Sonya R. Satterfield
Sonya is a respected and transformational leader known for her integrity, dependability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She brings strong ethical principles to every role, consistently demonstrating honesty, transparency, and accountability. Recognized for her reliability and high performance, she approaches every assignment with pride, preparation, and a drive to exceed expectations.
As a collaborative and people-centered leader, Sonya believes deeply in the power of teamwork. She actively supports colleagues across the university, fostering an environment built on trust, respect, and shared success. Her ability to analyze complex challenges with clarity and sound judgment makes her a trusted problem-solver and advisor.
An accomplished technology executive and the Assistant Vice President of Technology Services at Alabama State University, Sonya has over two decades of experience in academic technology. She has led transformative initiatives that align digital innovation with institutional goals—enhancing operational efficiency, elevating student experiences, and advancing the university’s strategic vision. Her leadership has driven major achievements, including ERP and CRM modernization, website redesigns, AI-enabled service improvements, and sustained system reliability.
Sonya holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in Information Technology Project Management from Alabama State University. Her expertise spans strategic planning, IT infrastructure management, project leadership, and fiscal stewardship. She is widely recognized for building strong teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving results through purposeful, people-first leadership.
Grounded in service and guided by transformational leadership principles, Sonya leads with humility, empathy, and courage. She listens with intention, communicates with professionalism, and remains committed to creating meaningful, lasting impact across the university community.
• Alabama State University - MBA
• • Serve as Co-Chair on the ASU Technology Committee
• Professional Business Fraternity - AKPsi
• EDUCAUSE Women in Technology (WIT)
• PMI Project, Program and Portfolio Managment
• Autauga County DYS Advisory Board
• Junior League of Montgomery Alabama
What do you attribute your success to?
With a strong faith and belief in God, I attribute my success to principles of hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors whose guidance helped shape my vision and growth. Their support, paired with my own determination to serve others and stay focused on my goals, has driven me to persevere, remain selfless, and keep pushing forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay grounded in your values. Advocate for yourself and let your leadership speak through with integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to transformation. Know your worth and be confident in what you have to offer.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
After more than 25 years in the IT field, the best career advice I can offer is to stay curious and stay encouraged. Technology will always evolve, but your willingness to learn and grow is what will set you apart. For those who work hard, thrive in teamwork, and lead with service, remember that excellence doesn’t mean carrying everything alone—empower others, build strong relationships, and allow your team to rise with you. Don’t shy away from stretched opportunities that challenge your comfort zone; those moments often open doors you never expected. Advocate for yourself with the same conviction you bring to supporting others, and let your leadership speak through integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to transformation.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The tech world is full of possibilities, but it’s not always easy to navigate. One of the biggest challenges many of us face is not having the right mentors or sponsors—people who believe in us, guide us, and help open doors we can’t open alone. Another obstacle is fear. Fear of trying something new, fear of not being good enough, fear of taking a risk. But fear can hold us back more than any skill gap ever will. When we push past that fear and stay open to learning, new opportunities find us. And when we lift up others with real support and guidance, we all move forward together.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Core Work Values
- Integrity & Ethics: Operates with honesty, transparency, and strong moral principles.
- Dependability & Excellence: Consistently exceeds expectations with thorough preparation and high-quality work.
- Collaborative Leadership: Supports colleagues across departments and fosters teamwork and shared success.
- Problem-Solving Strength: Analyzes complex issues with clarity, sound judgment, and strategic insight.
- Service-Oriented Mindset: Leads with a commitment to serving students, staff, and the institution.
- Professional Communication: Listens with intention and communicates effectively and respectfully.
Core Personal Values
- Confidence with Humility: Balanced presence—self-assured yet grounded and open to learning.
- Respect for All: Treats everyone with dignity, regardless of role or position.
- Loyalty & Commitment: Dedicated to her institution, team, and long-term service.
- Empathy & Attentiveness: Offers support, guidance, and a genuine listening ear.
- Growth & Development: Invests in nurturing talent and helping others reach their potential.
- Courage to Lead: Leads with vision, fairness, accountability, and grace.
Milestone Moments
Preparation is a lifetime commitment.