Contact: Kawana McGough, Division of Development and Alumni Engagement
Tuskegee, Ala. — Tuskegee University alumnus and Campaign Co-Chair Dr. Bill Winston ’67 has further strengthened
The Campaign for Tuskegee University: Solving the World’s Most Complex Problems with a recent impactful contribution—elevating his total support to more than $340,000. His continued leadership and generosity fuel the campaign’s momentum and advance the university’s mission to expand access, reduce student debt, and transform the Tuskegee experience.
As one of the campaign’s most influential leaders, Dr. Winston has helped shape early strategy, mobilize alumni engagement, and reinforce the bold vision President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown ’86 calls the Tuskegee Renaissance—a transformational era defined by innovation, access, and a new model of student-centered excellence.
“Dr. Winston’s leadership and generosity reflect the heart of our Renaissance,” said President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown ’86. “His commitment is helping Tuskegee build the financial strength needed to reduce student debt, expand scholarship support, and ensure our students can focus on learning—not loans. Alumni like Dr. Winston are helping us rewrite what access to education looks like.”
Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Dr. Winston was shaped by the brilliance of educators, scientists, and physicians who surrounded him, and by the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen—icons whose courage and excellence inspired his own leadership journey. As a student at the then-Tuskegee Institute, the teachings of Booker T. Washington and the scientific legacy of George Washington Carver deepened his understanding of innovation, stewardship, and service.
After graduating in 1967, Dr. Winston served six years as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot—earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Squadron Top Gun Award—before launching a fast-rising management career at IBM and later transitioning into full-time ministry.
At IBM, he built a fast-rising career in marketing and strategic operations, earning promotions that placed him on a senior leadership track. Importantly, Dr. Winston’s IBM years also marked a pivotal spiritual turning point: he became “born again” during his time in the corporate marketplace—an experience he has credited with catalyzing breakthrough results in his work, including top sales performance and expanded leadership responsibility. That season of corporate refinement and faith-anchored momentum ultimately led him to sense a clear call to ministry and step away from IBM to pursue full-time ministry.
Today, he is the founder and senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center, a global, multicultural ministry headquartered in Forest Park, Illinois. He is also the founder of more than 20 companies and organizations, including the Joseph Business School, Bill Winston Ministries, and two shopping malls.
“Tuskegee University changed the trajectory of my life,” Dr. Winston said. “Supporting this campaign means ensuring today’s students receive the same opportunity—without the weight of overwhelming debt. Years ago, a well-known lawyer and public speaker—also a graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)—was featured at one of our ministry’s business and leadership conferences. He made this comment,
‘We all must be about the business of blazing new trails and pioneering new paths for those to follow…We have an obligation to make a lot of money. Then we have an obligation to be about more than just the money… reach back and help somebody…You don’t have a right not to reach back and reach out to our young people.’”
“I believe reaching back to help others who, without assistance, could never afford this education, is our duty,” continued Dr. Winston. “This renaissance is about lifting people, and scholarship support is key to that mission.”
As Campaign Co-Chair, Dr. Winston continues to broaden partnerships, elevate philanthropic engagement, and encourage alumni across generations to join in transforming the student experience. His visible leadership strengthens the campaign’s momentum—reflected in a cumulative alumnus giving participation rate of 16.51%, with a long-term goal of reaching 33% by 2030.
Now in its public phase, the campaign has secured more than $141 million toward its bold $300 million goal, with a significant portion dedicated to scholarships, financial aid, and strategic support that will reduce dependence on student loans and help students enter the world positioned for success.
For more information on participating in
The Campaign for Tuskegee University: Solving the World’s Most Complex Problems, visit
www.tuskegee.edu/tugives.
© 2026 Tuskegee University
