Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents has appointed Robert Scott, a native of Suffolk, as the next president of Albany State University (ASU), effective May 1, 2025, according to a March press release.

Scott, who holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, currently serves as president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. He has held executive positions at Abbott Nutrition and The Coca-Cola Co. and previously worked in academia at Boston College, Spelman College, as well as locally at Norfolk State University.

“Dr. Scott brings both industry expertise and academic experience that will help Albany State advance its mission and prepare students for today’s workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “He has led large organizations, streamlined processes, and managed resources effectively. More importantly, he is committed to fostering an environment where faculty, staff, and students can succeed.”

Scott’s appointment follows a seven-month national search. He succeeds interim President Lawrence Drake, who has led ASU since July 2024, following Marion Ross Fedrick’s departure.

“My goal is to ensure Albany State operates efficiently and maintains financial stability while expanding opportunities for students and the university,” Scott said. “ASU is not just an institution but a brand that must be cultivated and elevated.”

According to the release, Scott was born in New Jersey, raised in Suffolk, and the first in his family to attend college. He earned a biology degree from Norfolk State University as a DNIMAS Scholar, a program designed to increase minority representation in STEM fields. He later earned a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology at Georgia Tech, becoming the first DNIMAS Scholar to do so.

Scott’s early career included teaching and administrative roles at Norfolk State, Boston College, and Spelman College, where he focused on curriculum development, research funding, and student mentorship. In the private sector, he led research and innovation strategies at global companies, building industry-academia partnerships to support research funding, student internships, and workforce development.

At Kraft Heinz, Scott led an R&D transformation that contributed to $2 billion in incremental sales growth and improved employee retention. At The Coca-Cola Co., he led global research and development teams and oversaw innovation initiatives in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

Scott now returns to higher education, focusing on strengthening ASU’s academic programs, student services, and community engagement.

“Everything we do reflects the Albany State brand,” he said. “From academics to athletics, alumni success to corporate partnerships, our actions must demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a commitment to developing future leaders.”