By Hazel Scott/ASU
In a remarkable stride toward academic excellence, Alabama State University (ASU) has been selected to participate in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) CHANGE (Community for HBCU Advancement through Networked Growth and Excellence) Initiative, a transformative program led by TMCF in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).
This initiative, announced in 2026, aims to empower historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by enhancing teaching methods, expanding professional development opportunities, and improving student success outcomes.
"Alabama State University's selection for the TMCF CHANGE Initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and ACUE provides our faculty and staff with world-class professional development tools — from evidence-based teaching certifications to holistic support — that will directly elevate the classroom experience for every Hornet we serve. We are honored to stand alongside the nation's leading HBCUs in this transformative effort, and we look forward to the lasting impact this initiative will have on our institution and the students who depend on us to lead the way,” said Dr. Carl Pettis, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.
This partnership represents an investment of approximately $175,000 in professional development and resources, fully funded by TMCF. As one of the nation’s leading HBCUs, ASU’s involvement in the CHANGE Initiative marks a milestone in advancing educational quality and student success for years to come.
“This partnership helps strengthen our institutions at the core: in the classroom,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “Our students deserve access to the best educators in their development journey as the next generation of workforce talent. Together, this strategic partnership produces evidence-based teaching excellence, improved retention and persistence, measurable student gains and so much more.”
Through this exciting partnership, ASU faculty and staff gain access to unlimited enrollment in ACUE’s certification pathways, foundational courses on effective teaching practices, membership in ACUE Commons, and the EmpowerED program that supports well-being tailored for HBCU educators.
Dr. Rhonda M. Collier, assistant vice president of Academic Enhancement and Leadership Development and TMCF Change Initiative Program Lead at ASU, highlighted the significance of this opportunity, emphasizing the University’s dedication to academic excellence and the positive impact on every student’s classroom experience.
“The TMCF CHANGE Initiative is proof that when you invest in everyone — faculty, students, and staff — you don't just improve a program, you transform an institution. At Alabama State University, we are building change agents from the inside out,” added Collier.
Collier noted Alabama State University and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund share a bond deeply rooted in history.
“It’s a shared commitment to the advancement of Black excellence, the empowerment of HBCU communities, and the belief that education is the most powerful vehicle for social change. That relationship is not new; it is a legacy we carry forward with every student we serve,” added Collier.
The CHANGE Initiative focuses on boosting institutional capacity by strengthening infrastructure, professional development, and support systems for faculty and staff. Locally, ASU will benefit from innovations in pedagogy, online teaching excellence with AI integration, and holistic student support — efforts aligned with ASU’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan. Faculty and staff are invited to learn more during upcoming sessions at the Fall 2026 Faculty & Staff Institute.
“What makes this initiative truly distinctive is that it does not stop at the classroom door. It reaches every corner of our institution. Faculty are equipped with evidence-based teaching practices through ACUE certification pathways. Students are supported by instructors who are better prepared, more innovative, and deeply invested in their success. And critically, our staff — the backbone of this University — are included as full partners in this work through professional development, well-being support, and leadership growth opportunities,” said Collier.
About Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member schools include publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions, and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities.
About ACUE
The Association of College and University Educators is dedicated to ensuring student success through quality instruction. ACUE’s evidence-based courses prepare faculty to implement proven teaching practices that improve student outcomes.