Ron Prince, who first enrolled at Tuskegee University in 1966, will graduate as part of the Class of 2026 after completing his degree through the university’s online program, according to an April 15 announcement. Prince, now based in Birmingham, Alabama, returned to finish his studies nearly six decades after he left campus just a few credits short.
Prince said from his real estate office that he always felt a pull back to Tuskegee. “But an inner feeling, from the day I left, kept pulling me back,” said Prince. He completed three eight-week semesters over six months and will receive a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts during commencement on May 9.
The university offers two fully online degree programs for non-traditional and returning students: the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO of Tuskegee University, said these programs help expand access to higher education for people with diverse backgrounds. “In our Renaissance Era, the Tuskegee University Global Campus continues to expand Tuskegee’s reach and brand worldwide, always centered in a rich human connection that makes Tuskegee one of one,” said Brown. “Just as Booker T. Washington expanded Tuskegee’s educational philosophy across the country and beyond bringing his ‘hand, head, and heart’ vision to life for countless people, our online degree program is bringing people to Tuskegee through digital access to make high-quality higher education possible for non-traditional learners.”
Prince credited his mother’s dedication as an educator for shaping his values and drive for success despite facing challenges growing up in Birmingham during segregation-era violence. He described how those experiences influenced both his early academic struggles at Tuskegee and later achievements in business.
Dr. Brett Coppenger, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Liberal Studies Program at Tuskegee University explained that returning students bring valuable experience into classrooms: “There is a lot of ‘lived experience’ that shows up in the classroom,” he said. Coppenger also noted that faculty work closely with other university offices to support students taking courses online: “Even though the idea of completing a degree online may seem daunting my team works closely with the Registrar’s Office…to smooth out as many wrinkles as we can.”
Looking ahead, Prince has already enrolled in LSAT preparation courses with hopes toward earning a law degree next. As he prepares for graduation this spring alongside younger classmates—possibly even grandchildren of those from his original cohort—Prince shared what motivates him: “I want them and others to know that it is possible; Tuskegee will make it seamless; and that they can do it too.”
