ATHENS, Ga. - Associate Dean Sylvia M. Hutchinson of the University of Georgia's College of Education moved to a new post with UGA's Institute of Higher Education, effective January 1, 1999.

"I've always had a goal of getting back to teaching full-time and this is an opportunity that offers me the avenue of teaching, but also allows me to use what I've learned in administration these past six years," said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson came to work at UGA as an assistant professor in 1978 from Southwest Texas State University, but was hardly a stranger. She first arrived on the UGA campus as an undergraduate student in 1960. Over the next 15 years she earned her bachelor's and master's, both in elementary education, and a Ph.D. in reading education from UGA. 

"We were very pleased to bring Sylvia over here and we jumped at the opportunity. Her addition will add a new dimension to the institute. Sylvia will bring a different perspective to us." said Cameron Fincher, the institute's director.

Hutchinson has been recommended for a joint appointment as a professor of higher education and reading education. She will teach, direct dissertations of doctoral students and "draw upon her administrative skills" in her new position, according to Fincher.

"We'll also ask her to organize some new programs and she'll be involved in all other phases of our public service and resource activities," said Fincher.

Hutchinson was promoted to the rank of professor of reading education at the College in 1987 and was appointed acting associate dean of academic affairs in 1992. She was named associate dean of the College in 1994.

"When I was appointed as dean, the first thing I did was ask her to be associate dean," said Russell H. Yeany, dean of the College of Education. "We took a team approach, we kind of operated as co-deans.

"The thing you recognize about her is her total commitment, her enthusiasm for the job and her way of working with people," said Yeany. "She made them a part of the process, she made them feel important ."

Yeany praised Hutchinson for her work in faculty development, and particularly for her focus on young faculty.

Hutchinson has joined a prolific staff at the institute that will include Gov. Zell Miller after he completes his second term this year. The institute's diverse staff and their background includes Tom Dyer, history; Ron Simpson, science education; Ed Simpson, former director of The Georgia Center for Continuing Education; Mel Hill, former director of the Institute of Government; Libby Morris, adult and continuing education; Larry Jones, higher education and Fincher, Psychology.

Hutchinson, like other members of the institute, said she is looking forward to working with Miller. She said she has known the governor for years through her work with the College of Education and as the president of the Young Harris College Alumni Association.

"We're both graduates of Young Harris. That's a very special subset," she said. "We have tremendous affection for that institution."