U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, recently delivered remarks during Tuskegee University’s Homecoming Convocation, where she was also honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by Tuskegee’s Board of Trustees.
“It’s fitting for this week’s theme to be ‘Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era’ — appreciating rich history, but recommitting and looking forward to the renewal, innovation, and transformation that will come,” Britt said.
She continued, “The history and legacy here in Tuskegee is evident. You can feel it when you drive onto campus, right? When I was traveling the state campaigning, I came here, and it was undeniable what I felt when I met with students, faculty, and the administration. It’s one of the reasons that I made a commitment that day to always be your partner because I believe you don’t just represent the future — you all represent the now.”
Senator Britt praised the leadership at Tuskegee University: “The incredible standards that you all said are evident in Doctor Brown, your first alumnus serving as President. The work he’s doing and the energy you feel here on campus — this is the only university in the nation to be designated as a National Historic Site by the U.S. Congress.”
“As a proud member of the HBCU Caucus in the United States Senate, I constantly remind my colleagues that we have more HBCUs than any other place in the nation — and that we have the best,” she added.
After highlighting Tuskegee’s rich history and its students’ role in shaping the college’s future, Senator Britt offered some heartfelt advice: “One thing I can guarantee you is that the world will knock you down — it happens. What you have to do, and what we need you to do, is to stand back up.”
“As the first female elected in Alabama to serve in the U.S. Senate, I am well aware that the world places limitations on us. If I stood here and said otherwise, I wouldn’t be honest with you. But what I have found in life is that the ones we place on ourselves do the most damage.”
“Believe in what is possible. Know that these men and women are pushing you to stretch to your limit because they know that God has a purpose and plan for you. Everyone’s skills, gifts, and talents are different, but it is incumbent upon you to use them to continue to build off the incredible legacy we have here and contribute to the continued success of this incredible institution.”
“It is an honor to be here with you all today. It is an honor to have received this doctorate and to officially be part of the Tuskegee family,” Senator Britt concluded.
### Dr. Brown’s Introduction
Prior to her remarks, Dr. Brown introduced Senator Britt, saying, “Today, we continue to benefit from the political savvy of a modern-day political tycoon, a congressional leader, and public servant to her community — Senator Katie Britt.”
“Senator Britt has served her community in every imaginable way, doing so with courage, intellect, grace, and I believe, driven and shaped by her faith and her upbringing in Enterprise, Alabama. She has consistently championed families, advanced economic opportunity, and upheld the dignity of public service.”
“Beyond her professional accomplishments, the Senator is grounded by faith and family. Senator Britt is more than a friend of Tuskegee — her support is not just talk. Ma’am, your instrumental support and $6.7 million funding is transforming the future of flight education and honoring the proud legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.”
“Mother Tuskegee remains grateful for your actions and is filled with pride and gratitude for your extraordinary contributions to public service, your lifelong commitment to Alabama’s people, and your embodiment of Tuskegee University’s enduring values of leadership, integrity, and excellence.”
### Senator Britt’s Impact on Tuskegee University
Last year, following Senator Britt’s efforts, Tuskegee University announced plans to launch a new flight school degree program backed by $6.7 million in secured funding.
Senator Britt also secured an additional $5.29 million to expand this program in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which has advanced in the Senate.
Earlier this year, when Alabama’s Tuskegee Airmen were temporarily removed from the U.S. Air Force basic training curriculum, Senator Britt intervened immediately to restore this vital part of Alabama and American history. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth thanked Senator Britt for highlighting the “malicious compliance” and acted swiftly to reinstate the Tuskegee Airmen in the Air Force curriculum.
In addition, Senator Britt remains a strong advocate for 1890 institutions that promote career opportunities for students in critical fields such as agriculture, food science, and natural resources. Later this year, through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, she secured $60 million to fund the 1890 Scholars Program moving forward.
Senator Katie Britt’s commitment continues to support and uplift Tuskegee University and the broader community, ensuring the enduring legacy and future success of this historic institution.
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/11/04/sen-britt-delivers-remarks-at-tuskegees-homecoming-convocation/