Alabama State University, the historically Black educational institution in Montgomery has entered into an agreement with Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, which calls itself “the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force.” Air University is located on the base.
Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, is the base commander and president of Air University. He is the first 3-star African-American general ever to be assigned to Air University.
General Cotton states that the agreement is a win-win situation for both parties. It gives people exposure to the quality of work HBCUs can bring to the fight and it gives students who are at HBCUs an opportunity to see what the Air Force can offer them. “I have a $500 million annual budget and I give away a lot of grants,” General Cotton added.
Quinton T. Ross Jr., president of Alabama State University added that “strong alliances are vital, and Alabama State University is clear on the importance of partnering with dedicated community leaders such as General Cotton who share the university’s objectives to promote the preservation and long-term sustainability of HBCUs. There are so many ways that this partnership can work together. The sky is the limit.”
As a graduate of an HBCU and a retired military officer, this partnership is exceptional. The track record of HBCUs being the sole source for producing largest number of black officers, little wonder partnerships such as this have not occurred on a larger scale. Nevertheless, I’m excited about the possibilities.