Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
On the sixth floor of the RSA Plaza in downtown Montgomery, steps away from the Alabama Capitol, Tuskegee University leaders engaged with state legislators, alumni and friends Wednesday evening while the TU Jazz Ensemble played. It was the perfect close to a day of meetings with legislators to update them on the university's priorities and how their help will support our students – 26% of whom are Alabama natives.
Throughout Tuskegee University Legislative Day at the Capitol, Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO, along with deans and other senior leaders, met with influential lawmakers, including President Pro Tem Garland Gudger, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Tuskegee alum and Sen. Robert Stewart, Sen. Arthur Orr, Sen. Billy Beasley, Tuskegee alum and Representative Rolanda Hollis and Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate and others.
The conversations allowed Dr. Brown and others to highlight the university’s impact across the state, discuss legislative priorities and strengthen relationships with policymakers who play a critical role in advancing higher education, workforce development and economic growth in Alabama. The university has entered a Renaissance Era and strengthening those partnerships is essential in garnering support for the student scholarships, programing and campus enhancements.
The Tuskegee Admissions team shared literature with employees at the Capitol while Parlay and cheerleaders showed school spirit.
Before the evening closed, Sen. Stewart proudly introduced Resolution 2607 filed with the Senate of Alabama. “Out of all of the HBCUs, we have the most alums in the Alabama legislature,” he said. “Tuskegee is the only college campus designated as a national historic site. The Senate of Alabama celebrates and congratulates Tuskegee on its education and service.”
“We are your partners in the state of Alabama,” said Dr. Brown. “We thank you for opening your doors to us.”
In addition to state legislators, attendees included Selma Mayor Johnny “Skip” Moss III, Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee and members of the university Board of Trustees. Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee shows his ongoing support for the “town and gown” relationship at every turn.
“Dr. Brown does a fantastic job in taking certain steps to get us where we need to go,” said Trustee Henry Davis, who also works with state legislators. “As alumni, we’ve got to galvanize around Dr. Brown. Now is the time and not just in Alabama, but all over the country. It’s time for Tuskegee to shine.”
Trustee Pebblin Warren, a Tuskegee alum and Alabama State Representative who represents Tuskegee’s district, was proud of the day’s activities.
“I consider it an honor that we had Tuskegee here today,” she said. “I think we introduced Dr. Brown to everybody in high authority. It shows we are really interested and committed.”
Dr. Brown, who spent the day walking the Capitol, continued that mission throughout the evening, greeting reception attendees to thank them for their ongoing support.
“We’ve been here 144 years,” he told the crowd. “The economic impact of having a Tuskegee here is significant. Tuskegee and Alabama, we are inseparable and we want it to stay that way. How honored I am, for this small period of time, to be president of Tuskegee.”
Tuskegee University contributes more than $237 million to Alabama’s economy and more than 2,000 jobs statewide. The university is the economic anchor of Macon County and a leading driver of prosperity in Alabama’s Black Belt.
“It was important then, and it’s important now, a Tuskegee education will give you social and economic mobility,” he said. “We take them further economically because of the Tuskegee education.”
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