Ophelia McDonald/ASU
Alabama State University has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees, welcoming Senator Bobby D. Singleton, Judge Angela Starr, and Patricia A. “Patsy” Jones to the governing body.
The University also extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing trustees Darrell Hudson, Angela McKenzie, and Joe Whitt for their dedicated service and lasting contributions to Alabama State University. Their leadership and commitment have played a vital role in advancing the University’s mission and supporting student success.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is my honor to welcome our three newest trustees to Alabama State University,” said Dr. Brenda Brown Dillard, President of the Board of Trustees. “As proud alumni, they bring not only valuable expertise and leadership, but also a deep personal commitment to the continued success of their alma mater. We look forward to their service and to the important role they will play in advancing the University’s mission and future.”
Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. also shared his enthusiasm for the new appointments. “I am excited to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Board of Trustees,” said Ross. “Each brings a wealth of experience, a heart for service, and a deep connection to Alabama State University. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to move our beloved ‘O Mother Dear’ forward and build on the strong foundation of excellence that defines this institution.”
Senator Bobby D. Singleton brings more than two decades of legislative experience and public service to the Board. A native of Greensboro, Alabama, he currently serves in the Alabama State Senate, representing District 24. Since January 2004, he has held the role of Senate Minority Leader, where he works to advance policies that promote equity, economic development, and educational opportunity.
Prior to his time in the Senate, Senator Singleton served in the Alabama House of Representatives from November 2002 to November 2004. In addition to his legislative service, he has served as CEO of Singleton & Associates since July 2004, bringing experience in political strategy, fundraising, and community engagement. A proud graduate of Alabama State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 1984 before receiving his Juris Doctor from Miles Law School.
Judge Angela Starr, a Montgomery-based legal professional, brings more than 20 years of legal experience to the Board. She currently serves as a full-time municipal judge with the Montgomery Municipal Court, a role she has held since February 2021. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Starr served as Chief Deputy Clerk for the Montgomery County Circuit Court from July 2013 to January 2021, where she supervised staff and worked closely with the family court division.
Her earlier legal career includes private practice from August 2000 to July 2013, as well as roles in criminal, civil, juvenile, and administrative law. A two-time graduate of Alabama State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1990 and a Master of Education in secondary education in 1992, before completing her Juris Doctor at Loyola
University New Orleans in 1995. She was admitted to practice law in Alabama in September 1996.
Patricia A. “Patsy” Jones, a retired educator and longtime public servant, brings decades of leadership in local government and education to the Board. Jones served as the Ward 1 representative on the Opelika City Council from 1995 to 2020, completing more than 25 years and 10 months of continuous service and becoming the longest-serving council member in the city’s history. During her tenure, she also served as President Pro Tem and made history as the first African American woman elected to the council and the first African American female to serve in that leadership role.
Before entering politics, Jones built a distinguished career in education spanning 37 years from 1974 to 2011, including 24 years as a classroom teacher and 13 years as a UniServ Director with the Alabama Education Association. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English/Library Science in 1972 and a Master of Education in English in 1979 from ASU, later receiving a Golden Diploma from the University in 2022. She continues her legacy of service by supporting students through scholarship initiatives in her community.
With the appointment of these new members, Alabama State University continues to build a Board of Trustees committed to leadership, service, and the advancement of its mission to empower students and strengthen communities across Alabama and beyond.