New Agreement Opens Doors for Students to Access Federal Government Careers

Alabama A&M University has established a groundbreaking partnership with the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), marking a historic milestone for both institutions. Recently approved by the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees, this innovative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is set to elevate the University’s role in education, training, and research.

DAU, a corporate university of the U.S. Department of Defense located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, specializes in providing comprehensive acquisition, technology, and logistics training for military, federal civilian staff, and federal contractors.

Colonel (Retired) Cedrick Farrior, a distinguished AAMU alumnus, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: “This agreement represents a monumental step forward for both AAMU and DAU. As possibly the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to secure such a collaboration, AAMU will benefit from DAU’s extensive global learning environment, aimed at developing top-notch acquisition and logistics professionals.”

Dr. Tim Mantz, Interim Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, underscores the transformative impact of the MOU: “Our students will now have the unique opportunity to take DAU courses right on our campus. These courses, which include Contracting 1 and 2, will provide students with college credit and DAU certifications, equipping them with the credentials necessary for advanced positions in federal agencies or government contracting firms.”

The groundwork for this partnership was laid by Colonel Farrior and retired U.S. Army Major General Patrick W. Burden, both AAMU alumni. Farrior, who graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1987, had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. General Burden, a two-star general with over 25 years in defense acquisition, retired from the military in 2020 and now serves in Global Sales and Marketing at Boeing.

Farrior highlights the broader impact of the agreement: “This partnership is a key element of our strategy to enhance Alabama A&M’s presence at Redstone Arsenal. It ensures that the University is recognized as a leading choice for students seeking educational opportunities in that community.”

Mantz notes that the DAU courses will be available starting in the Spring Semester. The current MOU is set for six months, with plans underway to establish a long-term agreement that will further solidify the partnership.

“This collaboration positions Alabama A&M at the forefront of global educational excellence,” adds Farrior. “With DAU’s international reach, our University’s renowned academic reputation will gain global visibility, further cementing our role as a leading institution.”