington, D.C.; and the University of the District of Columbia. She also has been awarded two fellowships. She studied in West Africa in 1975 and participated in the International Faculty Development Seminar (The Dynamics of the New South Africa), June 8 - 18, 1997, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.

Prior to joining Albany State University, Dr. Shields' work experiences included serving as dean of the School of Education (1993 - 1996) and director of Medical and Biomedical Communications, College of Medicine (1989 - 1993) at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She has worked as a teacher and reading specialist in primary and secondary education. On the collegiate level she was an instructor in the Upward Bound Program and the College of Education. Dr. Shields also has served as an education and training consultant in the public and private sectors.

She has had extensive experience at various colleges and universities, trade organizations, corporations, and local and federal agencies including the National Black Child Development Institute, the University of the Virgin Islands, Meharry Medical College, Procter and Gamble, U. S. Federal Aviation Administration, U. S. Department of Labor, and several divisions of the District of Columbia Government.

Committee appointments include: chairing the Steering Committee for the America Reads Program, Board of Regents, University System of Georgia, September 1997; the President's Advisory Budget Committee, Board of Regents, University System of Georgia, September, 1997, Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Teacher Preparation, Board of Regents, University System of Georgia, 1997-98, Albany State University Executive Council and the Faculty Senate, and the Committee on Cultural Diversity and Social Change, American Association of State Colleges and Universities; boards of directors for United Way, the Organization of Institutional Affiliates (OIA)-an arm of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Albany Chamber of Commerce, Albany Museum of Art, Theatre Albany, Albany Tomorrow, Inc., Albany/Dougherty Community Partnership for Education and Dougherty 2000 - Dougherty County Board of Education; and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of Presidents.

Active in community, civic and professional organizations, Dr. Shields holds memberships in more than fifteen (15) professional organizations. She has an extensive listing of professional services which includes public speaking engagements, consulting services, presentations at seminars and workshops, publications, research and grantsmanship.

Dr. Shields is married to William H. Lewis, vice president of Government Relations at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

P. Diddy at the MTV Video Music Awards

National Bar

Blacks In Government

Black Hotel Owners