Quinton Ross (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Quinton Ross
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Quinton Ross in 2019 at Alabama State University's graduation
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| 15th President of Alabama State University | |
| Assumed office October 3, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Gwendolyn Boyd |
| Minority Leader of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office November 2014 – October 2, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Roger Bedford, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Billy Beasley |
| Member of the Alabama Senate from the 26th district |
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| In office November 6, 2002 – October 2, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Langford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 30, 1968 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | J. Kelley |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Profession | Educator; politician |
| Alma mater | Alabama State University (BS, MA, EdD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Alabama State University |
| Thesis | The Alabama State Senate's Attitude about the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ( 2010) |
| Doctoral advisor | Robert H. Beach |
Quinton T. Ross Jr. was born on October 30, 1968. He is an American politician and a university leader. He is currently the 15th president of Alabama State University. This university is a Historically Black College (HBCU). Mr. Ross is a member of the Democratic Party. He was a member of the Alabama Senate from 2002 to 2017. He also served as the Minority Leader in the Senate from 2014 to 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Quinton Ross Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama. His parents, Quinton Ross Sr. and Shirley A. Ross, both attended Alabama State University. They later became teachers in Pontiac, Michigan, where Quinton Jr. grew up. He went to Kennedy School and Pontiac Northern High School in Pontiac.
After high school, Ross decided to attend Alabama State University, just like his parents. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Political Science in 1992. He then received his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Education in 1995. In 2010, he completed his Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law.
Career Highlights
Professional Roles in Education
Quinton Ross has held several important jobs in the field of education. He worked as the director of an adult education program at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College.
He also served as the principal of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery. He was the first Black principal of a magnet high school in that city.
Since October 2017, he has been the president of Alabama State University. In 2024, he was chosen to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors. This board helps guide college sports.
Political Service
Mr. Ross served as a senator in the Alabama State Senate. During his time there, he was part of several important committees. These included committees for Commerce, Transportation, and Utilities. He was also the vice chair of the Education committee. Other committees he served on were Tourism and Marketing, and Veterans and Military Affairs.
Community Involvement
Quinton Ross has been a member of many different organizations. These groups help support education and community development.
- Member, Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
- Member, National Association of Secondary School Principals
- Member, NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics, 2025
- Member, Omega Psi Phi (a fraternity)
- Member, President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He was appointed to this board by President Biden in 2022.
Personal Life
Quinton Ross is married to J. Kelley. They have two children together, named Quinmari and Quinton. He is also a member of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church.
