United Way leader brings leadership message to Albany State University

Albany State University hosted United Way Worldwide Interim President and CEO Rosie Allen-Herring for the first visit by United Way Worldwide leadership to Southwest Georgia in more than 70 years, according to the Albany Area United Way. The campus event centered on service, leadership and community impact, with students and university leaders tying the visit to ASU’s role in the region.

Why it matters: - Albany State University used the visit to connect students with national nonprofit leadership and reinforce its role as a community anchor in Southwest Georgia. - The event highlighted shared priorities between Albany State University and United Way, including service, education, health and economic mobility. - The visit mattered locally because United Way serves 13 counties across the region.

What happened: - Albany State University hosted Rosie Allen-Herring, interim president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, as part of the university’s President’s Speaking Series. - The event took place on ASU’s campus in Albany, Georgia. - Orson Burton, Jr., president and CEO of Albany Area United Way, said the visit was the first time United Way Worldwide leadership had come to Southwest Georgia in more than 70 years. - Allen-Herring also serves as national first vice president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - The program drew students, university leaders and community members.

The details: - Allen-Herring leads a global United Way network that serves 48 million people in more than 30 countries. - She has more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and civic engagement. - Her remarks focused on service, leadership and collective responsibility. - She told students that leadership is not defined by a title and said everybody has the ability to lead and serve. - Allen-Herring introduced her “TOPS” framework for leadership: Talent, Operations, Planning and Strategy. - She stressed human capital as the most valuable asset, sustainable operations, intentional planning and focused strategy. - Allen-Herring said trust is the most sacred asset in nonprofit work and said leaders must do what they say and say what they do every day. - She closed by urging students to mentor boldly, serve passionately and lead unapologetically. - Dr. Robert O. Scott, president of Albany State University, thanked Allen-Herring for sharing her time, insight and leadership with the campus and community. - Dr. Jarrod Benjamin, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, said community impact is central to ASU’s mission. - Benjamin said Albany State does not see itself as separate from the surrounding community and said the region must build the future together. - Burton said Albany State has always stood for the community, not just in the community. - Nikeryia Williams, a junior computer science major, said the speech changed her perspective on leadership and strengthened her plans to build a tech company and lead with purpose. - Scott ended the program by referencing ASU’s nickname, “The Unsinkable,” and recounting the 1994 flood that submerged much of the campus. - Students in the audience joined the reflection by recalling the flood year and leadership moments from that period.

Between the lines: - The event was more than a guest speech. It doubled as a public reminder that ASU is positioning leadership development and civic engagement as part of student preparation. - Allen-Herring’s message fit the university’s broader effort to connect classroom experience with regional service and workforce outcomes. - The shared reflection on the 1994 flood underscored ASU’s identity as a campus shaped by resilience and community ties.

What's next: - Albany State University said the President’s Speaking Series will continue as a venue for leadership development, career preparation and dialogue. - ASU said it will keep using the series to deepen student success and community engagement. - The university said it remains focused on preparing students to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.