Personnel note: Quinton Ross named President of Alabama State University

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Quinton Ross
[Photo courtesy of Quinton Ross Facebook]

The Alabama State University Board of Trustees named state Sen. Quinton Ross to be the next president of the University.

The Board chose Ross over three other finalists for the job on Friday, pending the verification of his background check.

The initial vote was 12 to 2, but a later recommendation by Trustee Darrell Hudson led to a change in the initial tally.

“It’s going to take all of us to ensure that our next President is successful,” said Hudson. “Therefore, I would like to see the vote be unanimous.”

Trustees Joe Whitt and Robert Gilpin ultimately conceded and changed their votes to “yes,” drawing applause from Board members and the audience.

Ross, a state senator from Montgomery since 2002 and the current Senate minority leader, replaces Gwendolyn Boyd whom the Board fired in December for “failure to maintain the confidence of the board.”

“Dr. Quinton Ross is a true public servant. He has a heart for Alabama and for Alabama State University. His wealth of experience in higher education and in state government will serve him well as he takes on the mantle of ASU President,” said Governor Kay Ivey who participated in the vote as president of the board. “Alabama State University is a historic institution and is integral to our state’s college and university system. Having received three degrees from ASU, I know my friend Quinton Ross will lead this fine school with distinction and vigor. I look forward to working with him to guide ASU to its brightest days yet.”

Anniston-Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh congratulated Ross on his selection.

“I would like to congratulate my friend Quinton Ross on being chosen as the next President of Alabama State University. Along with his professional qualifications, he is a man of integrity that ASU will be proud to have as its leader,” said Marsh. “While we will miss his leadership in the Senate, there is no doubt that our loss is ASU’s gain. I look forward to working with President Ross in his new capacity.”

Born in Mobile, Ala., Ross holds three degrees from ASU — the Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1992, a Master of Arts in Education in 1995 and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law in 2010.