TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Today, the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Brown ’86 as the university’s 10th president and chief executive officer. Dr. Brown’s selection is the first time in Tuskegee’s nearly 143-year history that an alum will lead the university. He will begin his tenure on July 1.

The Board of Trustees approved the retired Air Force Major General’s nomination after several talented leaders stepped forward to succeed Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, the university’s ninth president.

“The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough search process, considering candidates from across the nation, and was impressed by Dr. Brown’s vision, expertise, and passion for higher education,” said Norma Clayton, Chair of the Tuskegee Board of Trustees. “Working with the Board, we are confident that he will provide a clear vision, direction, strong, leadership, and guidance to evolve and grow the university.”

Most recently, Dr. Brown served as president and chief executive officer of the Student Freedom Initiative based in Washington, D.C. The Student Freedom Initiative is the vision of billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith after his historic gift to eliminate the student loan debt of the Morehouse College class of 2019.

As the first President and Chief Executive Officer, he and his staff provided four components to 63 HBCUs, which also includes two Tribal Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions. The capabilities include agreements to fund any educational attendance requirements beyond what is paid for through Federal programs, such as Pell Grants, Work-Study, and Federal Student Loans. SFI is also focused on elevating the communities around its school by providing critical resources such as access to highspeed broadband, cybersecurity upgrades, affordable living spaces and solar energy.

“I am grateful and humbled by the Board of Trustees, Faculty, Alumni, Students, Community Leaders, and all of Mother Tuskegee for the opportunity to return home to lead our University into the second quarter of the 21st Century,” said Dr. Brown. “Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Morris, I am convinced that Tuskegee is well positioned to continue its global impact by producing students ready for leadership in our rapidly changing world, yet grounded in the journey of our forefathers. Gwen and I can’t wait to get started!.”

“HCF is excited about the next chapter of leadership for Tuskegee University as the Board of Trustees have selected alumnus Dr. Mark Brown as Tuskegee’s 10th president and chief executive officer,” said HCF Founder, President and CEO Demetrius Johnson Jr. “We are confident that Dr. Brown’s vision, expertise, and passion for not just higher education but for his beloved alma mater, Mother Tuskegee will see magnificent transformation under his leadership. We pledge our support to Dr. Brown and First Lady Gwendolyn and send our best wishes to the President-Elect.”

Dr. Brown received his bachelor’s from Tuskegee in accounting, earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy University, a Master’s of Strategic Studies from the Air Command and Staff College, a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and his doctorate in Education from Baylor University.

Also, Dr. Brown’s extensive executive experience includes the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and the Robert and Edith Broad Academy of Urban School Superintendents, now hosted at the Yale School of Management.

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