Ivey announces Athens State board appointments

Published 2:00 pm Sunday, May 12, 2019

Two members of the Athens-Limestone community have been appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to seven-year terms on the board of trustees for Athens State University, according to a press release.

Jim America, human resources executive at Carpenter Technology Corp., and William Dunnavant, who has had a long career in television and radio, will begin their appointments Oct. 1. The appointments run through Sept. 30, 2026.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. America and Mr. Dunnavant to Athens State’s Board of Trustees,” said Board Chairman Ronnie Chronister. “Their many years of business experience will be a great asset in leading the institution into the future.”

About America

He began his career as a process engineer in the 1980s and transitioned into the field of human resources in the 1990s. He served as the vice president of human resources at U.S. Pipe and Foundry Co. in Birmingham from 2003-2009 and Colonial Pipeline Co. in Atlanta from 2009-2012. America graduated from Auburn University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and he earned his master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College in 2009. He currently resides in Madison.

About Dunnavant

He was the president and owner of Athens Broadcasting Inc. for nearly 40 years and co-produced the Alabama Republican Convention Network, Stage Door Nashville National Network and World Football League Birmingham American Network. He also founded Athens Limestone Bank, Reliance Bank and ZYP Productions.

Dunnavant is currently partnering with Alabama Upstarts, a television program where entrepreneurs in Alabama can pitch their ideas to local investors. Dunnavant graduated from Athens State College in May 1971 with a bachelor’s in business administration. He currently resides in Athens.

About the board

The board of trustees is responsible for the governance of Athens State University, with quarterly meetings open to the public. The remaining members of the Athens State University Board of Trustees include Ivey, ex-officio president; Chronister; Macke Mauldin, vice-chair; Crystal Brown, chancellor; and Jimmy Baker, Mary C. Dickens, state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, Missy Ming Smith and Dr. Sandra Sims-deGraffenried.