By Hazel Scott/ASU
In Montgomery, Alabama, a remarkable partnership is shaping the future of engineering education. On Thursday, May 5, 2026, Alabama State University received a $50,000 donation from Hyundai’s Genesis Gives program to advance STEM education and support the University’s Mechanical Engineering program and its STEM summer program.
“On behalf of Alabama State University, we thank Genesis and Hyundai for their contributions to Alabama State University and all the things they are doing to help our engineering program and O’ Mother Dear move forward,” said Jimmy Morris, Jr., chairman of the ASU Foundation Board.
Morris also expressed gratitude to Genesis and Hyundai for their ongoing commitment to the University’s growth.
Dr. Willie S. Rockward, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, highlighted how Hyundai's donation acts as crucial fuel to elevate the mechanical engineering program.
“This donation is a major impact for our mechanical engineering students and our program, especially in getting it off the runway and bringing it to greater heights. We look forward to continuing this partnership and having a strong manufacturing component within our mechanical engineering department…Thank you for your support,” said Rockward.
Rockward emphasized the importance of nurturing a talent pipeline through initiatives like the STEM summer program, which engages students as early as middle school.
Thomas Threadwell, chief administrative officer at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, praised ASU for producing career-ready graduates who are vital to the region’s workforce, especially in STEM fields. He reiterated Hyundai’s excitement about partnering with ASU to prepare both today’s and tomorrow’s innovators.
“I have lived my life in this community, and Alabama State University is widely recognized as a premier institution in the state of Alabama. We are truly blessed to have the University in Montgomery. Under Dr. Ross’s leadership, Alabama State has done a tremendous job of producing what I would call career-ready or workforce-ready students…. We like to thank Alabama State for the work that you do, and we are excited to partner with you in supporting your efforts in producing not only the workers of tomorrow but of today,” explained Threadwell.
Genesis continues to invest in future leaders by expanding learning opportunities, said Brandon Ramirez, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hyundai. He announced the $50,000 donation to support the STEM summer program and engineering scholarships, reflecting Genesis’s belief in empowering students to realize their full potential.
“Genesis is grounded in the belief that when students are empowered with opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve. So today, I’m thrilled to announce that Genesis will be donating $50,000 to Alabama State University to support their STEM summer program and invest in their engineering program,” added Ramirez.
The donation reinforces the “CommUniversity” partnership between Hyundai and ASU in preparing students for future career opportunities in Alabama.
“I thank the donors and express pride in preparing students for successful careers, especially through the summer program that will be implemented this year. This investment is a vital step toward nurturing the brightest minds who will shape the future workforce and the nation. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to education, innovation, and community development in the River Region, promising a strong future for STEM education and the next generation of engineers,” said Col. Gregory Clark, ASU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement and executive director for ASU Foundation.
Clark noted that with Hyundai’s support, Alabama State University’s Mechanical Engineering Program is equipped with cutting-edge resources and industry connections, helping students thrive in their careers.
“This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to education, innovation, and community development in the River Region, promising a strong future for STEM education and the next generation of engineers."