Coleman Named Athens State University Board of Trustees Chair Pro Tempore, Underwood Named Vice Chair Pro Tempore
Athens State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Donna Coleman as the Athens State University Board of Trustees Chair Pro Tempore after a unanimous vote during the Board of Trustees’ July 17 meeting. Ms. Coleman will succeed outgoing Board Chair, Senator Arthur Orr. Mr. Mike Underwood was also named Vice Chair Pro Tempore by a unanimous vote, succeeding Mr. Jim America. Their appointments are for a two-year term beginning at the Board’s October 2026 meeting.
Ms. Donna Coleman is the President/CEO at Aetos Systems Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. Coleman has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2024 and also serves on the Athens State University Foundation Board. A member of the NASA Marshall Small Business Alliance’s Executive Leadership Team, she has been the recipient of several awards over the last decade, including NASA Small Business Sub-Contractor of the Year, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, and U.S. Small Business Administration’s Alabama Small Business Person of the Year. Ms. Coleman holds a BS from Athens State University, an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) from Calhoun Community College, and a Continuing Education Certificate in Supervisory Development and Project Management from University of Alabama – Huntsville. She currently resides in Madison, Alabama.
Mr. Mike Underwood currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of TriGreen Equipment. Mr. Underwood grew up in a farming community in Colbert County, and his family has been in the John Deere business for 75 years. Mr. Underwood serves on the Calhoun Community College Foundation Board and Alabama Future Farmers of America and the First Metro Bank Board of Directors. Mr. Underwood earned a bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of North Alabama and currently resides in Athens.
“Athens State is an exceptional institution and a place of incredible impact,” says Ms. Coleman. “Serving as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is a tremendous honor and a meaningful opportunity to give back to the university that played such a pivotal role in my career and personal growth. I am deeply grateful for the confidence my fellow trustees have placed in me, and as a proud alumnus, I look forward to working alongside Dr. Wehlburg, my fellow trustees, the administration, faculty, and staff to build upon Athens State’s legacy of excellence, expand opportunities, transform lives, and ensure the university continues to make a lasting impact for generations to come.”
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of Athens State University, with quarterly meetings open to the public.
