AAMU Names Vice President of Government Affairs & External Relations
Reeves Named AAMU VP of Government Affairs and External Relations
Alabama A&M University (AAMU), the largest Historically Black College and University
(HBCU) in the state, today announced the appointment of Shannon Frank Reeves, Sr.
as Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations.
Reeves will oversee all federal, state, and local lobbying efforts for AAMU government
affairs, military affairs, civic engagement, and community affairs. As the lead advocate
for AAMU in Washington, DC, Reeves is charged with the successful management of active
engagement with legislative bodies and regulatory agencies in pursuit of support for
the university’s research agenda and infrastructure needs.
AAMU President Dr. Daniel K. Wims said, “Mr. Reeves’ appointment to Vice President,
secures our voice and placement in federal, state, and local communities. His professional
network on both sides of the political aisle has proven to position us for coalition
building as we plan for continued growth to secure our path in the development and
implementation of advocacy and legislative priorities. He is the consummate professional
and poised to manage our first-ever Division of Government Affairs and External Relations.
His wealth of political knowledge and strategy will be beneficial to the success of
our institution.”
Since 2022, Reeves has served as Associate Vice President in the Office of Government
Affairs at the university. His efforts have led to historic increases in state appropriations
in addition to increased federal support for university research and infrastructure.
With over 25 years of experience in American politics, civil rights, and public policy
advocacy, Reeves has proven to be a high-level problem solver. His unique ability
to collaborate with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to support the legislative
priorities of the university is commendable.
Reeves is a Doctoral Candidate (ABD) in the Department of Political Science at the
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science
from the University of Alabama, along with a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor
of Arts degree in Political Science from Grambling State University of Louisiana.