Albany State brings entrepreneur Devon M. Henry to President’s Speaking Series

Albany State University hosted entrepreneur and philanthropist Devon M. Henry on Thursday for the second 2026 President’s Speaking Series event in Albany, Georgia. The conversation centered on leadership, entrepreneurship, service and HBCU impact, while the university also highlighted its Presidential Scholars program and leadership pipeline.

Why it matters: - The event connected Albany State students with a high-profile entrepreneur whose career story centers on HBCUs, service and civic leadership. - Henry’s remarks underscored the role HBCUs can play in developing students who may not yet see their own potential. - Albany State used the program to reinforce its own effort to invest in future leaders through scholarships and campus engagement.

What happened: - Albany State University welcomed Devon M. Henry to campus Thursday evening for the second installment of the 2026 President’s Speaking Series. - The event took place in the Billy C. Black Auditorium in Albany, Georgia, and drew a full house. - Henry is CEO of Team Henry Enterprises and TH Logistics. - Henry spoke with students and community members about entrepreneurship, leadership, service and purpose. - Dr. Robert O. Scott, Albany State’s president, said the evening was meaningful because he had taught Henry while Henry was a student at Norfolk State University.

The details: - Henry described his path from growing up in Virginia to building businesses and becoming a philanthropist and community leader. - Henry said his experience at Norfolk State deepened his appreciation for education and strengthened his belief in the culture of care at HBCUs. - Henry said HBCUs often recognize potential before students recognize it themselves. - Henry said giving back is not limited to financial support and challenged students to think about their time, talents, relationships and presence. - Henry discussed memorial projects that honor overlooked history, including Raising the Shade in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and the University of Virginia Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. - Henry framed that work as part of a broader responsibility to understand history, honor ancestors and tell fuller community stories. - Henry told students to embrace discomfort as part of growth and to remember that current circumstances do not define future impact. - Henry said, “An HBCU will see something in you before you see it in yourself.” - Henry also said, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” - Henry was appointed by the governor to Norfolk State University’s Board of Visitors and later served as chair. - Henry has pledged $1 million to the Norfolk State University Foundation and supports student scholarships. - Norfolk State named its communications tower the Devon M. Henry Communications Tower in 2025 and awarded Henry an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. - Dr. Scott told students that future leaders were likely in the room. - Dr. Scott said, “At Albany State University, we want to intentionally pour into the next generation of global leaders.” - Dr. Anthony Neal, director of the ASU Foundation, recognized 51 Presidential Scholars during the event. - The Presidential Scholars Program represents a $2 million institutional investment over four years. - The program provides renewable, needs-based scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 annually to high-achieving undergraduate students.

Between the lines: - The appearance served as a homecoming-style moment for Henry and Scott, turning a speaker series stop into a visible example of how alumni and professors can remain connected across careers. - Albany State paired the event with a spotlight on scholarships, signaling that the university wants students to see a direct link between inspiration and institutional support. - Henry’s focus on memorials and historical recognition added a broader civic dimension to the evening, extending the conversation beyond business success.

What’s next: - Albany State plans to continue the President’s Speaking Series as a forum for students to hear from accomplished leaders about real-world career paths and values. - The university will continue promoting the Presidential Scholars Program as part of its leadership development strategy. - Henry’s ongoing work in business, philanthropy and memorial projects is likely to remain part of his public leadership profile.

The bottom line: - Albany State used the series to show students what leadership looks like in practice and to reinforce that talent, support and purpose can shape long-term impact.