Get to Know the Interim President

Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II

Biography


Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II has over 40 years of leadership experience, and hismost recent work with both Bethune-Cookman and LEADing for Life demonstrates his strong commitment to student success in higher education,” Perdue said. “We are grateful for his commitment to build on Marion’s legacy in the interim as we undertake anational search for Albany State’s next president.”

Dr. Drake smiling

Known for his effective strategic leadership, Drake brings an enthusiasm for recruitment and development to his role at Albany State. At Bethune-Cookman, he also served as dean of the university’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship. In addition to his work at LEADing for Life, Drake serves as the chairman and CEO of HOPE360 Inc., an executive consulting firm. Prior to consulting, Drake worked at the Coca-Cola Company for 21 years, where he served in several key roles and eventually became the division president of Coca-Cola Africa. In this position, he was responsible for the company’s operating effectiveness and financial performance throughout the western portion of the continent. 

A first-generation college graduate, Drake holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Georgia State University and one in elective studies from Fisk University. He has earned an M.B.A. from Rockhurst University, and an M.S. and a Ph.D., both in psychology, from Fielding Graduate University.   
 
He has served on the board of several organizations, including Trulieve and the Executive Leadership Council. Drake has also published a book, entitled Color Him Father, about Black fatherhood and given a TEDx talk on living “A Meaningful Life.” 

Learn More

 
ASUTV-19 | Realizing Potential Interview with Dr. Wendy Wilson 

WALB News 10 | Dialogue Interview with Karla Heath-Sands
Dr. Lawrence Drake and Karla Heath-Sands Smiling

The Albany Herald article | "Building Towards the future"