financially challenging time and season of presidential transition. Over the last 16 months, Merkerson financially committed herself to the school–the first time with a donation in February 2024. The second time occurred this year during commencement–a welcomed graduation gift of $1 million that brought tears and rousing applause from attendees and graduates. “I was moved by the history, the students who had gone there and done amazing things in our world,” said Merkerson, who delivered Talladega’s class of 2025 commencement speech before making the announcement. “Hearing how the college started, there were just so many things that connected with me. Then I heard they were having difficulties.” Tough Times Turn Into Triumph for Talladega In the fall of 2024, the college found itself in the national
spotlight when faculty didn’t receive regular payroll checks which was followed by the resignation of its 21st president, Dr. Gregory Vincent. Then came cuts to several athletic programs and the inability to honor vendor contracts. The college’s student body population decreased by 31% or 837 students, impacting its tuition and fee revenues, according to Higher Ed Dive. Finally, unpaid student tuition and fees hurt the institution’s bottom line. Under Dr. Willie L. Todd, who was named the 22nd president in May, in addition to a committed board of trustees and solid partnerships including Hope Credit Union and Merkerson, Talladega is finding solid ground, according to board of trustee members. “I had a phone call with Epatha a week before commencement and in her normal mode of conversation she said, ‘by the way I’m donating $1 million,’ like she was saying, ‘Hi, how you doing?’
said board of trustees member and Class of 1985 alumna Essye Miller. “To see it all come to fruition on commencement … it was a very visceral moment. When the crowd erupted, it was just an emotional moment. You think about a population that has not had that experience before. The class of 2025 students didn’t have a real connection with her the way some of us did, but because she had made herself a part of the class of 2025, it was just a moment.”
that,” said Lewis-Payton, a retired healthcare CEO who closely identifies with Merkerson’s current NBC character, a hospital CEO. “She is proudly saying she now has a degree from an HBCU. I’m so struck that she was driven to make this type of transformative gift. She has come to know us in a very real way. We will also make very conscious efforts to include her in the programs where she feels passionate. Whenever we need her to be here, she will.” In addition to settling immediate needs, Talladega plans to establish a scholarship and endowment with Merkerson’s donation. Officials also said Merkerson will be involved in how the money is distributed and stated that her involvement is not just “a one and done.” “Having the honor of being the oldest private school in Alabama is not to be lost,” said Miller. “There is a reason the school is here and we need to continue
In addition to giving the commencement address,
Merkerson received an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree. She was seen blowing through the campus like a proud Tornado, gathering on the yard amongst graduates and alumni of the school’s fraternities and sororities, said board of trustees member and Talladega alumna Rica Lewis- Payton.
“I know she will continue to do
1 9 | HBCU TIMES FALL ISSUE 2025
Powered by FlippingBook