Albany State Welcomes New Additions to Presidential Cabinet
Albany State University (ASU) President Marion Ross Fedrick has welcomed four new
leadership hires:
- Dr. Antonius Pegues, Vice President for Finance and Administration
- Valerie Melton, MPA, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director
of the ASU Foundation
- Dr. Rhonda Porter, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Dr. Kristene Kelly, Director of Athletics
“I am excited to welcome these four new additions to ASU’s leadership team. Collectively, they bring the depth and breadth of knowledge in their respective fields that will help to advance ASU’s mission, and further promote our standard of excellence for our students and university,” said President Marion Ross Fedrick. “Thank you to the many individuals involved in the search and selection process and those who remain passionate about the success of Albany State University.”
Dr. Antonius Pegues, who has an extensive financial operations background, joined ASU as the Vice President for Finance and Administration in the latter part of 2022. He previously served at Southern University – Shreveport as Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration. At ASU, he has managed accounts, expanded revenue options, lowered expenditures, and implemented ongoing continuous improvement initiatives. Dr. Pegues earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Texas Southern University, a master’s from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor’s from Southern University.
Valerie Melton, a proven leader with over 18 years in higher education administration, joined ASU as the Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the ASU Foundation in June. She has worked in public and private sector fundraising and has served as Vice President of Advancement at four HBCUs. At ASU, she will provide strategic direction and management of advancement efforts such as fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications. Melton earned a Master of Public Administration at Delaware State University and a bachelor’s from North Carolina A&T State University. She is working on a doctorate in higher education administration from Delaware State University.
Dr. Rhonda Porter – who has served as Associate Provost since 2021 – was promoted to Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In this position, she will ensure the academic quality of all departments, programs, and services. Initially starting as a faculty member, her 17-year tenure at ASU has always been focused on academic excellence and student success. She has also served as dean, associate dean, department chair, and assessment director. Dr. Porter earned her Doctor of Education in Mathematics Education from Auburn University, two master’s degrees from Columbus State University and Auburn University, a bachelor’s from Florida A&M University, and an associate degree from Darton State College.
Dr. Kristene Kelly, a leader in collegiate sports with over 20 years of experience, recently joined ASU as the Director of Athletics. She has worked in athletics administration in all three NCAA divisions, including Vanderbilt University and Dartmouth College. At ASU, she will oversee the university’s 11 sports teams, ensure NCAA compliance, and manage support services for student athletes’ academic success. Dr. Kelly earned a Doctor of Education in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, a master’s from the University of Tennessee, and two bachelor’s degrees from Johnson C. Smith University.