From Task Force to Council
The J.W. Holley Legacy Council emerged from the ASU Presidential Task Force, a group of dedicated Albany State University alumni concerned about the University System of Georgia's 2024 presidential search process. Central to their concerns was a troubling pattern in which interim presidents were subsequently appointed permanent presidents of the university. Task force members questioned whether the search would provide a fair and meaningful opportunity to consider the most qualified candidates or follow the same course as previous selections.
The task force campaigned vigorously against the potential permanent appointment of Interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake, whose qualifications and suitability for the role its members questioned. Their advocacy challenged what they feared could become a predetermined outcome and called for a presidential search that reflected the stature, needs, and aspirations of Albany State University.
Through a Change.org petition and sustained outreach, the task force galvanized more than 900 alumni and allies in support of a shared commitment: ensuring that ASU's next president would be selected through a fair, transparent, and rigorous national search. Given the outcomes of the two preceding presidential selections, task force members sought assurance that the search would offer an authentic opportunity for highly qualified and experienced candidates to be considered.
As part of its strategy, the task force sought out and encouraged accomplished university presidents and deans to apply. According to the task force, several of these candidates were not granted interviews, further intensifying concerns about the fairness and thoroughness of the search. After numerous emails to Chancellor Sonny Perdue and the Board of Regents failed to produce the response members sought, the task force brought its concerns to the public through media outreach and press conferences.
Raising Our Voice
The campaign drew coverage from outlets including The Albany Herald, WALB News 10, and Spotlight South Cobb News. An opinion piece in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution further articulated the task force's concerns and was followed by a published response from Chancellor Perdue. Prominent alumni also contributed articles and commentary supporting the campaign, including contributions to Inside Higher Ed. Higher education leaders shared additional perspectives on social media, including a candidate who had served as president of multiple institutions but reportedly did not receive an interview.
The task force also directed correspondence to the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, the ASU National Alumni Association, AGB Search, the firm engaged to assist with the presidential search, and the office of Congressman Sanford Bishop. It submitted an open-records request to the University System of Georgia's Office of Legal Affairs in pursuit of greater transparency.
A Turning Point, and What Comes Next
Against this backdrop of sustained advocacy and public scrutiny, Dr. Robert Scott was named president of Albany State University in March 2025. His selection broke the interim-to-permanent appointment pattern that the task force had challenged. Members viewed that departure as an important achievement of their advocacy, while maintaining that concerns about the fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness of the selection process remained unresolved.
The J.W. Holley Legacy Council was established to carry forward and strengthen the spirit of the ASU Presidential Task Force, extending its advocacy beyond a single presidential search. The Council remains committed to elevating Albany State University to the stature envisioned by its esteemed founder, Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley.
Our mission is driven by a profound sense of responsibility and unwavering pride in the institution that shaped us. Our purpose is singular: to propel our alma mater beyond stagnation and into its rightful place as a premier institution of higher learning.