The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named Dr. Robert Scott president of Albany State University (ASU), effective May 1, 2025.

Dr. Scott, who holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, will return to higher education after almost two decades working in the private sector. He is currently the president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. Dr. Scott has also served in executive roles at Abbott Nutrition and The Coca-Cola Co. He spent his early career teaching and serving as an administrator at Boston College, Spelman College and Norfolk State University.

“Dr. Scott is a five-star recruit, someone with both industry expertise and academic experience who will advance Albany State’s mission and cement its impact helping students find success in today’s workforce. He has experience in improving large organizations, simplifying processes and making the best use of resources. More importantly, he’s committed to fostering an environment at this important HBCU where all faculty, staff and students can thrive.”

– Sonny Perdue, USG Chancellor

“We’re also deeply grateful to interim President Lawrence Drake for his work to advance ASU’s commitment to student success and strengthen its engagement with the community,” Perdue continued.

Dr. Scott’s appointment to the presidency follows a rigorous seven-month national search in which he was named the sole finalist. ASU has been led by Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II since July 1, 2024, following the departure of President Marion Ross Fedrick to serve as executive vice president and chief of staff to the president of Georgia State University.

“My goal as president will be to ensure that Albany State University operates at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness and maintains financial health, all whole expanding growth opportunities for students and the university. I believe that ASU is more than a great institution – it is also an amazing brand that must be cultivated and elevated.”

– Dr. Robert Scott, Albany State President-Elect

“Everything we do speaks to the brand of Albany State. From academic programs to athletics, student services to community engagement, alumni successes to corporate partnerships, we must ensure our actions reflect excellence, innovation and a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. My executive accountabilities at some of the world’s largest corporations and top-tier universities have uniquely prepared me to lead ASU into a new era of recognition, growth and innovation,” Scott continued.

“We are pleased to learn of the selection of Dr. Robert Scott as the next president of Albany State University. Dr. Scott, who is no stranger to the HBCU landscape and alumnus of an HBCU himself, brings a wealth of expertise to the helm of leadership at Albany State. As Chancellor Perdue pointed out in his statement, Dr. Scott’s combination of industry expertise and academic experience will propel Albany State’s mission to new heights. Committed to fostering and expanding growth opportunities for students and the community, Dr. Scott is the ideal candidate to continue the legacy of Dr. Federick and past presidents in propelling ASU to 150 years and beyond. We commend Chancellor Perdue and the USG Board of Regents for their selection of Dr. Scott and pledge our unwavering support under his leadership. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on his appointment and wishes him and the entire ASU community immense success.”

– Demetrius Johnson, Jr., founder, President & CEO, HCF

Join us in thanking Dr. Lawrence Drake II for his work and for his commitment to taking on the challenge to serve as interim president since July 2024. Thank you, Dr. Drake, for your leadership,” Johnson continued.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Scott was the first in his family to attend college. He attended Norfolk State University, a historically Black university in Norfolk, Virginia, as a DNIMAS Scholar. The DNIMAS Scholar program, created through a generous gift to the university, addresses the severe shortage of minority scientists in the workforce by attracting and producing undergraduates who can complete graduate degrees in STEM. After earning a biology degree from Norfolk State, he then entered the graduate program at Georgia Tech, with a research focus in cell and molecular biology, and became the first DNIMAS Scholar to receive a Ph.D.

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Scott became a biology professor at Norfolk State. He later served as an associate dean at both Boston College and Spelman College. In these roles, he gained leadership experience, oversaw curriculum development, secured research funding and mentored future leaders, all while prioritizing student success.

About Albany State University
Albany State University is one of the three public historically Black colleges and universities in Georgia. It has a $266 million economic impact on the Albany area, fostering economic development and a strong workforce that attracts and retains large-scale employers to the region. With a legacy of more than 100 years of excellence in teaching and learning, ASU prepares students to be effective contributors to a global society, where knowledge and technology create opportunities for personal and professional success. For more information, visit www.asurams.edu.

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