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On Sunday, an ecumenical service at the Tuskegee University Chapel lifted hearts and voices as the capstone to a weekend of events celebrating the investiture of Dr. Mark A. Brown as the 10
th president and CEO of Tuskegee University.
Led by Rev. Dr. Cecil Duffie, Dean of the Chapel, the service featured choral performances from the Golden Voices, Tuskegee’s concert choir directed by Dr. Wayne A. Barr. Lauryn Montgomery, president of the Student Government Association and Student Trustee Carrington Thompson shared scripture readings during the service.
Award-winning gospel artist Vickie Winans performed “Safe in His Arms” among others and regaled the audience with her signature humor and candor.
Dr. Bill Winston ’67, senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center, served as guest speaker for the occasion, delivering a sermon that honored Booker T. Washington’s vision with a call to action to apply his example in support of students today.
He framed Washington’s example as “seeds, trees and deeds” – viewing students as seeds bursting with potential that need the soil of support from the Tuskegee community, ongoing support that must be measurable and that will require sacrifice.
“It was more than an institution, it was a family,” he said about his own experience as a Tuskegee student.
Dr. Winston presented Tuskegee with a gift of $25,000 in support of The Campaign for Tuskegee, the newly announced $300 million comprehensive fundraising effort. Dr. Winston serves as co-chair of the campaign.
Dr. Brown spoke next and about the campaign said, “We are going to get this done, as one team, together, for Mother Tuskegee.”
“We are the help that we need, and we are enough. Together, we are going to get this done.”
Dr. Brown concluded the service with a spirit of gratitude.
“I want to thank you all that have come back home, those who have traveled near and far to be here, for your time and for your prayers.”
The Campaign for Tuskegee University: Solving the World’s Most Complex Problems
The Campaign for Tuskegee University, a comprehensive campaign, began its quiet phase in 2020 and has already raised more than $168 million toward its historic $300 million goal. It is powered by the collective generosity of alumni, corporate and foundation partners, Eminent Associates, parents, students, faculty, and friends of the University. With a campaign-long goal of achieving a 33% campaign alumni giving rate by June 30, 2030, Tuskegee has already reached a 16.16% cumulative campaign alumni giving rate — a powerful signal of the growing commitment across its alumni community.
The Campaign for Tuskegee University centers on four strategic pillars that will shape the University’s future:
Academic Excellence and Workforce Preparation – Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty, investing in research, and expanding hands-on learning to prepare students for 21st-century careers.- Campus Re-Envisioning and Revitalization – Modernizing classrooms, labs, residence halls, and building new facilities, while safeguarding Tuskegee’s historic legacy.
- Community – Expanding scholarships, mentorship, wellness, and career readiness programs that empower students and strengthen alumni connections.
- Sustainability – Growing the endowment, streamlining operations, and modeling responsible citizenship to secure Tuskegee’s long-term future.
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