Endowments Create Lasting Opportunities for Deserving Students

Alabama A&M University has announced the establishment of two new scholarship initiatives designed to expand educational access and strengthen support for student success: the 12th President Daniel K. Wims and Fountain B. Wims Agricultural Sciences Endowment and a newly created Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees Endowment.

The newly established 12th President Daniel K. Wims and Fountain B. Wims Agricultural Sciences Endowment, housed within the Alabama A&M University Foundation (AAMUF), reflects the University's enduring commitment to its land-grant mission. The investment will help prepare the next generation of leaders in agricultural, environmental and food sciences while building upon Alabama A&M University's longstanding legacy of producing alumni who have gone on to serve in influential roles across the agricultural industry, government agencies, research institutions and environmental organizations. 

The endowment, with an initial investment of $325,000, honors the legacy of Mr. Fountain B. Wims while recognizing the leadership and stewardship of Dr. Daniel K. Wims, the University's 12th president, the endowment will provide sustained scholarship support for students pursuing professional careers in critical agricultural fields.

“Alabama A&M continues to equip students with the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact on communities,” said President Daniel K. Wims. "This is an investment in our students and the future of agriculture. We want to continue Alabama A&M’s historic mission of creating opportunity, advancing knowledge and preparing graduates to address some of society's most pressing challenges."

Earnings generated through the endowment will fund scholarships for eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing degrees within agricultural sciences disciplines. Eligible areas of study include Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Food and Animal Sciences.

In addition to the Presidential Agricultural Sciences Endowment, the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees announced the creation of a new Alabama A&M University 2026 Board of Trustees Endowed Scholarship. With an initial investment of $25,000 and annual contributions, the 2026 Board of Trustees Endowement will further expanding opportunities for students to access financial support while pursuing their educational goals. The Board also announced the establishment of a new Student Emergency Gap Fund for students in need.

Together, the two endowed scholarship initiatives represent a meaningful investment in student achievement and underscore the University's commitment to academic excellence, access and opportunity. As Alabama A&M University continues to build upon its rich heritage and bold future, these endowments help ensure that deserving students have the resources needed to thrive academically and professionally for generations to come.