Conference Highlights Campus Progress as Students Return Jan. 8

As Alabama A&M University prepares to welcome students back to campus, faculty and staff gathered Tuesday in the Event Center for the Spring 2026 Faculty/Staff Conference. Students are moving in this week and will return to class on Jan. 8.

The conference recognized the collective efforts of faculty and staff during the University’s 150th Anniversary year while focusing on continued improvements to support student success and long-term growth.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John D. Jones emphasized collaboration across divisions as a key factor in strengthening academic programs, operations and campus services. He noted the importance of improving how information is managed and strengthening operational processes to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Faculty and staff also received an overview of the University’s 10-year strategic plan, “Rich Heritage. Bold Future.,” which will guide Alabama A&M through 2035. University leaders stressed that the plan is being shaped through campuswide engagement, with faculty and staff providing input to help inform improvements across the institution.

Updates were shared from major divisions, including Academic Affairs, Information Technology, Marketing, Communication & Advancement, Research and Economic Development, Student Affairs and Athletics. Provost Jones and University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims also recognized faculty and staff for their research grants, as well as academic and institutional achievements in the last year.

President Wims closed the conference by thanking everyone for their dedication and commitment to Alabama A&M’s continued progress.

“Our goal is to be the top 1890 institution in the country,” Wims said. “We are building the infrastructure to support growth, providing transformative experiences that promote student success, adapting emerging technologies, honoring the HBCU experience, and creating unique learning opportunities for our students. All of the work you do will help guide this University into the next ten years and beyond.”