Trailblazing Alumna Michelle Watkins to Deliver Keynote Address

Alabama A&M University will host the Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. in the Event Center. The ceremony will include Summer 2024 graduates and all candidates for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees for the Fall 2024 semester.

Commencement speaker, Michelle Watkins embodies the spirit of leadership and service that defines Alabama A&M University. As the first Black woman elected to the Huntsville City Council and a proud alumna, Watkins has dedicated her career to fostering progress and uplifting her community. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master’s in Secondary Education, and an Education Specialist Degree, all earned at Alabama A&M University. Her journey from a lifelong resident to a groundbreaking leader highlights her resilience and deep commitment to positive change. Her eight years on the Huntsville City School Board reflect an unwavering dedication to fostering growth and opportunity. Beyond her elected roles, she has spearheaded transformative projects, including: advocating for a $600 million Capital Improvement Plan to enhance Huntsville City Schools; championing the development of a $40+ million Career Technical Center set to open in 2025; securing funding and partnerships to advance STEM, robotics, and financial literacy for local students; and driving initiatives for dual enrollment at Alabama A&M University and J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College.

As Alabama A&M University nears its 150th Anniversary in 2025, this commencement underscores its continued commitment to excellence in education and service.

Founded in 1875 by former slave, Dr. William Hooper Councill, Alabama A&M University is the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Alabama. As a traditional 1890 land-grant institution, “The Hill” is a dynamic and progressive institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence and is the state’s largest producer of minority STEM graduates. Additionally, it is student-friendly and community-focused and functions as a teaching, research and public service institution, including extension. AAMU provides more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs and concentrations, a diverse international faculty, 50 plus student organizations, and an extensive alumni network comprised of politicians, educators, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, authors, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage.

The ticketed ceremony will also be livestreamed.