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91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø offers over 60 academic programs to choose from.
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91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø is ranked as the #4 HBCU in the Nation.
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Get ready to take flight… because your journey to greatness starts here!
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91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø is the only HBCU to proudly offer ROTC Programs for all of the military branches, including the Space Force!
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We have over 100 student organizations on campus, and Championship sports teams for men and women!
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Dothan leaders are challenged to invest in young talent, build economic growth in region
Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO, walked into Dothan Civic Center filled with nearly 600 civic leaders, business owners, educators, community advocates, and residents with a clear message: invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators while strengthening partnerships that will drive economic growth across the Wiregrass region.
The group was gathered for the 2026 Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Luncheon, embracing incoming Chair Gina Grant’s vision of “Together We Grow.”
“Education should make life better for other people,” Dr. Brown told the audience. “91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø exists to prepare students to solve the world’s most complex problems – wherever they exist, in labs, in board rooms, in space or on farms. We are building leaders in every aspect of the human experience, from the ethical use of artificial intelligence to innovative ways to eliminate food insecurity and the scourge of cancer.”
Brown highlighted the newly established Career Advancement, Research, Vision and Entrepreneurial Readiness (CARVER) BioTrain Internship Program, a partnership between the City of Dothan, 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø, and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.
Announced earlier this year, the initiative reflects a modern-day continuation of Carver’s work by providing students with immersive experiences in biotechnology, research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community engagement.
The group of CARVER summer interns included Trinity Ellington, a senior Animal Sciences major from Fayette, Alabama, Amell Stovall IV, a senior Business Administration major from Dallas, Texas and Diarra Diagne, a senior Computer Science major from Herndon, Virginia.
Dr. Brown reported that the students shared with him that their experiences were so positive and the support from the community so welcoming that “Dothan might have just found three new citizens!” He urged leaders to extend this relationship beyond a single internship cohort in support of a long-term investment in workforce development and regional innovation – and by the conclusion of the event, firm plans were being discussed to increase the number of CARVER interns from Tuskegee.
Dr. Brown also emphasized 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø's commitment to preparing students for professional success through internships, leadership development, research, and military education. He shared the university’s recent designation as a Distinguished Military College (DMC) by the Department of War, one of only five and the only new DMC in Alabama. 
“Where better than in the state of Alabama?” he said, underscoring Tuskegee's long and illustrious history of producing military leaders. “Leadership matters. Service matters. Citizenship matters. We believe in the power of America.”
Making the alumni connection
Dr. Brown also spent time with 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø alumni in attendance, local leaders who continue to make significant contributions throughout the region.
Darlene Minniefield ‘88, is president of both the Wiregrass and Muscle Shoals Tuskegee Alumni Clubs and serves as Chaplain of the Tuskegee National Alumni Association. Local commercial and residential builder and business owner Jamar Walton ‘03, affirmed his support for the university’s growing engagement with the Wiregrass community.
Also in attendance was Delvick McKay ‘02, Personnel Director for the City of Dothan, who was instrumental in establishing the groundbreaking CARVER BioTrain Internship program.
Looking to the future
Dr. Brown encouraged Dothan-area businesses and organizations to deepen their involvement with Tuskegee students particularly because of Tuskegee’s laser focus on workforce readiness, which resulted in more than 70% of the Class of 2026 graduating last May with career-beginning roles already in hand.
“Tell me a role you can’t fill, and I will show you a Tuskegee student training to do it,” he said.
Among his recommendations were doubling the number of CARVER BioTrain internships from three to six by summer 2027, addressing housing challenges for student interns, and creating additional opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the Wiregrass.
Drawing inspiration from the historic relationship between Dothan and Tuskegee, Dr. Brown recounted how more than a century ago local leaders turned to renowned scientist George Washington Carver for solutions during the boll weevil crisis. Carver’s work helped transform agriculture throughout the region and demonstrated the power of education, innovation, and practical problem-solving. “Plant the seed. Do the work. Trust God with the outcome,” Dr. Brown said harkening back to Carver’s reliance on both his deep faith and the power of science and hard work.
He reminded those gathered that just as Dothan once turned to George Washington Carver during a time of great challenge, a new generation of Tuskegee students stands ready to answer the call today.
“The young men and women of 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø are prepared to lead, prepared to serve, and prepared to solve problems that many of us cannot yet imagine. More than one hundred years ago, Dothan called on Tuskegee because you needed someone to help solve a difficult problem. George Washington Carver answered that call. Today, a new generation of Tuskegee students stands ready to answer the calls of our time.”
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