Mrs. Pamela McDonald

Community Service Honoree

A 1983 graduate, Mrs. Pamela McDonald earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with honors. She went on to serve an incredible 38 years as a Department of Defense Civilian Software Engineer, rising to Director of Software Acquisition for the Missile Defense Agency. Along, the way she received the Department of Defense Commanders Award and Medal, Black Engineer of the Year, and was honored as a Modern Day Technology Leader by BEYA, Becoming Everything You Are.

But, her heart has always been with Alabama A&M and its students.

As the Director of Operations and Planning for the Miles Blackwell Foundation, she has created internship opportunities, organized community service initiatives, and expanded Scholarships that continue to uplift young AAMU scholars. Her leadership helped launch events for Village of Promise, Christmas in July, as well as the AAMU RSO Pitch Competition, giving students training and opportunities to lead and serve.

Her impact at the University is remarkable. During COVID, she led an impactful fundraising effort that raised over $100,000 to support AAMU students in need. Also, as Chairman of the AAMU 150th Fundraising Campaign, she has led the way in raising over $4 million through alumni giving. Together, with her husband, they established the McDonald STEM Endowed Scholarship to help and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she continues her legacy of giving as Chairman of the Delta Delta Endowed Scholarship, which is valued at more than $732,000. This is to ensure that AAMU students will be able to pursue excellence without financial constraints.

Mrs. Pamela McDonald, a pioneer in community service whose unwavering commitment to others reminds us that Service is Sovereignty.