Albany State University, the largest HBCU in the State of Georgia, tapped media icon, President of Rolling Out, and university lecturer, Dr. Rashad Richey, to be their commencement speaker for the December 2023 graduating class of over 800 students. With Dr. Richey’s extensive multidisciplinary background in academia, and noted experience in television, radio broadcasting, streaming, and digital platforms, he brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the graduating class, quoting everyone from rapper and business leader Clifford “TI” Harris to Mother Teresa. The speech, which was well received by the students and parents in attendance, delved into the true essence of education. During one part of the speech, Dr. Richey told graduates to not simply give the world “the smart you, or the suit and tie you, or just the educated you, the world desperately needs the authentic you, the real you, the true you”. Dr. Richey also proclaimed, "Education is not simply a means to accumulate knowledge, but a powerful tool to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. It is a leverage that can be used to make a difference in the world”. This point and others received thunderous applause throughout the speech, leaving only room for an even more profound closing, in which Dr. Richey read a poem popularized through Mother Teresa. This proved to be the perfect landing for a socially relevant, truth-laced commencement, which resonated with graduates. One student said, “He was inspiring and authentic.” According to Dr. Richey, the genuine and unique contributions they offer are invaluable.
As the daily television opinion news anchor for Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey on the TYT Network and syndicated through Comcast, Xfinity, Samsung TV, Roku TV, Pluto TV, and other national linear cable platforms, Dr. Richey has captivated audiences with his thought-provoking analysis and commentary. Notably, he also made history as the first political analyst to receive an Emmy nomination at CBS News Atlanta, and was named ‘Best TV Anchor’ by Atlanta Magazine and ‘Best Radio Personality’ by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, making him the first African American to earn the recognition. Dr. Richey is also the host of the Dr. Rashad Richey Review on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126 and The Rashad Richey Morning Show on News & Talk 1380-WAOK, V-103 (HD3), and Audacy App. Dr. Richey has over 2.4 million subscribers/followers on his corresponding YouTube and Facebook Watch platforms, and
The commencement ceremony was a joyous occasion for both graduates and their supporters, many of whom have already embarked on promising career paths. Shai'Quez Gray, a mass communication graduate, has proudly accepted a position at WSST CBS 44 News as a reporter and videographer. Another accomplished graduate, Ariana Woods, earned her accounting degree and has secured a position as a tax associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Ariana's success doesn't stop there, as she has also been accepted into Northeastern University's master's degree program in management. Alexandria Mickle, a criminal justice graduate, has received great news as well. Having been accepted into the prestigious Business Administration program at South Carolina State University, Alexandria has also been offered a full scholarship. These achievements showcase the power of Albany State University graduates, the ASU leadership, and faculty, as they collectively continue to advance industries and transform society.
Albany State University is led by the trailblazing academic leader and university president, Dr. Marion Fredrick. Dr. Richey said, “President Fredrick is simply one of the best leaders in higher education period. Every student benefits from her leadership, heart for education, and love for progress.” Dr. Richey also acknowledged the strength of the Albany State University administrative leadership staff, noting that Dr. Wendy Wilson, the VP for University Relations/Chief of Staff, was instrumental in coordinating with his team and the university. With the graduates' impressive achievements, supportive professors, and the guidance of Dr. Richey's inspiring words, these graduates are poised to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
Dr. Richey, who is a Visiting Scholar at Clark Atlanta University, holds multiple advanced degrees, including completing doctoral studies from Clark Atlanta University in federal policy reform, and a second PhD from the Business University of Costa Rica, where his research focused on the intersectionality of government, religions, politics, policy, and society. His MBA is from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA, complimented by also completing Executive Leadership studies from Cornell University, through their eCornell Platform. After attending Birmingham School of Law for 2 years, Dr. Richey transferred to Renaissance University and recently completed his Juris Doctor (law degree) and was accepted into the prestigious specialty law executive education program at Harvard Law School. He accepted the role as Director of Global Legal Operations for the multinational firm, International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys, P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm and preparing to take the bar.
Furthermore, Dr. Richey is the Professor of Physics and Department Chair at Partis Graduate School and holds a Master of Science in Applied Physics & Quantum Mechanics and a Master of Science in Neuroscience, making him one of the most academically credentialed individuals in modern history, according to The New York Inquisitor. He is also the patent holder for several devices, with his most recent invention, the Neurological Brain Entrainment Device, which received provisional patent status from the US Patent & Trademark Office, was just approved for medical clinical trials, due to the devices’ effectiveness in brain cognition case studies.
Dr. Richey has spoken and lectured at some of the most influential institutions in America, including the University of Michigan, the National Society of Black Physicists – 2023 Annual Conference, Reinhardt University, the University of West GA, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Morris Brown College to name a few.