Dr. Padmaja Guggilla on Supporting the Future of Alabama A&M University

Dr. Padmaja Guggilla, longtime faculty member and Chair of Alabama A&M University's Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, is lending her voice and leadership to an ambitious initiative to mark a historic milestone. As a proud graduate and committed educator, she has joined fellow alumni and supporters as a Torchbearer for AAMU’s 150th Anniversary Campaign – an effort to raise a record-setting $150 million - $15 million through individual gifts - by December 2025.

“I joined Alabama A&M as a Ph.D. student in 2003 and later became faculty in 2008,” said Guggilla. “For more than 18 years, AAMU has been my academic and professional home.”

The University launched the Torchbearer Campaign to rally alumni, friends, and community members to help shape the institution’s future. Through a series of intimate fundraising receptions hosted across the country, Torchbearers aim to raise at least $25,000 per event. The inaugural reception, hosted by retired Vice President for Research and Development Dr. Dorothy W. Huston, brought in $50,000, setting a strong precedent for gatherings in cities like New York, Phoenix, Birmingham, and beyond.

Guggilla’s motivation to become a Torchbearer is personal.

“My inspiration came from a deeply held belief: We can uplift the future one student at a time,” she explained. “Having once been an international student myself, I understand firsthand the unique challenges these students face – navigating a new culture, academic pressures, and financial strain all at once. Becoming a Torchbearer gives me the opportunity to actively support them through fundraising and advocacy. It’s a way to turn empathy into impact.”

With a background in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in applied physics from Alabama A&M University, Guggilla has served in multiple leadership roles across the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences, including acting dean and associate dean for student success. Her career has been defined by academic excellence and student mentorship, and the Torchbearer Campaign is an extension of that commitment.

“I am actively reaching out to colleagues, alumni, and community supporters through conversations, emails, phone calls, text messages, social media, and campus events,” she said. “Many of our former students are now leaders in their fields, and I encourage them to pay it forward and help open the same doors that were once opened for them.”

To Guggilla, being a Torchbearer means more than financial support.

“It’s about helping our students achieve their dreams, making our programs stronger, and creating a university that future students will love,” she said. “It’s a way to show how much I believe in accessible and excellent education. We must be in the driver’s seat – taking charge of initiatives that can change lives.”

As the Torchbearer campaign gains momentum, supporters have helped the University surpass its $1 million goal. In response, Alabama A&M University has introduced a new $2 million goal to expand initiatives such as athletic facilities, a new Marching Maroon & White practice space, and a special project led by former Student Government Association presidents. A Divine Nine Challenge will also launch soon, further energizing alumni participation.

Guggilla will host her Torchbearer reception during the fall semester. She calls the 150th Anniversary Campaign both a celebration and a call to action.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to ensure that our next 150 years are even more impactful through strategic investments in students, research, and innovation,” she said. “I’m a proud Bulldog,” she added. “Alabama A&M is truly my professional home, and the AAMU community is like extended family to me.”

Visit the AAMU 150 Torchbearers Site to learn more about the initiative. Join the AAMU 150th Celebration today at www.aamu.edu/150.