Wims' Leadership Yields Growth for AAMU

In a unanimous vote of trustees present at the June 14 board meeting, the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Board of Trustees voted to extend the contract of President Daniel K. Wims to December 31, 2030. Two trustees were not present at the time of voting. The action was taken affirming AAMUs continued stability and growth as the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Alabama.

“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me to continue to serve this institution, its faculty, staff, students and alumni. The collective commitment and dedication of our administrative team, faculty and staff is to be commended. As we continue to move forward, I am confident that our focused efforts for growth and success will be met with great enthusiasm and acceptance,” said Wims.

Wims assumed the AAMU presidency in January 2022 after serving as Provost and Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs for twelve years. Under his leadership, AAMU has been able to strategically maneuver through the challenges of today’s higher education landscape. 

A few accomplishments of the Wims’ administration are:

Enrollment

• Fall 2023 record-breaking enrollment of 6,633 students, the largest in the University’s history
• Fall 2023, largest freshman class of 2,000+ in the University’s history

Academics

• Launched new degree programs:  Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. in Social Work and a M.S. in Food Science Business
  Campus Infrastructure
• Secured Board approval for a new Student Amenities Center and a new Science Building
• Conducted major renovations in the Historic District on campus
• Increased the University’s property landscape to over 2,500 acres of land
• Acquired the largest nonmonetary gift in AAMU history by repurposing Paint Rock Valley High School as a “Communiversity” facility for educational and community activities

Research/Funding

• University garnered increases in federal funding for FY’23 and FY’24
• Increased state appropriations in FY‘23 and in FY‘24
• Recipient of AAMU’s second largest gift of a $1.2 million endowment from an AAMU alumnus to provide tuition assistance for academically gifted students

Additionally, AAMU’s Marching Maroon and White Band made history as the first HBCU band to lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and AAMU experienced a record-breaking homecoming attendance of 26,391 fans in the stadium and 55,000+ on campus with a fundraising total of $1.4 million, the largest in its history. Overall, these growth factors are the precursor for the university to celebrate its 150 years of existence in 2025.

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About Alabama A&M University (AAMU)

Founded in 1875 by former slave, Dr. William Hooper Councill, Alabama A&M University (AAMU) 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, artist, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage.