The Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees has unveiled a series of transformative initiatives to broaden the university’s academic offerings and enhance its global presence. The board’s Oct. 25 meeting featured impactful updates from President Daniel K. Wims and his leadership team, culminating in several critical decisions that promise to propel Alabama A&M toward future growth.
“We’re at a great place with this University,” said Board President Pro Tempore Dr. Wayne Watts. “We have a lot of things that are moving in the right direction. We have a Board that is courageous to step out and do things that need to be done. We have an administration that’s moving us forward in every direction.”
Expanding Global Reach Through Partnerships
Among the meeting highlights was the Board’s approval of multiple international partnerships, formalized through Memorandums of Understanding. Alabama A&M has negotiated with several institutions, including The University of Zambia, Bauleni United Sports Academy, Chande Baptist Orphanage, Faith Orphanage Foundation, and the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali. Additionally, the School of Agricultural Sciences at Malla Reddy University in Telangana State, India, is included in this network. These partnerships aim to facilitate academic exchanges and collaborative research and provide students valuable global exposure.
Introduction of New Academic Offerings
The Board also approved various new academic programs and specializations tailored to meet evolving student and industry needs. Notable additions include:
- New Distance Education Policy
- PhD Concentration in Plant and Soil Sciences
- MS Specialization in Plant and Soil Sciences
- Minor in African American Studies
- MBA Concentration in Accounting Analytics
- BA Psychology Tracks in Sports Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Forensic Psychology
- MS Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Doctoral Degree Mathematics Specialization in Curriculum Instruction
- Revised program title from Pre-Elementary to Early Childhood Education (P-3)
- New Minors in Physics and Data Science
Additionally, Alabama A&M introduced various non-degree certificates to provide flexible educational pathways for students looking to enhance their skill sets without committing to a full degree program.
Commemorating Legacy and Campus Development
As part of the preparations for the university’s 150th Anniversary Fundraising effort, the Board also approved the construction of a statue honoring NFL Hall of Famer John Stallworth.
In a significant move to advance research and innovation, the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees approved the establishment of a Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering. This center aims to position Alabama A&M as a cutting-edge nuclear science research leader, further aligning with the university’s strategic vision for global growth.
