Alabama A&M Board of Trustees Approves Several Partnerships, Programs

During its regular Board Meeting Friday, October 27, the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees paved the way for several new partnerships and programs to enhance recruitment and expand opportunities for students. The Board received University-wide updates from President Daniel K. Wims and Cabinet leadership and entertained several key initiatives during Magic City Classic week meetings. 

“As we look toward the 150th anniversary of this University, we’re growing in a way that we’ve not seen in our recent history,” said Wims. “We have to be strategic about managing that growth and building the necessary support alongside this thriving Alabama A&M of the future.” 

The Board approved a new MOU with Girls Incorporated of Huntsville to create a STEM Center on the campus and provide programming for up to 400 students grades 1-12. Alabama A&M also entered into a new partnership with Ross University School of Medicine to collaborate to increase admission opportunities to AAMU students. 

Board President Pro Tempore Dr. Roderick Watts placed an exclamation on the meeting by outlining the Boards commitment to helping the University reach new heights. 

“In order for us to go places we’ve never been, we’re going to have to do things we’ve never done,” said Trustee Watts. “This University is on an upward trajectory. In order to go new places, we’re going to have to do the things that are uncomfortable. Much of the work we will do together has never been done before. That’s going to be uncomfortable. Some people see problems. I see opportunities for increased growth and development.”  

Watts says the mission toward becoming an R2 institution and continuing to increase enrollment will take a commitment from everyone in the AAMU community. “I want to share my commitment to this administration, to this Board, and to the direction this University is headed,” he said.  

Board members echoed Trustee Watts’ position that a unified approach is crucial to continued success. Trustee Dr. Elizabeth B. Richardson says new efforts to engage the community are already paying dividends for the University.  

“As one of the newest Trustees, I am so grateful for how this administration has really intentionally engaged in outreach and building meaningful partnerships with our city and county government,” said Trustee Richardson. “I’m excited now when I meet officials and can express the wonderful work this administration is doing to support not only our students, but really for the community. I’ve been able to witness, in a very short period of time that, among this cabinet, there is an admiration for the President and his leadership.”

The Board also approved several new partnerships geared toward bolstering recruitment for graduate programs. New 3-year MOUs with Albany State University, Benedict College, Fort Valley State University, Lane College, Lemoyne-Owen College, Mississippi Valley State University, Paine College, Philander Smith College, and Tougaloo College will facilitate the admission of qualified graduates into AAMU's School of Graduate Studies.

Student Government Association Executive President and Trustee Mike Davis, Jr. updated the Board on student initiatives and activities. Trustees also commented on the successes surrounding 2023 Homecoming activities including record-breaking attendance, record-breaking fundraising, enhanced gameday experience, and more. 

“I was blown away at Homecoming,” said Trustee Ralph Williams. “Many of my classmates have called it the best one ever. I’ve been around this State to every HBCU. We have best in class people, no matter the title. I have high expectations, but this staff has far exceeded them. The alumni are really proud, and we’re a tough crowd.”

Dr. Charles McClelland, the sixth Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, addressed the Board concerning his work to position the University and conference for success. McClelland expressed his belief that AAMU has strongly positioned itself for the future of the Magic City Classic and other events. “All of the other classics are predicated upon ticket sales,” he said. “This Classic is not. That is extremely important. It’s a guarantee that you have a significant payout.”

In addition, President Wims introduced Shannon Frank Reeves, Sr. – newly appointed Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations. The Board also approved the naming of the AAMU Event Center game clock table in recognition of the late Erskine Lorenza Valrie – a devoted alumnus and supporter of Alabama A&M Athletics.