The Spirit of Tuskegee
Founded on the 4th of July in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University today stands as one of America’s great institutions of higher learning. Through the years, the university has demonstrated its leadership with innovative research, a commitment to industry and a tradition of broad-based educational achievement that places Tuskegee among the best in the world of higher education. More importantly, a can-do, leadership spirit today – not unlike that of our forebears – permeates the environment of Tuskegee University. The men and women of Tuskegee, the students, the faculty, staff and alumni of this esteemed and storied institution, carry that spirit and are inspired and empowered to compete with the best in the world and excel in whatever they do. Empowered with a deep and extraordinary tradition, enlightened by innovation informed by the rigorous research and teaching, and motivated by an overarching sense of responsibility and leadership, Tuskegee is attracting the world to its campus and is bringing Tuskegee to the world.
“(At Tuskegee University) I became a part of an endearing academic community that valued my growth and my ability to deconstruct what learning meant in a broader academic and social context. My peers challenged by desire for success because their excellence reified black intellect as normal despite society’s conviction to portray black intelligence as exceptional.” Ayanna F. Brown (William) Ph.D., alumna B.A. Education and Language Arts 1996 Assistant Professor, Elmhurst College
President’s Letter
Tuskegee is today poised on the brink of reaching yet another milestone in its stellar history, as we prepare to join the ranks of premier research universities in the world. The thousands of people who are members of the Tuskegee family are proud of the many accomplishments of our university over the 130 plus years of its existence. But we also know that Tuskegee cannot rest on the many accolades it has garnered. While it is true that Tuskegee has often succeeded while making do with less, the educational and research global marketplace of today requires and even demands that the university is equipped with significant human and physical resources so that it is capable of competing with the very best in higher education. In order to meet this challenge, we have launched the “Programmed for Excellence” campaign, a campaign to raise $250 million to strengthen the university and transform it into a premier research university. Tuskegee has always enjoyed the wholehearted support of its alumni and many friends. This campaign will seek to engage every one of these longtime supporters and hopefully many new ones to consider investing even more in the Tuskegee of the future. We ask you to join us in this marvelous enterprise. This is an opportunity to make your Tuskegee University a true leader in the world of higher education. We look forward to hearing from you.
“My experience at Tuskegee University equipped me with the necessary tools that I would need as a professional educator.” Letisha A. Dix, alumna B.A. Elementary Education, 2004
Chairman’s Letter
The Board of Trustees, after careful assessment in conjunction with Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon, established a $250 million goal for the “Programmed for Excellence Campaign—Advancing Tuskegee University” This campaign represents our commitment to ensure that the university maintains its leadership role in higher education for decades to come. The campaign is built on the bold vision and inspired leadership ofRochon and the able group of administrative leaders he has in place at the university. It is mandated by the board’s strong sense that we must equip our historic university with the resources it needs to continue the extraordinary legacy of achievement that our remarkable forebears have passed on to us. The campaign will seek investments from our alumni and friends in the critical needs for new research and teaching facilities and infrastructures, new faculty, new technology and new additional funds to support the many talented students who wish to benefit from the extraordinary Tuskegee educational experience. The members of the board are committed to making this campaign a success, and I call on all members of the Tuskegee family to join us in our efforts. With the personal involvement and leadership of us all, we can and will succeed with this campaign. We are Tuskegee University, and we wear our colors proudly. The future of our great university is dependent on us, and we shall not fail. We will succeed. And we will make sure that Tuskegee University is able to join the ranks of premier research universities in the world. The opportunity is great. The time is now. Alumni and friends, stakeholders and supporters, students and families, join us in the task of positioning Tuskegee at the pinnacle of higher education. It is a task of love that will repay us all for generations to come. Charles E. Williams Chair of the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees
Tuskegee University Today
A Valuable Resource for America and the World The beautiful and historic campus of Tuskegee University is imbued with the legacy of the great leaders who founded and brought national acclaim and attention to this remarkable institution in the Black Belt of central Alabama. Walking in the footsteps of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and the Tuskegee Airmen is powerful inspiration to students, faculty, administrators, alumni and visitors. The legacy of those renowned predecessors is also a powerful incentive for everyone who has the opportunity to walk the campus to fulfill the promise and inspiration of their leadership. It hands over a responsibility as well, a responsibility to carry on with the legacy that expects extraordinary achievement. Being the best is what is expected at Tuskegee. In fact, Washington Monthly magazine ranked Tuskegee University No. 3 in the nation in its ranking of top baccalaureate colleges. Tuskegee is also among the top universities in the nation when it comes to producing the largest number of black Ph.D. engineering graduates. It is the only historically black college or university to have a doctoral program in veterinary medicine, which has produced more than 75 percent of all African - American veterinarians. It is the leading producer of African - American graduates in chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, and in aerospace science. And it has the first nursing baccalaureate program established in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States. Once more, it has produced more African - American general officers in the military than any other institution, including the service academies. Among those officers who are alumni was Daniel “Chappie” James, the first African- American four-star general. Other alumni of note have included Ralph Ellison, the first African - American winner of the National Book Award for his novel “The Invisible Man,” the recording artist Lionel Richie and Tom Joyner, founder and host of the first nationally syndicated urban radio morning program. Not only is Tuskegee ranked best or first in a number of educational endeavors, the evidence is clear that if not for the existence of Tuskegee for the last 130 plus years, there would be a tremendous void in the number of African - American professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and veterinary medicine, as well as an array of other fields of endeavor. The simple fact is that Tuskegee University is a unique and irreplaceable asset for our nation.
“Tuskegee gives students an amazing experience. Its family atmosphere and caring faculty make this a wonderful university. We are very proud to be a part of the Tuskegee legacy.” Alexandria Marie Wilson senior political science student from Grandview, Mo.
The Tuskegee University Mission
Tuskegee University is a national, independent, state-related institution of higher learning located in the State of Alabama. The university has distinctive strengths in the sciences, architecture, business, engineering, health and other professions, all structured on solid foundations in the liberal arts. In addition, the university’s programs focus on nurturing the development of high-order intellectual and moral qualities among students and stress the connection between education and the highly trained leadership Americans need in general, especially for the work force of the 21st Century and beyond. The university seeks to have students whose technical, scientific, and professional prowess have been not only rigorously honed, but also sensitively oriented in ways that produce public-spirited graduates who are both competent and morally committed to public service with integrity and excellence. Over the past century, various social and historical changes have transformed this institution into a comprehensive and diverse place of learning with a fundamental purpose to develop leadership, knowledge and service for a global society. Committed deeply to academic excellence, the university admits highly talented students of character and challenges them to reach their highest potential. The university also believes strongly in equality of opportunity and recognizes that exquisite talent is often hidden in students whose finest development requires unusual educational, personal and financial reinforcement. The university actively invites a diversity of talented students, staff and faculty from all racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds to participate in this educational enterprise. The special elements of the university’s mission are: instruction, discovery and engagement.
“What makes Tuskegee University so special is the people and the culture of the place. When you need help, the teachers are always there to work with you. Tuskegee molds you and humbles you. It has made me a better man.” Antonio Minifield, 4th year architecture student from Birmingham, Ala.
Looking Forward
The commitment to making Tuskegee University one of the premier research universities in the world brings with it a number of demands for expansion and resources. One of the first goals set by Rochon is to increase the student enrollment almost twofold, to about 5,000 students in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. In order to accommodate the needs of this expanded enrollment, there will be a corresponding need for capital improvements such as state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, and residence halls. Research infrastructure and technology enhancements will be a significant requirement. Additionally, there will also be a need for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial support for students, as well as financial support for more faculty, including endowed chairs, professorships and other research and teaching capabilities, and new academic programs. Meanwhile, the necessity of addressing deferred maintenance issues with the current physical plant will be paramount. The launching and eventual fulfillment of the $250 million “Programmed for Excellence” campaign is, therefore, a pressing priority for the university. Indeed, it is anticipated that the funds raised by the campaign and the capabilities that emerge as a result will enable the university to attract significant and substantial research funding that will further build its capacity to strive to become a premier research university.
“Tuskegee University has a proud and distinguished history. Our task now is to fulfill the legacy handed to us and raise the funding it needs to go to the next level and become a nationally ranked comprehensive research university. By working together, we can and will make this campaign yet another triumph for beloved alma mater.” Felker W. Ward Jr. Chair of the Board Development Committee
Funding Priorities
The challenge to Tuskegee University is to not only remain competitive among its peers, but also to become strong enough across a range of indicators of academic excellence so that it will join the ranks of premier research universities in the nation and the world. In order to achieve those goals, the university must attract the financial resources necessary to furnish its capabilities for faculty and students, and for education, research and community service. The Tuskegee University of the future must be able to afford the best, state-of-the art classrooms and laboratories, nationally prominent faculty, and nationally competitive students. And all of this must be done in the context of Tuskegee’s historical mission of serving diverse peoples worldwide with a particular focus on celebrating the cultures and serving the needs of people of African descent. Accordingly, the university’s “Programmed for Excellence” campaign has set a fund-raising strategy with funding priorities in these key areas: capital improvements, endowment, scholarships and fellowships, faculty and staff support, and academic support. The particulars of those funding priorities are as follows.
Funding Priorities
Capital Improvements - New Buildings, Facilities, Infrastructure and Upgrades - $146 Million The university has a pressing need for several new buildings and facilities so that it can provide world-class classrooms, laboratories and learning environments. Technology plays an increasing role in education and research, and as today’s world has taught us, technology can become obsolete in a matter of a few years and sometimes less time. Preeminent faculty and students expect and even demand current, state-of-the-art technology. Anything less is not acceptable. Moreover, in order to compete for major research funding, this capability is an absolute requirement. There are multiple naming opportunities throughout these projects. Among the buildings or facilities for which the university seeks funding are: • A new clinical building for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health • Improvements to laboratories and instrumentation for the College of Arts and Sciences • The renovation of the second floor of Henderson Hall (shared with biology and chemistry departments) and a Carver Integrative Sustainability Center for The College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences • New facilities, instrumentation and infrastructure for the College of Engineering • Facility upgrades and a new Robert R. Taylor Center for the School of Architecture and Construction Science • Upgrades of facility infrastructure and renovation of Thrasher Hall for the School of Education • A new research and administrative facility for the Health Disparities Institute for Research and Education • Renovation of the football stadium • Chapel building maintenance and upgrades
Endowed Chairs and Professorships $51 Million The single best way to recruit and retain the faculty talent necessary to propel Tuskegee University to the ranks of premier research universities is by having endowed chairs and professorships that support and reward these leading scholars. The competition for top teaching and research scholars is keen, and the financial incentives of endowed chairs and professorships that not only help pay the scholars’ salaries, but also provide facilities and support staff are necessary to attract these people to the university. There are naming opportunities in all of these programs. Endowed professorships are sought for the: Endowed chairs are sought for the: • School of Architecture and Construction Science • • • • • • •
School of Architecture and Construction Science College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Science School of Education College of Engineering College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health
• • • •
College of Arts and Sciences Chapel Health Disparities Institute for Research and Education National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care
“Tuskegee University is known the world over for its amazing achievements and the quality of its graduates. We want the world to know that our university is more than just another university; it is a truly exemplary institution that stands as a landmark of education for African-Americans and others who know it as a place where commitment, integrity, dedication, perseverance and excellence are hallmarks of its existence.” Matthew Jenkins, D.V.M. Chairman of the Tuskegee University Foundation Board of Trustees
Scholarships, Fellowships and Student Support - $35 Million Tuskegee University has always been dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the potential in students that in other circumstances would be brushed aside. It is this nurturing environment that attracts many of the great students who attend and have attended the university. However, in order to attract the great minds of the future, the university must be able to provide financial incentive to most of its students. Currently, about 72 percent of Tuskegee’s students receive some kind of financial aid, and for new students that percentage is more than 90 percent. Consequently, financial aid, scholarships and fellowships remain a vitally important factor in recruiting and retaining the competitive students who seek the benefits of a Tuskegee education. The nature of student support runs the gamut from scholarships for undergraduate students, to fellowships for graduate students, support for honors programs, summer enrichment programs, and traineeships and stipends. The need for these programs is across the board and takes the form of endowed funds and operating funds. There are naming opportunities throughout all of these programs. The ranks of Tuskegee alumni are replete with examples of success stories of people, who but for the financial support provided by the university, would never had the chance to succeed. Supporting these students is among the most rewarding experiences that a donor can have.
Faculty and Staff Support - $12 Million There is a continuing need for more and better talent among the faculty ranks of the university. In addition to the endowed chairs and professorships, there are many opportunities to support the ongoing needs to support and recruit additional faculty, lectureships, professorships and visiting scholars. Faculty is the lifeblood of a great university, and attracting and supporting that faculty is a persistent requirement. Among the priorities for faculty and staff support are the following: • • • • •
College of Arts and Sciences faculty recruitment College of Business and Information Science visiting lectureships The Chapel Religious Studies faculty and associate deans National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care associate professors and visiting scholars College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health additional faculty and staff
Academic and Other Program Support - $6 Million A number of the colleges and schools are seeking to expand and complement their curricula with additional degree offerings, new research centers, publications and programs. These initiatives are important enhancements to the rich array of education, research and community service that is currently provided by the university. Among the support needed for academic and other programs are the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
College of Business and Information Science New Master of Science Degree in Information Systems and Security Management Establishment of a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Upgrade Hospitality Management Program National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care Commemoration and Public Health Ethics Intensive Course Master of Arts in Humanities Bioethics Program Implementation Journal on Spheres in Ethics Chapel Community support All-University Worship honorariums School of Education Administrative support for academic and other programs
Giving to Tuskegee University
Giving to Tuskegee University and The “Programmed for Excellence” Campaign Gifts to the “Programmed for Excellence” campaign can take two forms: outright giving, in which the donor makes an immediate gift of cash, securities or other property; and a pledge commitment, payable over three to five years.
The ways to give include the following:
Gifts of Cash
Gifts of Real Estate
Gifts of cash may be made by check, electronic bank draft, wire transfer, credit card or money order.
Real estate may be given after approval by the university.
Marketable Securities Marketable securities are valued at the average of the high and low quoted selling price on the date the donor officially transfers control of the assets to Tuskegee University.
Gifts-In-Kind Gifts-in-kind are non-cash donations of materials or long-lived assets. Gifts-in-kind should be reported at the face or fairmarket value.
Planned Giving Other Assets Other assets, such as tangible personal property, may also be given to the university subject to review by appropriate officers of the university.
Matching Gifts Many corporations have established programs whereby the company matches or multiplies contributions made by active and sometimes retired employees or directors.
Planned giving enables philanthropic individuals to make larger gifts than they could make from their income. A planned gift is any major gift made in lifetime or death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. Some planned gifts provide life-long income to the donor and help the donor maximize the benefit to the university and minimize its impact on the donor’s estate. Planned giving can be made with cash, appreciated securities or stock, real estate, artwork, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance or a retirement plan.
If you have an interest in making an investment in Tuskegee University through any of these methods, a representative of Tuskegee University will work with you and your advisers to assure that your gift is the greatest possible benefit to you and the university. Naming opportunities are available, and a university representative would be happy to explore those opportunities with you.
For more information, please contact: Virgil E. Ecton Vice President for Federal Affairs and Director of the Capital Campaign 202-863-9384 vecton@mytu.tuskegee.edu
Or Tuskegee University Office of Development 326 Kresge Center Tuskegee, Alabama 36088 334-727-8540 334-727-8195 www.tuskegee.edu
“THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY A TRUE LEADER IN THE WORLD OF HIGHER EDUCATION.”
“I would not trade my experience in the Tuskegee University College of Business and Information Sciences for any other undergraduate education. With exacting standards, professors held me constantly accountable for peak performance in the classroom. They seemed to see in me a potential, which exceeded my own ideas for personal achievement. My career has taken me from the Tuskegee classroom to the corporate board room, and I owe much of my success to what I learned during my time at Tuskegee.� Barron Witherspoon Sr. alumnus B.S. Economics, 1985, Vice President Global Operations Procter and Gamble