HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The end of an era!
Alabama A&M University President Dr. Andrew Hugine will retire after twelve years of leadership at the school.
FOX54's Keneisha Deas had a virtual sitdown with the president on the past, present, and future of the university.
FOX54 Keneisha Deas: What were the challenges during the pandemic?
Dr. Hugine: Transition rapidly to remote education, remote learning remote ways of operating the university and that was fortunate because we became more efficient process.
Dr. Hugine: Our students really have embraced that. See them walking around campus and they still have a mask on because they want to be sure that they are here they love so we are fortunate.
Dr. Hugine: There is still a need for a new Student Union on the campus. And there's also an employee news Research Center and STEM.
Dr. Hugine: “When you look at our graduation rate, it’s not where we'd like it to be. But one of the driving factors is as soon as just don't have the dollars and resources that's necessary. For them to come back to the institution.”
FOX54 Keneisha Deas: You said your greatest highlight was seeing students graduate?
Dr. Hugine: 70% of the students are coming from and receiving Pell Grants, so that we immediately transitions them from one socio-economic standard to another.
FOX54 Keneisha Deas: What’s your thoughts on the search for the school’s inocming president, Dr. Daniel Wims?
Dr. Hugine: Well qualified they couldn't have identified a better person to replace getting here at the helm. phenomenal in terms of working as a partner in advancing this institution.
FOX54 Keneisha Deas: What’s next for you and the First Lady?
Dr. Hugine: “It's time now for me to work with her to do some of the things that she wants to do. And she loves to travel.”
Hugine’s retirement celebration roast will be December 11th, and his official last day is December 31st.
President-elect Dr. Daniel Wims will assume leadership on January 1st.