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.

According to State Board policy, each ACCS institution must operate within available resources and maintain adequate balances, and must use approved financial management procedures. The President of Athens State University is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the institution, and must therefore communicate with the State Board concerning the financial condition and stability of the institution. As mandated by the Legislative Code of Alabama, the State Board supervises the institution’s annual budget requests and financial statements. Annual budget requests and financial statements are submitted to and reviewed by the Chancellor before being presented to the Board for approval.