University Stalwart Reflects on 44 Years of Service and the Enduring Value of Giving Back

For more than four decades, Dr. Mohan Aggarwal has dedicated his life’s work to advancing science, scholarship, and student success at Alabama A&M University. A respected physicist and longtime faculty member in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Aggarwal has made an indelible impact on the institution he has called home since 1981.

Now, as Alabama A&M celebrates its 150th Anniversary, Aggarwal is contributing once again – this time through a generous gift to the University’s historic campaign to raise $150 million, including $15 million through individual gifts, by December 2025. His contribution will support the continued growth of the University’s endowment, with a focus on student scholarships and campus enhancements.

“This campaign is a milestone, not just for Alabama A&M, but for the entire community that has supported it through 150 years of resilience, scholarship, and transformation,” said Aggarwal. “The University’s legacy is built on the scholarly skills and vision of its administrators, faculty, students, and stakeholders. I’m honored to be part of that legacy.”

Aggarwal holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Calcutta University and completed postdoctoral research at Pennsylvania State University. He joined the University as part of a NASA-funded Space Flight Experiment aboard Space Lab-3, and later contributed to the International Microgravity Laboratory-1, which grew crystals in space in 1992. His scholarly work and leadership helped shape Alabama A&M into a destination for advanced scientific research.

In 1986, Aggarwal played a pivotal role in launching the University’s first doctoral program in physics. During his tenure as department chair from 2002 to 2018, he oversaw the program’s expansion and helped establish physics as a flagship discipline at AAMU. “We’ve built a strong foundation that has not only attracted world-class faculty and students but also produced trailblazing graduates,” he said.

Indeed, the department recently celebrated a major milestone: its 100th doctoral graduate walked the stage during the May 2025 Commencement. The program also proudly produced the first African American woman in Alabama to earn a Ph.D. in physics – another point of pride for Aggarwal and his colleagues.

Under his leadership, the department has hosted an annual Nobel Laureate Lecture since 1998, and in 2025, the 25th lecture will mark another academic high point. Alabama A&M University graduate students have also been selected for four consecutive years to attend the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in Germany, further reinforcing the global reach and reputation of the University’s physics program.

Aggarwal views his contribution to the 150th Anniversary Campaign as an investment in a future he believes is brighter than ever. “The campus is evolving in exciting ways,” he said. “Improvements in infrastructure and aesthetics are not just cosmetic – they’re essential to attracting and retaining top students and faculty.”

He praised the University’s efforts to grow enrollment and strengthen retention through innovative strategies, supportive leadership, and enhanced academic experiences. “We are exceeding expectations and outperforming many of our peer institutions. This speaks volumes about the vision and commitment of the administration,” he added.

Reflecting on his own long-standing connection to the University, Aggarwal emphasized what continues to bring him joy after more than 40 years on The Hill. “AAMU offers a vibrant, healthy, and self-contained campus community. It’s a great place to work and an even better place to grow. Our students are motivated, our faculty are dedicated, and our future is full of promise.”

Learn how you can contribute to the future of Alabama A&M University at www.aamu.edu/150.