BIRMINGHAM — “Laser-focused” on the future of Alabama A&M University, President Daniel K. Wims updated the university’s Board of Trustees in its final meeting of the year.
The board’s annual meeting Friday, held in connection with last Saturday’s Magic City Classic, reflected the university’s continued commitment to growth and student success during its milestone 150th anniversary, a news release said.
Trustees approved several measures designed to expand academic programs, strengthen partnerships, and modernize university policies.
Among the initiatives were Memoranda of Understanding with the Madison County and Madison City school systems.
“The growth and forward progress of Alabama A&M University is evident in all you’ve heard this week,” Wims said. “We are laser focused on leveraging our sesquicentennial celebration as a time to envision The Hill of today and tomorrow.
“Not only that, but through the support of this Board, and our many constituents, we’re taking the steps needed to place our institution on firm footing for the future.”
Among the academic approvals was the addition of a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a flexible program that allows graduate students to design cross-disciplinary paths suited to their academic and professional goals.
“Alabama A&M is on the move. We’re proud that enrollment is up to historic levels,” said Board President Pro Tempore Kevin Ball. “We now have 7,808 students currently enrolled on campus, continuing the trend of AAMU being a school of choice for those wanting to get an education at an HBCU.”
The board also approved Memoranda of Understanding designed to strengthen and expand recruitment pipelines and community engagement. The agreements include partnerships with Madison County Schools, Madison City Schools, Detroit Midnight Golf Program, and the Indianapolis Urban League.
Information Technology Services received approval for a new email security policy and a partnership with the University of Alabama System Regional Optical Network (UASRON), giving AAMU high-speed connections to all UA System campuses and national research networks like Internet2, strengthening cybersecurity and collaborative research opportunities.
“I’m proud to say that our 150th celebration is a success. It has been an innovative and effective way to increase our partnerships and inspire more alumni to become donors,” said Ball. “It is still underway. We still have time to bring more resources and more Bulldog advocates to support Alabama A&M University.”
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