SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY — Two historically Black colleges and universities have joined forces to create new educational opportunities for students seeking advanced degrees.
Alabama State University and Morris Brown College recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will establish a direct pathway for Morris Brown graduates to pursue master’s degrees at Alabama State University.
The agreement was formally announced during a June 16 signing ceremony on Alabama State’s campus in Montgomery and is aimed at increasing access to graduate education while strengthening collaboration between HBCUs.
Under the partnership, qualified Morris Brown graduates will have streamlined access to several of Alabama State’s graduate programs. Areas of study include business administration, cybersecurity, data analytics, health care administration, information technology, biotechnology, and education.
Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. described the agreement as an important step toward expanding opportunities for students and advancing the shared mission of both institutions.
“This historic collaboration is a testament to the commitment of both institutions in fostering educational opportunities and supporting student success,” Ross said. “We are prepared to receive you.”
Morris Brown President Dr. Kevin E. James said Alabama State’s mix of online and traditional classroom instruction helped make the partnership especially attractive for students looking to continue their education.
“What’s attractive about the partnership is that ASU has in-person and online options,” James said. “This gives our students access and opportunities to complete their graduate degrees.”
In addition to graduate degree opportunities, the agreement creates new certification pathways through Alabama State’s College of Education. The initiative will allow Morris Brown graduates interested in becoming teachers to pursue certification, including individuals who did not complete a traditional undergraduate teacher preparation program.
Education leaders say the partnership reflects a growing effort among HBCUs to collaborate on student success initiatives and create seamless pathways for academic advancement.
The agreement comes during a period of renewed growth for Morris Brown College. The Atlanta-based institution regained accreditation in April 2022 through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools after operating for nearly two decades without accreditation following its loss in 2002.
College officials view the new partnership as another significant milestone in Morris Brown’s ongoing revitalization and expansion of academic opportunities.
Several administrators from both institutions participated in the signing ceremony, including Alabama State Provost Dr. Carl Pettis, Morris Brown Provost Dr. Jamie Jamison, and Dr. Anthony Broughton, dean of Alabama State’s College of Education.
University leaders say the collaboration is expected to benefit students at both institutions while further strengthening the legacy and impact of HBCUs in preparing future leaders across a variety of professions.