Tuskegee University receives $7.9 million for new cancer research facility

Rendering of Tuskegee University's new cancer research facility

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee University is one step closer to becoming a globally renowned center of excellence in cancer genomics focused on health disparities in underrepresented populations thanks to a $7.93 million grant to build a new biomedical annex to the Carver Research Center facility.

The grant proposal, authored by Dr. Clayton Yates, director of the Center for Biomedical Research, and Dr. Channapatna Prakash, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, received one of the highest scores possible of any institution that entered the national competition involving all major research universities. The competition was funded by the NIH Biomedical Research Facility for the Center for Geonomics Health Disparity Research. 

“Tuskegee has a long, rich history as an advocate for research and healthcare for the underserved community,” said Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, Tuskegee University president. “What this grant will do by funding a new facility to support our work around cancer research cannot be understated. Tuskegee’s efforts to understand cancer genomics will impact generations within this community and beyond.”

“This is the first time TU has received an infrastructure grant of this size in a competitive arena and only the second science building to be built in the past 30 years and a third one in the past 70 years,” said Dr. Prakash. “This building will be transformational in providing a 21st century science setting for our cancer genomics research and will help attract top talent as well.”

The 8,600-square-foot biomedical research building will house Tuskegee scientists focusing on computational and genomics related to health disparities. The proposed facility will expand the number of research faculty, students (graduate and undergrad) and post-doctoral fellows engaged in health disparities and biomedical research at Tuskegee.  Construction is expected to begin in Summer of 2023 and will be completed by Spring of 2025.

The research quality will be significantly enhanced due to the state-of-the-art laboratory and supporting spaces from a quantity and quality perspective. The open-floor lab design will allow the university to foster an intellectual environment that encourages scientists to work together in an integrative and interactive fashion that leverages various faculty strengths.

“This award is recognition for the dedicated effort of the faculty, staff and students within the Center for Biomedical Research (CBR) to eradicate health disparities, particularly in Alabama Black Belt,” said Dr. Yates. “We further envision that the new annex will facilitate increased publications, proposal submissions and partnerships and collaborations with other institutions, agencies and the private sector. Students, particularly African Americans and other underrepresented minorities, will receive training to become excellent biomedical research scientists, significantly benefitting from this state-of-the-art enhancement.”  

Charlotte Morris Appointed the Ninth President of Tuskegee University

The board of trustees of historically Black Tuskegee University in Alabama has named Charlotte Morris as the ninth president of the educational institution that was founded by Booker T. Washington. Dr. Morris has served as interim president on two occasions in the past.

Tuskegee University enrolls nearly 2,400 undergraduate students and about 500 graduate students according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 89 percent of the student body.

For over three decades, Dr. Morris has served in several roles at Tuskegee University including chief of staff to the president and secretary to the board of trustees. Most recently, Dr. Morris served as the director of the university’s Title III program and has acted as interim and associate dean in the Brimmer College of Business and Information Science.

“It is with great humility and honor that I accept the role of president. Having been a member of this remarkable university community for much of my professional career, it will be a pleasure to lead the university into the future,” said Dr. Morris. “I look forward to working with the entire campus community to seize the opportunities that lie ahead and continue to transform Tuskegee into a leading 21st-century living and learning environment.”

Dr. Morris is a graduate of Jackson State University in Mississippi, where she majored in business education. She holds a master’s degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, and a Ph.D. in education and business management from Kansas State University.

Tuskegee University’s Department of Architecture receives $100,000 gift to increase the number of licensed African Americans architects

Tuskegee University’s Department of Architecture has received an unparalleled contribution of $100,000 from the Cooper Carry Charitable Foundation, Inc. The gift will be used to increase access to the architecture profession for African American students.

The foundation is the charitable wing of the Cooper Carry architectural firm, located in Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Eighty thousand dollars of the gift will be used to establish new need-based scholarships for undergraduate students. Twenty thousand of the gift is designated for a student technology scholarship that will allow students to receive technology assistance by providing laptops and/or architecture design software – as Tuskegee has transitioned to remote instruction.

“Cooper Carry has a long history of supporting schools of architecture. We have an active mentoring program, offer internships, and have endowed scholarships to support the growth and development of future leaders in architecture,” explained Cooper Carry President and CEO Kevin Cantley. “We knew Tuskegee University would be the place to develop a new and meaningful partnership – and we believe it’s important to be part of actively developing diverse voices in design and architecture.”

“The leadership in the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science has supported our concept of nurturing the growth of talented young people for over two years,” Cantley further explained. “We have great respect for Tuskegee University and have hired several recent Tuskegee alumni on our team of professionals.”

Of the approximately 100,000 licensed architects in the United States, only two percent are African American – a statistic that has not changed significantly since the 1960s. The American Institute of Architect’s Large Firm Roundtable, of which Cooper Carry is a member, is an organization of 60 of the nation’s largest design firms. The roundtable firms have committed to hiring more African Americans, with an emphasis on recruitment from HBCU programs.  

“Tuskegee is one of only seven accredited architecture degree programs, which collectively account for approximately half of all African American graduates in architecture. This gift will enhance student academic success and increase our commitment to the students by making sure they are prepared when they go out into the workforce as future architects,” noted Dr. Carla Jackson Bell, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs and former dean of the school.

“Tuskegee is proud to have the distinction of having the largest percentage of licensed architects than any other architecture program in the southeast. Our students have incredible potential and through this partnership with Cooper Carry, we will be able to not only attract more students to our program, but we’ll be able to keep our current students in the program, and on track to graduate,” said Roderick Fluker, associate professor of Architecture and interim dean for the school.

About Cooper Carry

Cooper Carry provides architecture, planning, landscape architecture, interior design, environmental graphic design, branding, and sustainability consulting services. Founded in 1960, the firm specializes in the design of education, government, hospitality, mixed-use, office, residential, restaurants, retail, senior living, science + technology, and transit projects. The firm has designed projects in 45 states and globally in the Caribbean, Middle East, Asia, Africa and Central America. Cooper Carry approaches its work as a collaborative ecosystem. Its multiple studios and services come together daily to provide each project the depth of knowledge needed to meet and exceed objectives.

Cooper Carry’s leaders are advocates and authorities for their specialties, empowered by decades of expertise to make decisions that prioritize placemaking, civic space, and the greater good of communities, tenants, residents and visitors. For more information, visit Cooper Carry’s website at coopercarry.com and follow the design firm on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

© 2020, Tuskegee University

  

Ross University School of Medicine and Tuskegee University Partner to Address Physician Diversity in the U.S.

L-R: Roberta Troy, Ph.D., Provost, Tuskegee University; Lily McNair, Ph.D., President, Tuskegee University; Lisa W.
Wardell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Adtalem Global Education; William F. Owen, M.D., FACP, Dean and Chancellor, Ross University School of Medicine. 

TUSKEGEE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United States is facing a critical absence of diversity in medicine, and the disproportionately low numbers of African-American doctors is causing negative health outcomes in communities across the country. Reflecting its commitment to improve diversity among the nation’s doctors, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) has entered into an agreement with Tuskegee University in Alabama to increase the number of African-American students who enter medical school at RUSM, and ultimately become physicians. This educational pathway allows qualified Tuskegee students who earn full acceptance into the medical school to receive a scholarship covering full tuition for the first semester. These students will spend the first two years of medical school at the RUSM campus in Barbados.

RUSM has a diverse student population with 51 percent of students being persons of color. With more than 14,000 alumni, RUSM graduates practice in direct patient care in all 50 states, including a high percentage of graduates who are in the essential field of primary care. African Americans make up only six percent1 of U.S. physicians. While most U.S. medical schools had an average of eight African-American graduates this past year, RUSM had more than 80.

“Significantly greater representation in medicine is imperative to the health of our communities and our nation, and RUSM’s unique impact and portable lessons on medical school diversity promise to reduce health disparities,” said RUSM Dean and Chancellor, Dr. William F. Owen, Jr., M.D., FACP. “We are pleased to partner with Tuskegee University. By increasing the participation of underrepresented Americans in health education we promulgate an opportunity to share in social justice for health.”

“This is an exciting partnership that I expect will yield tremendous dividends for everyone involved — especially for Tuskegee University’s students, whose broadening professional opportunities will also mean a more diverse medical workforce,” said Tuskegee University President Dr. Lily D. McNair. “I look forward to the wonderful opportunities for our students and our university, as Tuskegee gains a valuable academic partner.”

“The Alabama Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs applauds Tuskegee University and Ross University School of Medicine for tackling the long-standing lack of diversity in medicine. The adverse effects stemming from a lack of access to care and the pervasiveness of health inequality have long been felt, not only across Alabama, but nationwide,” said Nichelle Williams Nix, Director of Alabama’s Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, which works with Tuskegee and the state’s other HBCUs to enhance their collective impact on Alabama’s economic and workforce development success.

RUSM recently announced similar agreements with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. As part of its continued commitment to addressing diversity in medicine, RUSM’s parent company, Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), signed on to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Partnership Challenge created by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, pledging to invest in creating strategic collaborations with HBCUs and working to increase diversity in key workforce sectors.

Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, RUSM is part of Adtalem Global Education’s medical and healthcare education vertical, which also includes American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, and Chamberlain University, the largest provider of nursing education in the United States. Adtalem is a mission-driven educator and workforce solutions provider with institutions and companies around the world, including the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Brazil.

About Tuskegee University

Located in Tuskegee, Alabama, Tuskegee University is a private, state-related and nationally ranked land-grant institution that serves a racially, ethnically and religiously diverse student body of 3,000-plus students. The institution was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington and is one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1933, Tuskegee’s academic programs — many accredited by their respective accrediting bodies — currently lead to 41 bachelor’s, 16 master’s and five doctoral degree opportunities. For more information about Tuskegee University, visit www.tuskegee.edu.

About Ross University School of Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is an institution of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. The organization's purpose is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Founded in 1978 and located in Barbados, RUSM has more than 14,000 alumni and is committed to educating a diverse group of skilled physicians. RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). For more information, please visit medical.rossu.edu and follow RUSM on Twitter (@RossMedSchool), Instagram (@rossmedschool) and Facebook (@RossMedSchool).

About Adtalem Global Education

The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading global education provider and the parent organization of Adtalem Educacional do Brasil (IBMEC, Damásio and Wyden institutions), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com and follow us on Twitter (@adtalemglobal) and LinkedIn.

Tuskegee University develops new breast cancer test

A team led by Tuskegee University researchers have developed a new way to detect the most aggressive and fatal form of breast cancer.

The university and researchers hope the new method may hold the potential for earlier detection and more informed treatment decisions.

The breakthrough was detailed in an article in PLOS ONE,a publication tied to the Public Library of Science. The article, “AR Negative Triple Negative or ‘Quadruple Negative’ Breast Cancers in African-American Women Have an Enriched Basal and Immune Signature,” shows researchers have developed a fourth testing marker to complement the other three biomarker-based methods.

Dr. Clayton Yates, a professor of biology and director of Tuskegee University’s multidisciplinary Center for Biomedical Research, published the team's findings. Support for the research come through the National Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity program, otherwise known as the U54 program.

“Scientifically speaking, our research suggests that the expression of the androgen receptor (the receptor for testosterone), should be added to the current set of prognostic markers — estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 — used to test for classify and determine the aggressiveness of breast cancer,” Yates said.

“As with any fight, you have to know your enemy. Imagine going into battle not knowing if you needed a BB gun, a shotgun, or a bazooka,” Yates said. “With this additional testing option, physicians will be able to better define the enemy and develop a more precise treatment plan. This, in turn, promises to be more effective for the patient — not to mention safer and less expensive — in the long run.”

Breast cancer currently is the second-most common cancer among females. The new testing method shows significant promise for detecting the most aggressive types of breast cancer, especially among black women. Black women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed at later stages in life and are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer after initial diagnosis.

Read more: Tuskegee University develops new breast cancer test

TOP 10 HBCU 2015/2016

Here we go again. Here are the top 10 HBCU's for the 2014 / 2015 school year as picked by US News & World Report. Did your school make the list? See if it did below:

#1

Spelman College

Atlanta, GA

Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private institution. Spelman College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.

#2

Howard University

Washington, DC

Howard University is a historically black college located in Washington, D.C. Despite its urban setting, students are permitted to bring cars to campus – though freshmen may not apply for on-campus parking.

#3

Hampton University

Hampton, VA

Hampton University, a private, historically black institution in Virginia, has graduated people such as Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King Jr., and Booker T. Washington, influential African-American educator.

 Get access to expanded profiles, financial aid statistics, GPAs and more.

#4

Morehouse College

Atlanta, GA

A private institution, Morehouse College was founded in 1867.

#5

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,588, with a gender distribution of 42.6 percent male students and 57.4 percent female students. 41 percent of students live off campus.

#6

Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA

Founded in 1915, Xavier University of Louisiana is a private institution. Xavier University of Louisiana follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.

#7

Fisk University

Nashville, TN

Fisk University is a private institution that was founded in 1866. The school has 71.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Fisk University is 13:1.

#8

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC

Claflin University was established in 1869 as a private institution. Claflin University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered least selective.

#9

North Carolina A&T State University

Greensboro, NC

North Carolina A&T State University is a historically black school in Greensboro. The Aggies sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

#10

Florida A&M University

Tallahassee, FL

Located in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University is a historically black institution that offers a range of degrees to students of all races. The university, more commonly known as FAMU, offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities to join.

10 Historically Black Schools Where Alumni Give the Most

[SOURCE] At many historically black colleges and universities, which were created to educate African-American students and are designated by the U.S. Department of Education, the average percentage of alumni giving hovers below 10 percent. But some black institutions have alumni who donate at a much higher rate, according to data submitted to U.S. News by 45 ranked institutions. Check out the top 10 schools for alumni donations below:

School name (state)	Average percentage of alumni who donate	U.S. News Historically Black Colleges and Universities ranking
Claflin University (SC)	43	7
Spelman College (GA)	37.3	1
Morehouse College (GA)	29.3	2
Tuskegee University (AL)	23	5
Livingstone College (NC)	21.4	RNP*
Central State University (OH)	19.8	34
Fort Valley State University (GA)	17.2	34
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff	13.6	RNP
Johnson C. Smith University (NC)	13.5	RNP
Tougaloo College (MS)	12.9	RNP

* RNP denotes an institution that is ranked in the bottom one-fourth of its ranking category. U.S. News calculates a rank for the school but has decided not to publish it.