AAMU Department Celebrates Name Change with Ribbon Cutting

The Department of English and Modern Languages at Alabama A&M University marked a significant milestone Thursday with a celebratory ribbon cutting, unveiling its new name and honoring the progress that has propelled the department into a new era of academic excellence.

Held in the McCalep-McIntosh Vocational Building, the event brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to commemorate the renaming of the Department of English and Foreign Languages. The new title – Department of English and Modern Languages – reflects a forward-looking vision aligned with evolving academic trends across the nation.

Spanish instructor Susana Vizcarra opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a meaningful celebration. Assistant Professor and Advising Coordinator Dr. Jarrod Patterson served as moderator for the event, guiding attendees through a program filled with reflection, recognition, and renewed purpose.

Department Chair Dr. Charlotte Teague shared the story behind the name change, noting the thoughtful consideration and collaboration that led to the decision.

“As I interacted with faculty from other campuses at conferences, I noticed a shift – many departments were moving away from the term ‘foreign,’” Teague said. “I brought the idea back to our faculty, and after thoughtful discussion between ‘modern’ and ‘world,’ the consensus was ‘modern.’ We voted, submitted it through the proper channels, and in February, the University approved the new name.”

The timing, she explained, couldn’t have been better. Over the past few years, the department has undergone a transformation – revising major programs, introducing an honors speech course, launching a pre-law track, and expanding its reach through the University’s dual enrollment program.

“We’re proud to be the largest academic department at Alabama A&M, with 32 full-time faculty and 33 adjuncts,” Teague said. “That’s 63 faculty members committed to shaping the next generation of leaders. In addition to offering 70 plus sessions of Composition 101 each fall, we’ve also improved our DFW rates, helping boost retention and student success across the University.”

Teague praised the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who have contributed to the department’s growth, and she paid tribute to the department’s legacy by recognizing former faculty and chairpersons in attendance. She also announced the retirement of Dr. Jarrod Patterson, celebrating his 26 years of service.

“Thank you, Dr. Patterson, for your service to this department. In the spirit of our theme this year – ‘EML Rocks’ – we offer you our gratitude, along with these keepsake rocks,” she said. The celebration concluded with a retirement cake and a spread of international treats featuring Spanish, French, and Chinese flavors, symbolizing the department’s global reach.

Dr. Peter Eley, Dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, delivered final remarks and joined Teague in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

“It’s an honor to lead such an exceptional group of faculty here at Alabama A&M,” said Eley. “To be successful, our students must not only write but write well – and be able to articulate all the amazing things they are learning. This department stands on the shoulders of giants, and we’re excited to welcome new faculty and students into that legacy. Start Here, and Go Anywhere.”