Albany State Foundation names Dr. W. Anthony Neal executive director

By AI, Created 3:50 PM UTC, May 22, 2026, /AGP/ – Albany State University Foundation has appointed Dr. W. Anthony Neal as executive director, effective June 1, 2026. The hire gives the foundation a new chief advancement officer as it looks to grow endowment support, strengthen donor ties and expand resources for students.

Why it matters: - The Albany State University Foundation is putting a veteran advancement leader in charge of fundraising strategy, board development, endowment growth and financial oversight. - The appointment is meant to strengthen partnerships with donors, alumni and corporate supporters while backing student success and the university’s long-term growth.

What happened: - Albany State University Foundation appointed Dr. W. Anthony Neal as executive director, effective June 1, 2026. - Neal will also serve as the foundation’s chief advancement officer. - Chairman Gregory Hylick said Neal’s experience fits with the leadership team President Dr. Robert Scott has assembled at Albany State University. - Hylick said Neal will help build continuity between the foundation and the university under the “Build the Future of ASU Together” effort. - Neal said he is honored to join Albany State University and wants to advance a culture of philanthropy for every Golden Ram.

The details: - Neal brings more than 20 years of advancement and nonprofit executive leadership experience in higher education. - His background spans historically Black colleges and universities, technical colleges and national nonprofit organizations. - He most recently served as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Florida A&M University Foundation. - At Florida A&M University, Neal restored stability and operational efficiency. - Before that, he was senior vice president at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas. - At Wiley University, Neal helped secure a transformational gift that eliminated educational debt for the Class of 2022. - His leadership roles also included LeMoyne-Owen College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, KIPP Charlotte, Bennett College, UNCF and United Way in Central Carolinas and Rome, Georgia. - Neal is known for building high-performing teams, modernizing advancement operations and promoting accountability, transparency and donor-centered engagement. - He has overseen endowment management and investment governance. - His work has focused on strategic planning, board development, endowment growth and operational transformation. - Neal is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, a first-generation college graduate and an advocate for educational equity. - He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Jackson State University, an M.S. in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in Economics from Denison University.

Between the lines: - Albany State is signaling a focus on stable fundraising leadership and deeper external relationships as universities compete for donors and long-term support. - Neal’s mix of HBCU, nonprofit and foundation experience suggests the board wants an executive who can pair fundraising with operational discipline. - The foundation’s emphasis on measurable impact points to more pressure on advancement results, not just relationship building.

What’s next: - Neal will begin the role on June 1, 2026. - The foundation is expected to use the appointment to expand strategic partnerships and increase resources that support students and the university. - Hylick said he looks forward to Neal working with the board, the community, corporate partners and other stakeholders as the foundation strengthens its efforts. - Albany State University Foundation said the appointment reinforces its commitment to philanthropy and institutional growth.