Conference Highlighted by Launch of New 2025-2035 Strategic Plan

Alabama A&M University faculty and staff gathered at the AAMU Event Center Tuesday to mark the start of a new academic year. The conference was highlighted by the launch of the University’s new “Rich Heritage, Bold Future” 2025-2035 Strategic Plan. The institutional road map builds on the successes of the past decade and defines five key priorities designed to advance AAMU.

“The next decade will bring both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John Jones. “Success will require intentionality and a commitment to excellence.”

Institutional priorities included in the strategic plan focus on enhancing the student experience; improving operational effectiveness; further elevating brand visibility; expanding community engagement and partnerships; and accelerating research excellence.

“As we look toward 2035, Alabama A&M University will be recognized as a premier student-centered research university that transforms lives, advances knowledge, and serves as a catalyst for economic and social progress,” said Jones.

Ahead of the Fall 2026 semester, AAMU also recognized longtime faculty and staff members, including Dr. Jeanette Jones, who has served the University for 50 years, and Marjorie M. Battle, who has completed 57 years of continuous service to Alabama A&M.


“My experience with Alabama A&M has been a lifetime of enrichment,” said Battle. “This was the center of the universe for me growing up. This place made a difference in Huntsville because it was a source for the community. It was a light for me, so I was always drawn here.”

President Daniel K. Wims highlighted the University’s recent successes while challenging faculty and staff to focus on the important outcomes outlined in the new strategic plan.

“This strategic plan is a call to action,” said Wims. “We’ve established a clear path for being a premier 1890 Land-Grant HBCU. The success of this plan will be determined by you, the faculty, staff, and students. Let’s honor our rich heritage and bold future as we work together to transform the lives of students. Today, many of our students don’t just come here with aspirations. They have expectations. We must help them fulfill those expectations.”

“We’ll continue to enhance our campus facilities and expand our footprint. Our entrepreneurship center will help businesses on the north side of town. Our extension will continue to serve around the state. Our research will continue to develop results that will help everybody, not just locally, but globally. Our faculty and staff will continue to produce and develop our students into professionals who will go into the world and make an impact.”

Fall classes begin Thursday on The Hill. Learn more about the “Rich Heritage, Bold Future: 2025-2035 Strategic Plan.”