Tuskegee University's President to Retire in 2010

by MJMdeO | March 23, 2009 at 07:43 am

446 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

Tuskegee, Ala. (March 21, 2009) -- One of the longest serving presidents in higher education, Benjamin F. Payton of Tuskegee University, has announced his plans to retire.

Payton announced to the school's board of trustees, student’s, faculty and staff on Saturday, that he will retire June 30, 2010.

During Payton's tenure, Tuskegee broadened its educational offerings, in addition to changing its name from Tuskegee Institute to Tuskegee University in reflection of that shift.

Tuskegee has held a prominent role in the history of black higher education and a tradition of long-serving presidents, starting with Booker T. Washington. Since its founding in 1881, the university has had only five presidents.

"He has led the university through some very tough times -- to its current status of financial stability, academic excellence and even distinction in athletics," Andrew Brimmer, chairman of the board of trustees said.

Payton, a native of Orangeburg, S.C., holds earned degrees from South Carolina State University, Harvard University, Columbia University and Yale University.

He came to Tuskegee University from the Ford Foundation in New York, where he served as senior program officer in higher education and research for nine years.