New Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Partnerships Highlight Summer Board Meeting

The Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Friday, June 27, at the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room on campus. The session was highlighted by key changes to organization structure and several new academic Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Board President Pro Tempore Kevin Ball emphasized the University’s positions of strength amidst the 150th Anniversary year. 

“I am proud of Alabama A&M and proud of the things that are happening on campus,” said Ball. “We’re beginning to see the early stages of groundwork on our science building and our inspiring student center structure. AAMU is on the move.”

Ball emphasized the importance of alumni and community support.

“We’ve officially reached a halfway mark in our 150th celebration,” he said. “I want to reiterate the charge of our University to have all alumni participate in the campaign. Alabama A&M is counting on you.” 

During the meeting, Trustees approved the creation of the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and the position of Assistant Vice President for the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. The creation of a new Deputy Athletics Director Position was also approved along with a change in designation of the Director of Athletics. 

President Daniel K. Wims provided a report which centered accreditation reaffirmations, key milestones, and immense momentum on The Hill. A new Carnegie classification (Research College of University) and the formalization of a partnership with Auburn University were also highlighted. Wims also recognized successes in recruitment and fundraising. 

“During our record-breaking Black-Tie Scholarship Gala event, we also had a number of individuals who became new Normal Legacy Society members which represents outstanding support of Alabama A&M,” said Wims. 

The University also anticipates continued enrollment growth with the arrival of first-time students this fall. “We awarded around $25 million in scholarships to roughly 1,200 students during our bus tour.”

President Wims also noted several academic reaffirmation site visits completed this spring in addition to a maximum six year term reaccredited for computer science; renewed accreditation for dietetics through December 2030; and reaccreditation for teacher education.

The Board approved academic MOUs between AAMU and the University of Applied Sciences (Germany); the National Assembly of Zambia; North Carolina A&T State University; Abu Dhabi University; Kon Yang University (South Korea); and Evhybridnoire. 

Requests to add concentrations in Plant and Soil Sciences; Specialization in Plant and Soil Sciences; a Concentration in Business Data Analytics; a Minor in Social Work; a Ph.D. Music Education Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction; and a B.S. Degree in Artificial Intelligence were also approved.