School Spotlight: Tuskegee University

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges. As such, we are highlighting a new college each week in our School Spotlight series. Check out the college below, along with the other posts in our series, and you may just stumble upon your dream school! School Spotlight: Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama Tuskegee is one of the most acclaimed and recognized historically black universities in the country, and was one of several campuses awarded a massive donation by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2020 (to the tune of $20 million). Its mission has historically focused on the intersection of education and work preparation, so its 2,400 undergraduates are exposed to a liberal arts core, yet find an abundance of professional majors. Tuskegee was first focused on educating teachers, so it’s not surprising that multiple education degrees are offered. Students can choose to focus on elementary education, English language arts, science, or math, and there are also programs in social work and occupational therapy. The university is especially noted for its strengths in engineering: it is a leading producer of Black chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineers, and is the number one producer of Black aerospace science engineers and of Black PhDs in materials science in the U.S. Innovation in agriculture is also a theme at Tuskegee. Programs in agribusiness; animal, poultry and veterinary sciences; environmental, natural resources and plant sciences would do legendary former professor George Washington Carver proud. Students will also find a business school that offers the rare undergraduate program in supply chain management; degrees in nursing and nutrition; and programs in construction science and management, architecture, and hospitality. Tuskegee is also home to the only veterinary medical professional program at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and has educated over 70% of Black veterinarians in the U.S. Research opportunities are accessible at all levels, with undergrads able to take advantage of the Tuskegee University Office for Undergraduate Research (TUOUR), which provides summer research opportunities, internships, and practicums. The university hosts an annual research symposium where undergrads have presented on topics including assessing social justice using geographic information systems, analysis of the anti-inflammatory effects of bacteria, and infant mortality rates in America. Student support is a motif at Tuskegee. Road from Early Achievement to a Career High (REACH) offers a tutorial center, writing center, academic coaching, and career advising. This year, Tuskegee is also launching its participation in the Student Freedom Initiative, a non-profit program that seeks to boost college performance and enhance career opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM. The initiative will entail tutoring and mentoring programs, paid internships, and alternative funding opportunities. The town of Tuskegee is home to just under 10,000 residents and is about 20 miles from Auburn and 40 miles from Montgomery, the state capital. The university is the heart of the community, but visitors and residents alike also enjoy checking out the local national forest and the multiple museums related to the history of the university and its prominent educators (like George Washington Carver), leaders (like former Tuskegee president Booker T. Washington), and alumni (like soul-funk legends The Commodores). Tuskegee students are enthusiastic fans of the Marching Crimson Piper Band (plus its Piperettes and Twirling Divas) and the legendary Golden Voices Choir. The Lyceum Series has welcomed performers and thought-leaders including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ben Vereen, and Michael Eric Dyson. There is an active Greek life on campus as well as Air Force, Army, and Navy ROTC programs, while student clubs focus on everything from robotics and women in agriculture, to dietetics and soccer. Tuskegee counts 10 NCAA Division II teams—five for men and five for women—that include men’s baseball and football, women’s softball and volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, track/cross-country, and tennis. Visit the website to learn more about applying to Tuskegee as well as paying for your education at Tuskegee. Image Credit: Top, Courtesy of Tuskegee University