COUNCIL MEMBERS

THE INDIVISUALS COMPROMISING THIS COUNCIL ARE UNEQUIVOCALLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY DEDICATED TO PRESERVING AND PROPELLING THE INSTITUTION’S HISTORIC MISSION AND ENDURING LEGACY

XAVIER JONES, MM

Mr. Xavier Jones is an accomplished music educator and choral director with over 10 years of experience leading high-impact vocal and general music programs in Maryland. He has earned multiple “Superior” ratings at district and state assessments, guided students into honors and magnet programs, and founded award-winning choirs that have performed for civic leaders and major cultural institutions. Beyond K–12 education, he brings higher education leadership experience in university residence life, where he supported student development, supervised staff, and managed large residential communities. His work reflects a strong commitment to musical excellence, educational leadership, and community engagement. Mr. Jones is a proud double HBCU graduate, earning degrees from Albany State University and Norfolk State University, and is an active member of the ASU National Alumni Association.

CEO

SUE POLITE-WILLIAMS, MPA

Mrs. Sue Polite-Williams retired from Albany State University in 2021 after more than three decades of distinguished service, culminating as Director of Annual Giving (2018–2021). Throughout her tenure, she held several key leadership roles, including Director and Interim Director of Alumni Affairs, Administrative Coordinator, and Administrative Specialist in the Registrar’s Office. She also served as a part-time instructor for ASU 1101: Pathway to Success. A two-time ASU graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Systems (1998), magna cum laude, and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management (2000). Mrs. Polite-Williams is a life member of the Albany State University National Alumni Association and remains deeply committed to student success and alumni engagement.

Member

Dr. Renaldo Blocker is a Consultant at Mayo Clinic in the Division of Health Care Delivery Research and is an Associate Professor of Healthcare Systems Engineering. Dr. Blocker is the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Endowed Honored Investigator. He is also the Associate Director of Belonging in the Kern Center. He is also the Executive Director/Co-Founder of the “Why You?” Initiative, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2003) from Albany State University. He received a Masters in Computer Science from San Francisco State University (2006). He received a Masters in Industrial & Systems Engineering (2020) and a Ph.D in Industrial & Systems Engineering (2012) from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Member

DR. RENALDO BLOCKER

KEITH J HAMMOND, M.DIV.

Rev. Keith Jamal Hammond is a national and international pastor, activist, and community advocate. Born in Würzburg, Germany, and raised in Augusta, Georgia, he is an ordained minister who has served as Youth and Associate Pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta. A sought-after preacher and keynote speaker, Rev. Hammond has ministered internationally, including in Japan, the Philippines, and the Bahamas. He is the author of Built to Be Broken and currently serves as Pastor of New Generation Baptist Church in Atlanta. Frequently cited by CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, he is a committed advocate for justice and equity. He received his Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Communications from Albany State University and Master of Divinity from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology.

Member

LET’S WORK TOGETHER: JOIN THE COUNCIL

If you're interested in becoming a council member, complete the form with a few details about your interest. We'll review and get back to you.