President Daniel Wims, of Alabama A&M University (AAMU), spoke to the Huntsville Rotary Club on Tuesday, January 30th. The meeting was held at Huntsville’s First Baptist Church.

Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State, introduced President Wims to the gathered Rotarians and their guests.

President Wims used the opportunity to applaud the record-setting growth of the university. He also spoke candidly about some pressing needs that A&M is currently facing.

President Wims expressed his strong desire that a closer partnership might be forged between the greater Huntsville community and Alabama A&M.

“We’re working so hard, to not just be a part of the fabric of Madison County, but to be included in the first discussions as to where this county and city are going so that we can also make a substantive contribution to the development and expansion of the city and the county,” said Wims.

To demonstrate the impact of the university on the local community, President Wims noted that 25% of A&M’s 40,000 alumni reside in the Madison County area.

President Daniel Wims, of Alabama A&M University (AAMU), addresses a crowd at the most recent Huntsville Rotary Club meeting on the University’s impact and goals for the year

The influence of A&M is also being felt statewide. President Wims said that A&M is now the largest of the HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Alabama.

Wims explained that position was held for many decades by Alabama State.

In the fall semester of 2023, Alabama A&M reached record enrollment with over 6,600 students. The same semester also saw the university welcome its largest freshman class, of over 2,000 students.

President Wims anticipates that enrollment will exceed 7,000 by the fall of 2024.

While this growth is exciting, Wims notes that specific financial burdens accompany this increase in numbers. In order to meet the needs of students, the university is experiencing pressure to increase the number of dormitories, as well as off-campus housing.

There is also an urgent need to build new facilities and renovate outdated buildings. President Wims explained that the school’s science building was constructed in the 1960s, and is now woefully outdated.

Despite clear challenges, A&M has a great deal to celebrate.

A&M’s Homecoming “has become a destination. This year we estimated that we had about 45,000 to 50,000 people on campus during Homecoming weekend. On the day of Homecoming, we had 26,391 people go through the stalls. It was a wonderful day for us and we anticipate that many, or more, for this coming year. During that time, we were able to raise a record $1.4 million for scholarships,” noted President Wims.

President Wims extended a personal invitation to those gathered at the meeting to visit A&M and see what makes it unique.

“Many of you have never been to an athletic event on our campus, you should come. It’s electric! We’re creating an environment where it’s fun, where you can bring your children and your grandchildren. Come on the campus, just come!,” said President Wims.

President Wims also expressed his pride in A&M’s Marching Maroon and White Band, who led the Macy’s Day Parade this past Thanksgiving. Wims said that it was amazing to see the Alabama A&M logo in the lights of Times Square.

Throughout his talk, President Wims enjoyed playfully ribbing UAH’s President Karr, who was in attendance. Wims teased that he did not want to reveal any of A&M’s strategies in front of Karr.

Alabama A&M University will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. The university has a goal to raise $150 million by May of 2025. Fundraising is well underway and President Wims anticipates that A&M will reach this goal.

Huntsville businesses that are interested in partnering with Alabama A&M should contact Jamal Ali, Vice President of Marketing, Communication, and Advancement at jamal.ali@aamu.edu.