The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted to name Dr. Robert Scott as the sole finalist for president of Albany State University (ASU).
Dr. Scott currently serves as president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co., where he has worked since 2021 and is responsible for a $120 million operating budget to drive innovation, organizational effectiveness and lead transformational initiatives within the company. Prior to his work at Kraft Heinz, Dr. Scott was a divisional vice president at Abbott Nutrition and vice president at The Coca-Cola Co. Previously. He was also a biology professor at Norfolk State University and an associate dean at Boston College and at Spelman College.
“Dr. Scott is an exceptional candidate, a results-driven leader whose vast research, higher education and corporate experience will help strengthen ASU’s impact in the community and across the state,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. He has a unique blend of academic and industry acumen, traits that will nurture Albany State’s vital role as a regional workforce leader while celebrating its importance as a premier HBCU in Georgia.”
Dr. Scott’s higher education leadership has included overseeing curriculum development, securing research funding and mentoring future leaders — all with an eye toward student success.
“Thank you to the board and Chancellor Perdue for the honor of being considered for this critical position at Albany State University,” Dr. Scott said. As both a first-generation graduate and long-standing advocate for historically Black colleges and universities, I’m deeply committed to advancing Albany State’s mission of fostering educational excellence and serving as a catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Georgia.”
Dr. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Norfolk State University and a Ph.D. in cell biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The university has been led by interim President Lawrence Drake since July 1, 2024. Drake replaced President Marion Ross Fedrick, who now serves as executive vice president and chief of staff to the president of Georgia State University.