Athens State University (ASU) is the only upper-division university in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). As a member of the ACCS, Athens State operates under the authority of the Alabama State Board of Education upon recommendations from the Chancellor, who serves as the chief executive officer of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education.

Athens State’s only affiliated corporate entity is the ASU Foundation. Policies and guidelines concerning the Foundation are found in the State Board Policy for College-Related Foundations. In addition, the Foundation must conform to all other applicable state and federal requirements.

The ASU Foundation is a tax exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and gifts to the Foundation are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Code. Specific information concerning the ASU Foundation can be found in the Foundation’s roster, by-laws, and minutes of meetings.

Pursuant to state and federal policies and requirements, Athens State University and the ASU Foundation have entered into an agreement that clearly defines the role of the Foundation in supporting the University and its programs. This agreement ensures that the leadership of the Foundation works in a cooperative, but separate fashion, from the leadership of Athens State University. While the financial position of the Foundation complements the efforts and activities of the mission of the University, its financial position does not constrain, limit, or prevent the University from achieving its mission. Independent audits of the ASU Foundation demonstrate that the entity follows prescribed accounting practices and confirm that there are no irregularities with the Foundation financial documents.