Tuskegee University has announced the opening of membership applications for its newly established Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL), a national honor society that recognizes distinguished graduate and professional students. Applications became available on March 1 through the AEL website, with eligible students invited to apply each spring and fall semester.
The launch of this chapter is part of Tuskegee’s broader efforts to achieve “High Research Activity” or R2 status, which would enable the university to conduct research at a larger scale, increase federal funding opportunities, strengthen graduate programs, and foster innovation in key areas such as food security, national defense, cancer research, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University, said: “The Renaissance Era includes a clear research ambition, and so much of that important work is happening in our graduate programs.”
He added: “Graduate students and research faculty at Tuskegee are at the forefront of solving complex problems—from food insecurity to the responsible use of AI to combatting the scourge of cancer in underserved populations. Our new AEL chapter symbolizes this excellence and strengthens Tuskegee’s journey toward R2 and eventually R1 status in the near future.”
To qualify for membership in the Beta Alpha Chapter of AEL at Tuskegee University, applicants must be degree-seeking graduate students who have completed at least 12 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.7. They must also demonstrate leadership on campus or within their community.
Keyah Brown serves as president of the Beta Alpha Chapter. She is a third-year Integrative Biosciences PhD student from Sacramento, California. Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Tuskegee in 2020 before completing her master’s degree in biotechnology at Morehouse School of Medicine in 2022.
“I am deeply committed to creating meaningful pathways for PhD students—especially those that help students transition into graduate and professional programs with confidence, clarity, and strong mentorship,” she said.
Brown also commented on her motivation: “The most meaningful part of my graduate school experience has been the opportunity to return to my alma mater and help create systems that did not previously exist.”
In December, ten graduate students from various academic disciplines were inducted as charter members during an on-campus ceremony. The group was supported by faculty advisor Dr. Michael Henderson from the Department of Biology.
Tuskegee University aims for R2 status as part of its ongoing mission to expand its impact through high-level research activities—a move expected to bring increased resources and recognition both regionally and nationally.
For more information about Alpha Epsilon Lambda or about graduate education opportunities at Tuskegee University visit their respective websites.
