OPEN LETTER TO ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

PRESIDENT GWENDOLYN E. BOYD

The National Alumni Association (NAA) of Alabama State University (ASU), representing
thousands of alumni across the country, firmly supports President Gwendolyn E. Boyd. We are
proud that Dr. Boyd has returned to Alabama State University to serve as its 14
th
and first
female president.
The National Alumni Association of Alabama State University is confident that Dr. Gwendolyn E.
Boyd has the vision, knowledge, ability, and leadership skills to move the university to new
heights by enhancing the academic quality of the University for its students, faculty, and staff,
while simultaneously engaging the larger community to become longstanding university
stakeholders.
We support Dr. Boyd because she is strongly committed to excellence and is a nationally
recognized champion of Education. She has been at the forefront of efforts nationally and
worldwide to broaden the scope of educational offerings in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math) disciplines. As the first African American to obtain a Masters Degree in
Mechanical Engineering from Yale University, Dr. Boyd understands the need to encourage our
students to achieve greater heights.
Her efforts to broaden the educational offerings in these disciplines directly impacted her
nomination by President Barack Obama to serve as a trustee to the Barry M. Goldwater
Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. She also has been appointed to serve on
the Presidents Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. This
Commission is charged with strengthening the nation by improving educational outcomes for
African Americans and to ensure that all African Americans receive an education that prepares
them for college, productive careers, and satisfying lives.

We support Dr. Boyd because of her firm resolve to improve the educational outcomes of ASU
students. Providing educational opportunities for African Americans in the Black Belt of
Alabama was the mission of Alabama State University when it was founded in 1867 by nine
former slaves. Over the years however, ASUs mission has expanded to include students from
around the world.
Since taking office in February 2014, Dr. Boyd has launched many new innovative programs
including:
From her first two speaking engagements, President Boyd was able to bring back to the
University, $4,500all from new Donors
Governor Dan Malloy (CT) hosted a diverse STEM event for ASU at the Connecticut
Science Center in May 2014


President Boyd met with the National Alumni Executive Board and traveled throughout
the country to listen to the concerns of alumni immediately after taking office
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Montgomery Alumnae Chapter raised $22,000 in a
Welcome Reception for President Boyd
Established a student managed social media team
Met with the Editorial Boards of WSFA and the Montgomery Advertiser
Joined the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Board, the Committee of the 100, the
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre Board and the YMCA Board
ASU was brought on as the 11
th
partner for the 100 year celebration of the Black Male
on Broadway fundraiser-- ASU was honored at Carnegie Hall for impacting both the Civil
Rights Movement and the Theater World
Started an initiative to develop collaborative STEM opportunities with the Military
Instituted a plan to Share the message and mission of Alabama State University with
diverse audiences and prospective partners
Served as guest speaker at the Bonnie Dickens Scholarship Luncheon benefiting ASU
raising $5,000 for student support
Acquired National Accreditation of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Masters Program
$100,000 First Class Pre-K Program Grant
National Science Foundation grant totaling $336,634
Dance Majors from ASU performed at the Kennedy Center
Biomedical Engineering Program which trains students for careers developing the next
generation of disease fighting drugs, artificial organs, medical imaging systems and more
ASU receives approval to begin a Master of Social Work by Alabama Commission on
Higher Education
The Forensics Science Department has received a $200,000 research grant from the
National Science Foundation to investigate what happens to cells after people die
A new competitive Summer Research Program for undergraduates, titled Development
of Safe Nanomaterials for Biological Applications
The National Alumni Association commends President Boyd on these achievements and lauds
her ability to serve as Alabama State Universitys international ambassador. We urge all ASU
Alumni, students, faculty, staff, community, friends of ASU and other stakeholders to join with
us in supporting our President, and our beloved Alabama State University. Please SHOW YOUR
SUPPORT of President Gwendolyn E. Boyd by attending the STING-A-THON: A live
telethon to promote President Boyd's 30 Days of ASU Giving
Campaign! It is free and open to the public on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. at
ASUs Lockhart Gym, corner of South Jackson & North University. Live stream viewing is
available via www.livestream.com/alabamastate.
Sincerely,
National Alumni Association President Beatrice Forniss
National Alumni Association Executive Board