The Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Friday, February 21, at the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room on campus, making significant decisions regarding academic programs, campus infrastructure, and institutional policies.
The meeting began with recognition of the life and service of late Board Chairman Dr. Roderick Dewayne Watts who was honored during a campus memorial service Friday morning.
The Board approved several curriculum changes to align with industry demands and expand academic opportunities. A new sports analytics concentration; new piano pedagogy and music industry concentrations within the music performance program; and a pre-law track in English were approved along with a revised English minor and an updated general music concentration.
The Department of English and Foreign Languages was renamed English and Modern Languages, and the M.Ed. in instructional leadership was replaced with a non-degree certificate in instructional leadership. Online programs in psychology and systems and materiel engineering were also expanded.
Campus and Policy Updates
The Board approved acquiring property on John F. Kennedy Circle and an easement agreement with the State of Alabama. Other key governance and administrative changes include:
- Establishing a Real Estate Foundation
- Approving the University’s Mission and Vision Statements
- Restructuring administrative roles, including:
o Eliminating the Director of Military Affairs position
o Creating new roles: Assistant Vice President of Military Affairs and Director of Community Affairs
Renaming of Campus Facilities and Offices
Several campus facilities and offices were renamed to reflect their evolving roles:
- Office of Disability Services → Office of Accessibility & Accommodations
- Student Health and Wellness Center → University Fitness & Recreation
- Student Conduct and Community Standards → Student Conduct & Community Standards
- Marching Maroon and White Band Camp → Author B. Wesley Summer Band Camp
The Board also introduced new policies and student leadership initiatives including a new housing policy for scholarship students and the creation of a new Mister AAMU student leadership position.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Auburn University to strengthen research collaboration also received approval. These initiatives reflect Alabama A&M University’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth.
