51AV

The Presidential Transition Team Announces

The 12-Week Path to the Investiture

"Advancing Our Legacy, Reimagining Our Future"

 

The 51AV A&M University Presidential Transition Team has launched its 12-Week Path to the Investiture, which includes an array of activities designed to provide a forum through which AAMU's various Community Stakeholders may share critical insights regarding the future of the University. The events will culminate with the Investiture of Dr. Daniel K. Wims, the 146-year-old institution’s 12th president.

The 12-Week Path to the Investiture highlights the theme, “Advancing Our Legacy, Reimagining Our Future.” Each week features a key constituent group. The kickoff week, February 7-13, focuses on “Student Engagement.” Other weeks are as follows:

Week 2 February 14-20 “Staff Engagement”

Week 3 February 21-27 “Faculty Engagement”

Week 4 February 28-March 6 “Recruitment & Prospective Student Engagement”

Week 5 March 7-13 “Alumni Engagement”

Week 6 March 14-20 “Academic Programs”

Week 7 March 21-27 “Athletics and Affiliate Organizations”

Week 8 March 28-April 3 “Religious/Civic Groups”

Week 9 April 4-10 “Industry/Government/Partnerships”

Week 10 April 11-17 “Community/Land-grant/Agriculture/Research/Extension”

Week 11 April 18-24 “Military and Veterans Affairs”

Week 12 April 25-30 “Our Heritage, Our Vision – Investiture Week”

 

Mr. Austin Smith, the executive president of the Student Government Association, along with fellow student leaders, coordinated a series of events for Week 1, including a pep rally, which was held on February 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Elmore Gymnasium. A Chat ‘n’ Chew (“Fried Fish Friday”) with the President is slated for Friday, February 11, in the Wilson Dining Hall from 12-2 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear AAMU gear.  A Bulldog Festival, which will be held at the Student Health and Wellness Center, from 4-8 p.m. will round out the week.

 

Week 2 February 14-20 “Staff Engagement”

Transition Team member Mr. Gerald Vines and Staff Senate President Mr. Malcolm Brasher have scheduled a virtual listening session with President Daniel K. Wims that has been set for Tuesday, February 15, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. A Staff Social has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, from 3-5 p.m. at the Knight Center.

 

Week 3 February 21-27 “Faculty Engagement”

Transition Team member Dr. Jeanette Jones, President of the Faculty Senate, along with members of the Faculty Senate will host a week of activities. Faculty members will introduce a Virtual Faculty Innovation Bulletin Board (Dr. Tonya Davis) on February 21. Other activities include the creation of Faculty Wellness Zoom Rooms aimed at creating a campus culture of wellness (e.g., yoga, stress management, etc.) via the Zoom platform (Zoom ID: 849 494 2041) on February 22. On Wednesday, February 23, a Faculty Listening Session with President Wims, featuring presidential trivia may be accessed via the Zoom platform at (Zoom ID: 849 494 2041) from 12-2 p.m. Finally, a Faculty Mixer (“12 Minutes of Wims”) will be held Thursday, February 24, in the Knight Reception Center from 4-6 p.m. Door prizes will be distributed every 12 minutes.

 

Week 4 February 28-March 6 “Recruitment & Prospective Student Engagement”

Mr. Dwayne Green and the Office of Admissions will be heavily involved in the formation of Week 4 and the focus on “Recruitment & Prospective Student Engagement.” The week will run parallel to the office’s annual statewide bus tour.  

 

Week 5 March 7-13 “Alumni Engagement”

Mrs. Sandra S. Stubbs, Director of Alumni Affairs, will host a Virtual Alumni Listening Session on March 8, at 6:30 p.m. On March 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ernest Knight Center, Alumni Affairs will host a “Chat and Chew with Number 12." This event will provide an opportunity for conversation with President Wims.

 

Week 6 March 14-20 “Academic Programs”

As part of Week 6, Listening Sessions will be held with each of the University’s four colleges. Moderators will lead a panel of deans and program chairs in discussing their ideas to enhance their respective areas, to boost recruitment and identify opportunities for growth.

 

Week 7 March 21-27 “Athletics and Affiliate Organizations”

Ms. Kalisa Stanfield and other volunteers are planning fun activities that will feature many of AAMU’s “lesser known sports.” Sessions are set to include an ice cream social and informal talk with President Wims; a presidential pitch at a softball game; and recognizing new signees. Additionally, a Listening Session will be held with affiliate organizations, such as the band, choir, the Honor’s Program and others.

 

 

Week 8 March 28-April 3 “Religious/Civic Groups”

Transition team member Ms. Monica Clarke will coordinate a representative group of religious and civic leaders for a Listening Session with President Wims on Monday, March 28, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. A Community Meet and Greet will be held with Dr. Wims on Wednesday, March 30, from 3-5 p.m. in the Ernest Knight Center.

 

Week 9 April 4-10 “Industry/Government/Partnerships”

Led by Mrs. Yvette Clayton, Week 9 will highlight the University’s long-standing and growing relationships with business, industry and governmental agencies, and other partnerships. On Wednesday, April 6, at 2 p.m., a virtual Government and Industry Cluster Listening Session with President Wims will occur. On April 7 from 5-7 p.m., a Reception will be held at the Ernest Knight Center.

 

Week 10 April 11-17 “Community/Land-grant/Agriculture/Research/Extension”

A Virtual Listening Session will be held on Tuesday, April 12, from 12-1:30 p.m. discussing AAMU’s historic land-grant mission on its impact on agriculture, research and Extension.

 

Week 11 April 18-24 “Military and Veterans Affairs”

AAMU’s ROTC Program and the Office of Veterans Affairs have scheduling a number of events during their featured week. These activities include a Campus Run with President Wims and staff on Tuesday, April 19, at 6 a.m., which will be followed by a Meet and and Greet with Dr. Wims from 4-6 p.m. A Virtual Listening Session will be held on Thursday, April 21, from 12-1:30 p.m.

 

Week 12 April 25-30 “Our Heritage, Our Vision – Investiture Week”

Led by Dr. Malinda Swoope, the culminating week will feature two (2) important panel discussions moderated by President Wims. The panels, which will respectively highlight “Advancing Our Legacy” and “Reimagining Our Future” will feature invited guests including former presidents, and alumni [Tuesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 28,  12-2 p.m. via Zoom]. The week will culminate on April 29 with the Investiture of AAMU’s 12th President and a Presidential Luncheon. The optional Black-Tie Gala, featuring Avery Sunshine, will celebrate AAMU Scholarship recipients, recognize donors and honor the newly installed President Daniel K. Wims.

 

The Presidential Transition Team’s leadership includes Dr. Tonya Perry, Chair; Dr. Kylie Nash and Gerald Vines, Co-chairs; Dr. Jeanette Jones, Special Liaison to the Board of Trustees and Dr. Charlotte Teague, Secretary.