Mark Brown will be Tuskegee University’s 10th president and chief executive officer. The selection is the first time in Tuskegee’s nearly 143-year history that an alum will lead the university.
Charlotte P. Morris, the current president, was appointed in 2021 and has served in various roles at the school for 40 years.
“The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search process, considering candidates from across the nation, and was impressed by Dr. Brown’s vision, expertise, and passion for higher education,” said Norma Clayton, chair of the Tuskegee Board of Trustees, in a statement Wednesday. “Working with the board, we are confident that he will provide a clear vision, direction, strong leadership, and guidance to evolve and grow the university.”
Brown received his bachelor’s from Tuskegee in accounting and earned master’s degrees from Troy University, the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College. He received his doctorate in education from Baylor University.
Brown, who spent 32 years in the Air Force, also served as major general in the Air Force and as a deputy commander of Air Education and Training Command. He also worked as the chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid. His last role was as president and chief executive officer of Robert F. Smith’s Student Freedom Initiative, where he worked on student aid programs.
According to the most recent tax information publicly available, Morris’ was paid $384,583 by the private university in 2022. A representative for the university declined to share Brown’s salary.
“I am grateful and humbled by the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, students, community leaders, and all of Mother Tuskegee for the opportunity to return home to lead our University into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” said Dr. Brown in a press release. “Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Morris, I am convinced that Tuskegee is well positioned to continue its global impact by producing students ready for leadership in our rapidly changing world, yet grounded in the journey of our forefathers. Gwen and I can’t wait to get started!”
