Atlanta — March 25, 2005

University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith announced today that he will name Dr. Julius Scott as interim president of Albany State University on June 15, 2005, when current president Dr. Portia Holmes Shields resigns.

Shields announced on December 11, 2004, her intention to step down from the ASU presidency, effective in June 2005. Scott has agreed to serve as interim president of the institution while Chancellor Meredith and the search committee he will appoint conduct a national search to permanently fill the post. Scott is a highly distinguished and nationally recognized administrator and academician. This will be the third time he has been called upon to serve as an interim president of a University System of Georgia institution.

“The fact that we continually seek out and secure the leadership and experience of Dr. Julius Scott is a testament both to his professional abilities and his commitment to higher education,” said Chancellor Meredith. “We are deeply indebted to him for answering the call, once again, to serve the University System.”

Outgoing president Shields echoed that sentiment regarding Scott: “Albany State is fortunate to have someone of Dr. Scott’s caliber agree to serve as interim president,” she stated.

A four-time former president, retired educator and previously prominent Augusta-area civic leader, Scott was called on initially in 1996 by then-USG Chancellor Stephen R. Portch to serve as interim president of Albany State University. Later, in 2001, he was named again by Portch to serve as interim president of the Medical College of Georgia, during a period of major challenges at that health science center and teaching hospital. Prior to serving at MCG, Scott held the presidency of Wiley College, in Marshall, Texas. He also held two appointments as president of Paine College, in Augusta, Ga., first from 1975-1982, and later for an unusual second term, from 1988-1994.

Scott holds a Ph.D. from Boston University, and additional degrees from Brown University, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and Wiley College (with distinction). Named a Distinguished Alumnus of Boston University in 1987, he also holds 14 honorary degrees. He is a member of Rotary Club International, and was elected a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992.

Scott’s numerous service roles include having served as secretary of the members of the United Negro College Fund; chair of the secretariat and secretary of the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; and as a member of the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. He also serves as a member of the board of the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs, and as a life trustee of North Central College.

A long-time resident of Augusta, Ga., before retiring to Hilton Head, S.C., Scott served as chair of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce and in a host of other civic capacities. He is equally active on Hilton Head, including as a trustee of the Community Foundation of the Low Country, and as a consultant to the Native Island Business and Cultural Affairs Association, among other posts.

Scott is married to Ianthia (Ann) Lucille Harrell. They are the parents of three sons: David, Lamar and Julius, III.

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