Dr. Portia Holmes Shields Early Learning Center Project at Albany State University

Project: Dr. Portia Holmes Shields Early Learning Center (ASU-ELC)

Location: Albany, Georgia

Client: Albany State University / University System of Georgia (USG)

Owner Representative: USG Facilities, Planning, Design, and Construction

Furniture Partner: Division 12 Consulting

Project Type: Educational – Early Childhood / Higher Ed

Project Scope: FF&E Design Support · Specification · Procurement · Installation

Project Description

The Dr. Portia Holmes Shields Early Learning Center is a state-of-the-art educational facility located on the East Campus of Albany State University. Officially dedicated in August 2025, the center was developed to provide high-quality early childhood education for children aged 2–12 while serving as a premier clinical training site for ASU’s School of Education. The facility is named in honor of Dr. Portia Holmes Shields, the university’s first female president.

The newly constructed center features specialized early learning classrooms, secure indoor and outdoor play environments, and observation areas designed for university researchers and students.  The design emphasizes school readiness, cognitive development, and a “Quality Rated” learning environment that meets rigorous NAEYC accreditation standards.

Division 12 Consulting served as the Furniture Partner, providing comprehensive FF&E services tailored to the unique developmental needs of early learners. The scope included the specification and procurement of ergonomic, age-appropriate furniture, collaborative teacher workstations, and specialized storage solutions for the “Bright from the Start” curriculum. Through close coordination with the University System of Georgia, the team ensured the interior environments support flexible instructional delivery, student safety, and the university’s mission of academic excellence and community service.