Alabama A&M University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Alabama A&M University has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, board governance, and institutional strategy.

Rooted in a rich land-grant heritage, Alabama A&M University advances academic excellence through a commitment to research, public service, and student-centered learning within a progressive educational environment.

Leadership Roles at Alabama A&M University

  • President Pro Tempore - Jerome Williams
  • President - Joseph Drake
  • President - Richard Wims
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Kylie Nash
  • Jerome Williams - President Pro Tempore

    Jerome Williams, the President Pro Tempore at Alabama A&M University, manages board governance and ensures institutional adherence to the university's land-grant mission. Overseeing the legislative and policy-making functions of the board, the President Pro Tempore facilitates communication between the governing body and the executive administration. This leadership role involves maintaining the fiscal and ethical standards required of a historic institution. By guiding board deliberations, Jerome Williams shapes the long-term strategic vision for the campus. The President Pro Tempore also monitors compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring that the university remains a pillar of public service. Through rigorous oversight of governance processes, Williams protects the institutional legacy while promoting progressive growth. This position balances the needs of diverse stakeholders, ensuring that all board actions support the core objective of providing high-quality education to the student body while maintaining the university's unique cultural and historical identity.

    Joseph Drake - President

    Joseph Drake, the President at Alabama A&M University, architects the overarching academic and administrative strategy for the institution. Overseeing the expansion of research initiatives and student success programs, the President drives the university's commitment to academic excellence. This leadership role involves managing relationships with external partners, donors, and government entities to secure funding for campus development. By fostering a culture of innovation, Joseph Drake enhances the university's reputation as a premier land-grant institution. The President also coordinates with the board to implement policies that improve campus infrastructure and student life. Through active engagement with the community, Drake promotes the university's mission of public service and social mobility. This position requires constant alignment of departmental goals with the broader institutional vision, ensuring that every academic program contributes to the success of the student population while maintaining the historic values of the university.

    Richard Wims - President

    Richard Wims, the President at Alabama A&M University, executes operational improvements and manages the daily administrative functions of the campus. Overseeing the financial health and resource allocation of the university, the President ensures that all departments possess the necessary tools to achieve academic goals. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to increase efficiency across the institution. By analyzing performance metrics, Richard Wims identifies opportunities for growth in enrollment and research output. The President also manages the physical campus environment, ensuring that facilities meet the needs of a modern student body. Through collaborative efforts with faculty and staff, Wims fosters an environment of continuous improvement and professional development. This position supports the university's mission by maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, ultimately ensuring that the institution remains a competitive and accessible center for higher learning within the regional and national educational landscape.

    Kylie Nash - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Kylie Nash, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Alabama A&M University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the entire campus ecosystem. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, network reliability, and academic software integration, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to align with the university's research-heavy mission. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Kylie Nash optimizes data management across the institution. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic departments to integrate advanced learning technologies into the classroom. Through strategic oversight of technical resources, Nash secures the digital integrity of the university while fostering innovation. This position drives the technological roadmap, ensuring that all digital assets support the broader goals of academic excellence and community engagement within the competitive landscape of higher education.
    Kylie Nash

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alabama A&M University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Alabama A&M University?
    Alabama A&M University is led by Jerome Williams (President Pro Tempore), along with executives such as Joseph Drake (President) and Richard Wims (President).
    Who is part of Alabama A&M University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Alabama A&M University includes leaders such as Jerome Williams (President Pro Tempore), Joseph Drake (President), Richard Wims (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Alabama A&M University have?
    Alabama A&M University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Alabama A&M University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Alabama A&M University includes roles such as President Pro Tempore, President, President, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer.