Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
Nearly 300 high-achievers streamed into the Tuskegee University Chapel today, most soon to be Golden Tigers in the fall.
“You are where you need to be,” said Dr. Mark. A. Brown, president and CEO, to the top tier high school seniors already confirmed as Presidential Scholars, Merit Scholars and Tuskegee/State grant recipients for the fall semester.
“You have already proven you have the talent, and as your college careers begin, Tuskegee is here to grow the discipline and expertise you will need to do incredible things in the world with a Tuskegee education,” he said.
The cost of a college education remains the single most prohibitive barrier to completing one, regardless of a student’s academic excellence –and not having one, and the workforce ready skills it can provide, remains the costliest determining factor in chronic lack of economic stability and generational wealth, especially for students of color.
Tuskegee University continues to address that narrative through merit-based scholarships for the best of the best from around the country, today welcoming more than 300 high-achieving students to campus today for the 2026 Scholars Day, an exclusive day-long experience where students and their parents meet faculty, connect with current students, explore academic program, learn about research, internships and career pathways possible through a Tuskegee education.
Dr. Brown was frank with the talented students, who are used to excelling at the high school level, about the accelerated challenges of college.
“This is a hard academia, the speed will pick up, no excuses will be accepted, there will be rigor in the classroom but that’s how get to be ranked
No. 1 in social and economic mobility,” he said.
Dr. Courtney Griffin, Director of Admissions, celebrated and congratulated both the students and the parents who brought the scholars to this moment.
“Each student here has earned a merit-based scholarship because of your hard work, your academic excellence and your leadership. You have already been distinguished as a leader on your campus and, now invite you to do the same at Tuskegee. we want you to do the same at Tuskegee.”
She added that Tuskegee’s legacy of excellence is also shaped in its unique commitment to care for students “when life happens.”
“Why Tuskegee? We are truly a family here. Everyone here is loved,” Dr. Griffin said. “We know that college is not only an academic decision, it is decision based on trust. Tuskegee will be here not only to support and challenge them in the classrooms, but to cherish, uplift and encourage them every step of the way.”
Students had the opportunity to engage with administrators, deans, and student leaders, gaining valuable insight into the Tuskegee experience. Families participated in informative sessions covering financial aid, enrollment, housing, and the admissions process to ensure a seamless transition into college life. Additionally, scholars enjoyed a campus tour and lunch at Tompkins Hall cafeteria, offering them a firsthand glimpse into student life at Tuskegee University.
“Think about this – when you go across that stage at Chappie James, you will do it primarily debt-free,” said Dr. Brown. “Let’s all make an agreement – me, you, your parents, and our faculty and staff – we will do our part to make that happen. The outcome will be amazing. It will be profound.”
© 2026 Tuskegee University
