Twenty years after a natural disaster nearly devastated the Albany State University campus, administrators, students, faculty and staff will honor its sixth president who led its reconstruction efforts. The Academic Building located on College Drive will be renamed to pay tribute to Dr. Billy C. Black. The facility’s new name will be The Billy C. Black Building. A special ceremony is scheduled immediately following the 10 a.m. Homecoming Convocation on Friday, October 24 on the north side of the Academic Building.

“This is an opportunity to honor Dr. Black’s legacy and to connect current students with leaders who played a significant role in the history of this institution,” said ASU interim President, Dr. Art Dunning.

The Academic Building was constructed after the 1994 flood that destroyed or severely damaged many campus structures. The facility, better known as the ACAD Building along with HPER Gymnasium, both located on parcels east of Radium Springs Road were completed in 1997. Soon after, a new student center and two student housing villages were constructed. Three additional student housing buildings and a dining hall were also built.   

Black served as president of ASU from 1981 to 1996. He declared the institution “unsinkable” and was monumental in its restoration. Under his leadership, ASU’s enrollment increased and its academic program expanded substantially.  

“Dr. Black was instrumental in his efforts to preserve the campus and its legacy. He fought tirelessly and skillfully used his abilities to ensure that ASU returned better and stronger than ever before,” Dunning added. “This is a fitting tribute to a leader who encountered major challenges and succeeded in moving the institution forward.” 

The Billy C. Black Building will continue to house its current offices and departments, which include Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Fiscal Affairs and Financial Operations, among others.  The College of Education and the College of Sciences and Health Professions will also remain in the building.

For more information, please contact the ASU Office of University Communications at 229-430-4671.