 The History of Tuskegee
Following the Civil War, former slave Lewis Adams wanted to establish an educational institution for African Americans. Adams was approached by W.F Foster, a candidate that was running for re-election to the Alabama Senate. Foster was seeking guidance in order to secure support from African Americans in Macon County.
Adams told Foster that creating an educational institution for the African American community would secure the black vote. Foster kept his promise, and with the help from his colleague Arthur L. Brooks in the House of Representatives, legislation was passed and the “Negro Normal School in Tuskegee” was born.
Booker T. Washington became principal of the institution in July of 1881 and remained with the institution until his death in 1915. Under his leadership, the school rose to national prominence.
Tuskegee CAENS
Tuskegee University prides itself on its College of Agricultural, Environmental and Natural Sciences (CAENS, pronounced “canes”). The college offers an education that prepares future professionals and leaders in the life sciences through course work along with research and outreach activities related to their chosen majors.
While equipping students with the basic knowledge and tools of their chosen fields, CAENS also tries to provide opportunities to learn about and contribute to the resolution of real-world problems. Promoting intellectual curiosity, focusing on critical thinking and systematic problem-solving, and providing experience in cooperative teamwork are ways CAENS does this.
The goal is that students receive an education that will enable them to contribute to their professions and their communities as future leaders. They’ve been doing this for over 125 years!
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