America commemorated its 250th year of independence this year on July 4 – a bittersweet celebration for the country amid political debate, controversial policy rollbacks and protest. The day was hard to celebrate for many, particularly those of the Black diaspora. But not for Tuskegee University.
This July 4, Tuskegee celebrated its 145th founding day. It is a comparable type of independence as the university boasted its own mark and impact on American history. It will continue that energy during its 102nd homecoming, kicking off November 1. “The terms are just right: home, coming,” said Tuskegee University President and CEO Mark Brown, Ph.D. “It’s a family affair, it is a reunion of sorts. We’re going to celebrate the larger family that makes Tuskegee what it is, our families that go back years and generations … and the larger family that you formed when you were a student here that may not be your blood family. Our homecomings are unique.” But when Brown says Tuskegee Homecoming is not only the greatest, but the most unique, his energy conveys it is the truth. From the state of the university address and Sunday convocation, to the golf tournament and their signature inside-the-stadium tailgate, Tuskegee Homecoming is full of tradition and nuance that excites students and alumni alike year after year. “I don't think I've gone anywhere else where they tailgate inside the stadium during homecoming, but we tailgate inside the stadium,” said Brown, who graduated from the institution in 1986. “At Tuskegee, we’re known for producing the greatest homecoming ever. That’s my unbiased view of it. We make sure the products are cross generational. The things that we do, what we celebrate, the families that we celebrate, the tone that we strike… go to all generations. We also put a very special effort on our state of the university address.” Across the board of universities and colleges, homecoming is the ephemeral all-class reunion where students and alumni spanning several generations share sacred space on campus yards, in chapels and auditoriums, and off campus
at parks and party venues. For Brown, Tuskegee Homecoming starts on the Hill, the historic meet up place on high. “The best thing I’ve ever done at homecoming is to stand up on the Hill and just look and watch as people see each other, run to embrace, hug and begin to reminisce,” he said. This year, under the theme, “Homecoming 102: A Renaissance Family Affair,” Tuskegee promises another full schedule including a concert, a pan-hellenic step show, speakers, space for local and national companies to promote their products and services, capped off by the football game versus Miles College, also located in Alabama. It also promises a half-time performance by the Marching Crimson Pipers that will have all attendees on their feet. “I cannot recall too many of the teams we played during Homecoming because it was all about the band,” said Sheronda Sealey, class of 1999, who enrolled at Tuskegee in her 20s after serving in the Army. “We were smashed like sardines before the band, and after half time, we sparsed out just singing and dancing. It was all of the energy being elbow to elbow with people that you've been with for four years, and still after 30-something years.” Brown said the campus will celebrate “what our ancestors left us and what we hope to leave behind.”
FIRST ALUMNUS TO LEAD TUSKEGEE As the first Tuskegee alumnus leading the institution in its 145-year history, Brown said returning home as president and CEO is the honor of his life. Having served as chief operating office of the Education Department Office of Federal Student aid managing a portfolio of $1.7 trillion, Brown was responsible for Title IV funding – an indication that his Tuskegee accounting degree, combined with graduate degrees from Troy University, Air Command and Staff College, National War College and a doctorate from Baylor University, equipped him to take the wheel at the No. 4 ranked HBCU. He is too humble to take credit for accomplishments during his first two years, stating he does very little by himself, crediting his cabinet members, faculty and students for the last two years of Tuskegee’s success. Installed as the university’s 10th president in July 2024, Brown rolled out Tuskegee University Global Campus in the fall of 2024, adding 3,000 students to the institution’s rolls. The virtual undergraduate and graduate degree program allows students to affordably attend Tuskegee. The institution is planning to open an agriculture and aerospace public charter school for grades 8 through 12 to help funnel college-ready students to Tuskegee. Brown also unveiled, this year, a lucrative opportunity for students: adding certification courses in trades like HVAC or robotics.
Brown said the campus will celebrate “what our ancestors left us and what we hope to leave behind. "
HBCU TIMES FALL ISSUE 2026 | 2 9
Powered by FlippingBook