Executives from Auburn University and Tuskegee University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand university partnerships and collaborate on public relations.
The MOU is a commitment to combine resources and intellectual capacity to address racial and health disparities in communities across Alabama. Through faculty research and outreach, both universities will work to address lack of access to healthcare and other social and health inequalities.
“This partnership with Tuskegee University is a win-win for everyone, especially our students, researchers and our outreach team,” said Christopher Roberts, president of Auburn University. “As a land grant agency, it is important to work to address inequalities that limit opportunities for people in underserved areas. I am confident that the collaboration resulting from this agreement will benefit students from both universities as well as our neighboring communities.”
Leaders from Auburn University, Tuskegee University and the institutional communities gather at Tuskegee University for a ceremony celebrating a new partnership. (Tanisha Stephens)
Tuskegee University Provost Keith Hargrove welcomes guests including Auburn President Christopher Roberts and Tuskegee President Charlotte Morris at a ceremony celebrating a new memorandum of understanding between Auburn University and Tuskegee University address the racial and health disparities in Alabama communities. (Tanisha Stephens)
Auburn University’s Royrickers Cook, Vice President of Public Affairs and Associate Provost, speaks about the potential of the new partnership between Auburn and Tuskegee University as Auburn President Christopher Roberts and Tuskegee President Charlotte Morris look on. (Tanisha Stephens)
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts and Tuskegee University President Charlotte Morris sign a memorandum of understanding that will align the two land-grant institutions on community initiatives that address racial and health disparities in Alabama communities deal with (Stefan Smith / Tuskegee University)
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, left, and Tuskegee Mayor Lawrence Haygood show their support for a new Memorandum of Understanding signed between Auburn University and Tuskegee University that will use collaboration to address racial and health disparities in Reaching out to communities across Alabama. (Stefan Smith / Tuskegee University)
The agreement is the latest in a series of partnerships between Auburn and Tuskegee.
“This partnership demonstrates the ability of our combined land grant missions to improve the quality of life for Alabama citizens,” said Vini Nathan, Auburn University interim provost. “Both institutions have long been committed to addressing health disparities in our state. Through these collaborations, we bring our faculty, staff, students and programs together to directly serve our communities.”
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The collaboration includes a 10-member committee to review and recommend proposals to university presidents for prioritization in seeking state and federal assistance. The collaboration team will focus on academic programs, research and development, outreach and community engagement.
“The impact of this partnership will benefit the students of both schools and the surrounding communities where we are based,” said Tuskegee Provost Keith Hargrove. “By pooling our resources, we will be able to achieve greater reach in the development of cutting-edge academic programs and research and development opportunities, while deepening our engagement and reach in the community.”
The agreement represents a commitment based on the understanding that communities of color do not have adequate access to health care.
“As we focus on innovative ways to introduce our students to research and educational opportunities to keep them at the forefront of their fields, partnering with Auburn University helps expand their experience,” said Tuskegee- President Charlotte Morris.
This story previously appeared on Auburn University’s website.
