Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
25 JROTC cadets from Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School recently toured Tuskegee University and had a conversation with Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO. At Tuskegee, focus on military service as a viable option for student success is a Renaissance Era refrain.
“If you want a place at Tuskegee University, it is here for you,” said Dr. Brown as students, ranging from ninth to 12th grade, shared their aspirations beyond high school.
Throughout the visit, it was clear that Tuskegee’s rigorous, STEM-focused curriculum, its welcoming and supportive campus environment, and its strong record of graduating workforce- and service-ready leaders had already placed the university high on the students’ list of college options.
Many students discussed plans to continue military careers, and several have plans to work toward careers in nursing, aviation and engineering.
Three students – Maxie Sprinkle, Meghan Steele and Kennedi Stewart, who has her sights set on becoming a Navy pilot – are headed to Tuskegee in the fall. All three have been awarded ROTC scholarships to attend the university.
“At Tuskegee, we train the Hand, Heart, and Mind. By doing so, we close the gap between what you learn in the classroom and what you are called to do in your careers,” said Dr. Brown. He also highlighted Tuskegee’s recognition by the U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 HBCU in the state of Alabama for social and economic mobility.
As a STEM-centered institution, Tuskegee plays a critical role in filling key skill gaps within the military and the broader workforce. Academic programs in aviation science, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and electrical, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, and other engineering disciplines align directly with areas of high demand across the armed services.
Parkview is the first and only complete inter-district magnet high school in Arkansas. It was created as part of a desegregation settlement in 1971 as a way to attract students to the area to better racially balance the school. All students enrolled at Parkview are assigned to a magnet area in science, choral music, orchestra, band, visual arts, drama, or dance. Students in their chosen magnet area must take two classes in that area each year in addition to the regular curriculum outlined by the state department of education.
The Parkview visit, led by NJROTC Master Chief Voniya McFadden and Petty Officer Kenneth Rice began with a conversation with Carlos Nelson, a longtime supporter of Tuskegee, who founded the Stand and Serve nonprofit to connect young people to opportunities to develop as servant leaders in the military.
When asked why he returned to Tuskegee to serve as its first alumnus president, Dr. Brown joked that he could only remember one bad day as a student — graduation day — because it meant leaving the place he loved.
He went on to describe the experiences that shaped his life and career: participation in Air Force ROTC, leadership roles in student government, membershipin the Crimson Pipers marching band, influential faculty mentors, and friendships that endure to this day. Those experiences, he said, compelled him to return and serve Mother Tuskegee.
“When I came here, I was a poor kid, uncertain of my future but willing to work hard,” Dr. Brown said. “Tuskegee showed me the art of the possible. I want to keep that door open for others.”
Tuskegee is the only HBCU that offers a commission into all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, making it a natural fit for students committed to service. For JROTC students — and all young people who aspire to serve — Tuskegee University remains a powerful option where history, excellence, service, and opportunity converge.
Tuskegee University’s commitment to public service through the military dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has continued to produce military officers, including legendary military leaders such as General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., and General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. – and the Tuskegee Airmen — exceptionally skilled aviation heroes whose courage and excellence during World War II proved that people of color could master and fly complex aircraft while defending freedom over the skies of Europe.
That legacy lives on today under Dr. Brown’s leadership and through more than 140 students currently training in Tuskegee ROTC programs.
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