Inseparable from ASU's origins and impact is its evolution—its development through history as its leaders and student body have steered the institution into new eras.
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Dr. Ross became ASU’s 15th president on October 3, 2017. He leads by his guiding mantra of “Moving ASU 150 years forward” as well as by his self-styled brand “CommUniversity.” Early accomplishments include increasing fundraising at ASU by nearly 130% in his first two years, forging new partnerships, and re-energizing existing relations with international, federal, state, and local stakeholders.
Alabama State College began in the early 20th century and those classes were taught in old buildings and neighborhood churches. All of the buildings used on both campuses in Mobile, Alabama and Montgomery served as early training places for the determined students that enrolled.
The T-shaped lawn area at the heart of the campus was created in 1965. It is lined both on the South and North sides by academic buildings. There are several features on the Mall with the most imposing being the Equinox. This 20-foot high sculpture was erected in 1974 and is situated at the center of the Academic Mall. Other elements on the Mall include benches, trees, and a time capsule that was buried in 1974, during the University’s centennial celebration.
Levi Watkins Learning Center, 2012
The completely renovated 147,000 square foot, five-floor learning and research center is a cultural learning place with an internet café, courtyard, exhibition spaces, information commons, and other specialized spaces. The building was rededicated in 2012, with a 60,000 square foot addition consisting of two new wings, one added to the front of the building and the second added to the back. The building is named in honor of ASU’s sixth president, Levi Watkins, 1962 to 1982.
The five-story, tan brick building is named in honor of ASU’s sixth President, Levi Watkins, who served from 1962 to 1982. In 1977, the library was moved from Trenholm Hall. Its name was changed from Learning Resources Services to the University Library and Learning Resources in the Levi Watkins Learning Center. The $4.5 million dollar structure is a multi-level resources center featuring bronze tinted windows on upper levels and reflecting mirror effects on the lower level. The complex housed the University's central Library Learning Resources facility and classrooms for the College of Business Administration.
Built in 1955, this two-story brick house is located at 1023 Tuscaloosa Street and now serves as the headquarters for Alumni Affairs on the campus of ASU. Longtime ASU secretary-treasurer Willease Rosa Simpson occupied the house from 1959 until her death in 1977, at age ninety-four. The house was sold to ASU in 1998 by a relative of Willease Rosa Simpson, Cohen T. Simpson Jr., and Lynell Roberts
Aleah Robinson proudly serves as the 83rd Miss Alabama State University. The Birmingham, Alabama, native is the daughter of Richard and Brunetta Robinson. Aleah attended Ramsay High School, where she was a member of the Student Government Association each year. During her four-year tenure, she served in several leadership roles and was the president of the student body during her senior year.
Aleah is a senior at Alabama State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Accounting. She is the reigning Miss ASU for the 2022-2023 academic school year, after serving on the Royal Court as Miss Junior for the 2021-2022 school year. Aleah is an active student who is also academically focused. Her academic prowess was recognized during her freshman year when she was inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership. Aleah has held a number of student leadership positions, including serving in the Student Government Association on the programming and activities board during her freshman and sophomore years; being a member of Collegiate 100 since her sophomore year and previously serving as the group’s treasurer; and holding the title of Director of Membership in Collegiate 100 for the 2022-2023 academic school year. Aleah is also active in ASU’s campus chapter of the NAACP, where she serves on the Education Committee.
Dylan Stallworth is the son of France Stallworth and Demetrikus Jordan and the brother to Dasani Stallworth, Demitri Stallworth, and Devian Stallworth. He is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and a graduate of C.F. Vigor High School. Dylan is proudly obtaining his Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting, while minoring in Computer Information Systems from Alabama State University. While in his undergraduate studies, Dylan participated in numerous extracurricular activities such as the Alabama State University Royal Court, Collegiate 100, National Association for Black Accountants, ACES Peer Mentor, member of Google Developer Student Clubs and Student Government Association serving as the President. He is also a Spring 2022 initiate of Beta Zeta Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. His future goal is to work in strategy consulting upon graduation. Additionally, Dylan plans to further his education by going to graduate school to seek a master’s in business administration. Dylan believes in self prosperity and that everything happens for a reason. Therefore, he always reminds himself of this scripture, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.
»See previous ASU Student Government Association (SGA) Presidents«
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