In 1934, Pettus Randall was an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama, preparing to enter law school. He had been an outstanding student in all aspects of academic and campus activities and as a result had been tapped into various campus honor societies. Although Pettus Randall valued these honors bestowed by his alma mater, he was unable to accept them because membership dues and initiation fees would have increased his financial burden.

Pettus Randall then conceived of an honors program without dues or fees that would select and recognize outstanding students for their academic accomplishments and scholastic contributions. While still pursuing his studies, Pettus Randall created Who's Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges, a distinguished biographical volume that honors the nation's most noteworthy students of higher learning.

With the advent of junior colleges supplementing the need for higher education, it followed that outstanding junior college students should also have the opportunity to be recognized and honored in the Who's Who tradition. In 1966 the first edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges was published. It continues to this day.

After graduating from law school, Pettus Randall entered the business world and founded a number of successful companies. His heart and efforts always remained attached to the Who's Who Among Students programs. It was a dream he struggled to bring to reality. Who's Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges and Who's Who Among Students In American Junior Colleges are traditions of excellence which continue as a testimony to one man's commitment to making an idea a reality.