The chief executive officer of Athens State University (ASU) is the President. The President is appointed by the Alabama State Board of Education (ASBE) upon recommendation of the Chancellor using the procedure established by the ASBE. The president is responsible to the Chancellor for the day-to-day operations of the university, and for following policies and procedures established by the ASBE and the Chancellor.

The Chancellor serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Postsecondary Education Department of the ASBE. As such, the Chancellor directs all matters within the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and ensures that institutions within this system comply with ASBE policies.