[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 215 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. ANDREW HUGINE, JR. AS PRESIDENT OF 
             ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

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                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2021

  Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership 
of Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., the 11th President of Alabama Agricultural 
and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M University), who is retiring on 
December 31, 2021, after 12 wonderful years of service to the 
University and the surrounding community. Dr. Hugine obtained his 
bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from South Carolina 
State University. He went on to earn his doctorate in Higher Education 
and Institutional Research from Michigan State University.
  Prior to his tenure at Alabama A&M University, Dr. Hugine served as 
the President of South Carolina State University and held numerous 
positions in education including Interim Executive Vice President and 
Chief Operating Officer; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs; 
Director of Special Services Program; Director of University Year for 
Action Program--a service-learning program; Research Fellow; Assistant 
and Director of Institutional Self-Study; Professor of Mathematics and 
high school mathematics teacher. Dr. Hugine has been recognized both 
nationally and internationally for his leadership in education and 
adept administrative skills.
  Under the exceptional guidance of Dr. Hugine, Alabama A&M University 
has made many advancements. By making bold financial decisions, 
increasing academic programs, and fostering tenacious alumni and 
student connections, Dr. Hugine dedicated himself to ensuring that the 
university is more competitive in the 21st century.
  Partnering with various organizations including, those of the 
National Pan-Hellenic Council along with the support of public and 
private entities, helped the university gain additional streams of 
external funding to increase financial opportunities for prospective 
students. As a result of Dr. Hugine's efforts, the university increased 
its total endowment by almost 50 million dollars, completing its first-
ever capital campaign raising over 27 million dollars, and establishing 
the Normal Legacy Society, which has contributed over 5 million dollars 
to the university.
  Along with financial improvements, academic programs have shown 
tremendously growth under Dr. Hugine's tenure. Nine new academic 
programs were formed, including Animal Bio-Health Technology, 
Communication Specialist, Construction Management, and many more to 
give the students versatility while pursuing the careers they desire. 
As a result of these academic developments, there have been record-
breaking highs in Alabama A&M University's recent fall enrollment with 
1,690 students enrolling into the freshman class.
  Increasing pride in this historic institution remained a focal point 
of Dr. Hugine's presidency. With the vision of First Lady Abbiegail 
Hugine and the help of the Bulldog Pride Committee, several initiatives 
were implemented to beautify the campus, enhance customer service, 
promote character development, and increase the wearing of Alabama A&M 
University paraphernalia as a display of pride. Other incredible 
programs and scholarships were established such as the ``Quad,'' a 
program focused on student activities, the First Lady's Endowed 
Scholarship Program, and the Normalite Walkway Pavers' Scholarship.
  Under the direction of Dr. Hugine Alabama A&M University has 
strengthened its nurturing environment for students to thrive and 
become remarkable contributors to society. Although I know he will 
continue to serve his community through volunteering, I sincerely hope 
that his retirement is filled with the joy of becoming a new 
grandparent and spending time with family and friends.
  On a personal note, I was privileged to get to know Dr. Hugine and to 
witness first-hand his remarkable leadership as President of Alabama 
A&M University. Dr. Hugine is a visionary leader, dynamic educator, 
effective administrator, solid steward of the University's finance, and 
true champion of the students, faculty, alumni, and trustees of Alabama 
A&M University. Under his twelve-year tenure as the 11th President of 
Alabama A&M University, Dr. Hugine made a lasting contribution to the 
education and administration of AAMU. Upon his retirement, his legacy 
will continue to live on in the numerous lives that he impacted and the 
outstanding contributions that AAMU students will make to this Nation. 
I wish him and his lovely wife Abbiegail, of over 40 years, much 
success in their future endeavors. They have truly been a blessing and 
left an indelible mark on the State of Alabama. For all he has done, we 
thank him for his exemplary service.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary leadership and 
service of Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., and his contributions as President 
of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.

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