ALBANY, GA -- Albany State University held a series of community meetings Monday to hear input on their, "Center of Excellence for Community Engagement."

The effort is one component of the ASU Strategic Plan 2012-2017, which is aimed at increasing the University's outreach in the community by helping to address critical issues facing this region.

Officials with the "CECE" say this program is not only necessary, but it demands community involvement as well.

"When we have historical challenges that have systematic, and systemic infrastructure issues, it's going to take time, but it's going to take collaboration and coordination for even better things to happen," said Associate Professor of Public Administration, Veronica Adams-Cooper.

Adams-Cooper says she feels the program is vital for the future, and hopes that the community will embrace these ideas as well.