By Hazel Scott/ASU
After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the return of Alabama State University President’s Tour was a big success. The tour, one of the University’s most successful and innovative recruiting initiatives, once again gave high school students an in-person chance to see what ASU has to offer.
Because of health and safety concerns, the tour, which was from February 28 to March 4 and on March 8, did not include alumni receptions or signing of historical MOU agreements with area community colleges.
A special moment of the tour was the awarding of scholarships, including on-the-spot and academic scholarships, as well as a new tour scholarship, the President’s Promise Scholarship, valued at $8,328 annual, which was awarded to out-of-state students. The combined worth of all of scholarship awards totaled $517,636.
Onsite transcripts were also collected so prospective students could have a chance to qualify for potential scholarships.
President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. said the tour is about opening doors and offering opportunities for prospective students.
“The tour has served as a source of hope and inspiration for high school students since its inception. It helps students realize their dreams of a college education,” Ross said.
Observing health safety measures, Ross and the campus road team buzzed through nine cities across Alabama and other states. The tour journeyed to seven cities in Alabama, visiting Bessemer, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Eutaw, Montgomery, Letohatchee and Hayneville. The tour traveled to Georgia twice, visiting Fairburn on the first leg of the tour and Atlanta to wrap up the tour.
At each stop, Ross inspired ASU pride and made a great case for why students should attend ASU.
“This is a remarkable institution known for producing outstanding students and for its array of high-demand and traditional academic programs -- from research to robotics and from theatre arts to physical therapy. Excellent opportunities are here at The Alabama State University.” Ross emphasized.
Enthusiastic crowds at each tour site greeted Ross and his road team of students, faculty, staff and administrators. At some schools, cheerleaders and school bands welcomed the tour team, and at others, students performed skits, danced and sang.
The tour also provided opportunities for the team to engage with alumni and other friends of the University who stopped by tour locations.
Freddie Williams, Jr., Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management/Director Admissions and Recruitment, said the University was excited to be on the road again with the President’s Tour.
“Our goal was to ensure that every corner of the state had an opportunity to take a closer look at ASU and to give students firsthand knowledge of why it’s a great time to be part of the Hornet community,” Williams said. “I think it makes a difference to potential students to have ASU come to their schools.”