Alabama State University alumna Azzie Melton Oliver has made history by being appointed the first Black district attorney of Montgomery County. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in the county’s over 200-year history. Gov. Kay Ivey announced Oliver’s appointment to complete the term of former DA Daryl Bailey, who recently retired.
A native of Selma, Alabama, and a proud graduate of ASU’s Class of 1998, Oliver earned her degree in criminal justice before obtaining her juris doctorate from Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
A Historic Appointment
“I am both humbled and proud to now be the district attorney of the county that represents Alabama’s state capital,” Oliver said in a phone interview. “I consider my ability to serve our community an honor. I have spent most of my career serving Montgomery County, and I am committed to leading the office in fighting for victims and making the capital city safer for all of its citizens.”
Oliver is no stranger to the DA’s office. She previously served as Montgomery County’s district attorney pro-tem and held the position of chief assistant district attorney, who was instrumental in overseeing the prosecution team. Her extensive experience also includes serving as a chief prosecutor in the Alabama Attorney General’s office.
In a statement, Oliver expressed her gratitude to Governor Ivey for entrusting her with this critical role. “I consider this appointment a blessing and an honor,” Oliver said.
In her announcement, Gov. Ivey highlighted the importance of safety in the capital city for the well-being of the entire state. “Azzie Oliver has dedicated most of her career to upholding the criminal laws of Alabama and by pursuing justice for the people of Montgomery County, so I am confident she will help us create a safer Montgomery,” Ivey remarked.
The HBCU Impact
Reflecting on her time at ASU, Oliver credited the institution with playing a pivotal role in her professional journey. “ASU helped me to be successful in life and advanced me to be where I am today in so many ways,” she said. “The University’s Criminal Justice program that I majored in and its professional and knowledgeable faculty members pushed me in a positive way to excel academically and also prepared me to get accepted to and attend law school.”
As the new district attorney, Oliver aims to inspire the next generation of legal professionals from ASU. “My advice to the University’s students is if they wish to be successful and fulfilled in life, then they need to set career goals, focus on obtaining those goals and set a path that focuses on improving themselves,” she advised.
Oliver also acknowledges her family has profound influence on her life, crediting them for instilling values of love, leadership, and service.