Tuskegee University has named Dr. Mark Brown as the 10th president of the institution per a release obtained by HBCU Pulse. Brown is an alumnus of Tuskegee University, where he began his illustrious career by earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He succeeds previous president Charlotte P. Morris, who announced her retirement in November 2023.

Dr. Brown expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to Tuskegee University in a statement, saying, “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. 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!”

Dr. Brown’s appointment follows a comprehensive search process conducted by Tuskegee University’s Board of Trustees. Norma Clayton, Chair of the Board, said, “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. 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.”

Dr. Brown brings an extensive executive experience from programs at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and the Robert and Edith Broad Academy for Urban School Superintendents, now hosted at the Yale School of Management. His global experience includes roles in the Philippines, Spain, England, Turkey, and Iraq, as well as several high-level financial management positions within the U.S. Department of Defense.

After graduating from Tuskegee, he pursued 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 a doctorate in Education from Baylor University.

During his 32-year career in the United States Air Force, he ascended to the rank of Major General and held the position of Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command (AETC) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas. In this role, he supervised the recruitment, training, and education of Air Force personnel, overseeing a vast command that included the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered Air Forces, and two prestigious graduate and doctoral degree-granting institutions: Air University and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

After his military service, Dr. Brown became the COO of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, overseeing a lending portfolio worth $1.7 trillion. He later served as the President and CEO of the Student Freedom Initiative in Washington, D.C. This non-profit, established by philanthropist Robert F. Smith, aims to reduce student loan debt and offer vital support to HBCUs.

Dr. Brown is set to begin his tenure on July 1st.