Albany State University President’s Speaking Series Features Entrepreneur Devon M. Henry

Albany State Welcomes Entrepreneur Devon M. Henry For An Evening Of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, And Service.

ALBANY, GA, UNITED STATES, August 31, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Albany State University (ASU) welcomed nationally recognized entrepreneur and community leader Devon M. Henry to campus Thursday evening for the second installment of the 2026 President’s Speaking Series, bringing students and members of the community together for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, service, and purpose.

Every seat in the Billy C. Black Auditorium was filled as Henry, CEO of Team Henry Enterprises and TH Logistics, shared his journey from growing up in Virginia, to building successful businesses and becoming a philanthropist, community leader, and advocate for the transformative power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The evening also marked a full-circle moment for Henry and ASU President Dr. Robert O. Scott, who taught Henry while he was a student at Norfolk State University.

The President’s Speaking Series brings accomplished leaders and influential voices to Albany State to engage students in conversations that connect leadership, professional development, and real-world experiences.

Henry spoke about experience at Norfolk State University, which he said, deepened his appreciation for his education and strengthened his belief in the unique culture of care found at HBCUs. Henry emphasized the importance of institutions that believe in their students and refuse to give up on them.

“An HBCU will see something in you before you see it in yourself.”
- Devon Henry, CEO of Team Henry Enterprises and TH Logistics

Henry’s connection to Norfolk State has continued throughout his career. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the university’s Board of Visitors and later served as chair. His commitment to his alma mater includes a $1 million commitment to the Norfolk State University Foundation and support for student scholarships. In 2025, the university named its iconic communications tower the Devon M. Henry Communications Tower and awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

For Henry, giving back is not defined solely by financial contributions. He challenged students to consider what they can contribute through their time, talents, relationships, and presence.

Henry spoke about the importance of creating memorials that recognize the contributions, sacrifices, and humanity of those whose stories have often been overlooked. Among the projects he highlighted were Raising the Shade, a memorial honoring the United States Colored Troops in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and the University of Virginia Memorial to Enslaved Laborers.

For Henry, the work represents more than removing and creating monuments. It is part of a responsibility to understand history, honor ancestors, and help create communities where more complete stories can be told.

Henry challenged students to recognize their responsibility to shape their communities and their future, saying “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
Throughout the evening, Henry encouraged students to embrace discomfort as a necessary part of growth and to recognize that their current circumstances do not define the impact they can ultimately have.

The evening was particularly meaningful for Dr. Scott, who reflected on knowing Henry first as a student and now seeing him return as an accomplished leader.

“As a student, no one knew that at some point Devon Henry would become one of the most important and influential people to his university.”
- Dr. Robert Scott, President, Albany State University

Dr. Scott extended that message to the students in attendance, reminding them that future leaders were sitting in the auditorium.

“In this room, there is likely someone who will one day shape the direction of this university, this state, this nation and the world.”
- Dr. Robert Scott, President, Albany State University

The program also highlighted Albany State’s commitment to developing those future leaders through investments in student achievement. Dr. Anthony Neal, Director of the ASU Foundation, recognized the University’s 51 Presidential Scholars during the event and highlighted the program’s role in developing high-achieving students and strengthening the University’s leadership pipeline. Reimagined under Dr. Scott’s leadership, the Presidential Scholars Program represents a $2 million institutional investment over four years and provides renewable, needs-based scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 annually to high-achieving undergraduate students.

For Dr. Scott, bringing Henry to Albany State was an opportunity to expose students to a leader whose journey demonstrates what is possible when education, perseverance, entrepreneurship, service, and purpose intersect.

“At Albany State University, we want to intentionally pour into the next generation of global leaders.”
- Dr. Robert Scott, President, Albany State University

Through the President’s Speaking Series, Albany State continues to create opportunities for students to learn directly from accomplished leaders while exploring the experiences, decisions, and principles that shape successful careers and meaningful lives.

Rachel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Albany State University
+1 229-364-6683
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