Alabama A&M University Names New Assistant Vice President for Student Leadership and Engagement

Dr. Jessica Brown steps into newly created role focused on enhancing the student experience.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:33am

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Alabama A&M University has appointed Dr. Jessica Brown as the new assistant vice president for student leadership and engagement. In this newly created position, Brown will be responsible for strengthening the student experience through increased engagement, leadership development, and campus programming.

Why it matters

The creation of this new assistant vice president role demonstrates Alabama A&M University's commitment to enhancing the overall student experience and providing more opportunities for leadership development and campus involvement. As universities compete to attract and retain top students, strategic investments in student engagement and programming can be a key differentiator.

The details

Dr. Jessica Brown officially began the assistant vice president role on February 1, 2026, after being appointed by Dr. Braque Talley, the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Prior to this new position, Brown joined Alabama A&M in February 2023 as the director of Student Activities and Leadership Development. She has also held roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama.

  • Dr. Jessica Brown was appointed to the assistant vice president role on February 1, 2026.
  • The Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees approved the new assistant vice president position in June 2025.

The players

Dr. Jessica Brown

The new assistant vice president for student leadership and engagement at Alabama A&M University. Prior to this role, she served as the director of Student Activities and Leadership Development at Alabama A&M since February 2023.

Dr. Braque Talley

The vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Alabama A&M University, who appointed Dr. Jessica Brown to the new assistant vice president position.

Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees

The governing body that approved the creation of the new assistant vice president position for student leadership and engagement in June 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I am very thankful for this new opportunity. It means that my commitment to providing a great student experience has been evident through my work.”

— Dr. Jessica Brown, Assistant Vice President for Student Leadership and Engagement (speakinoutweeklynews.net)

The takeaway

The creation of this new assistant vice president role at Alabama A&M University demonstrates the institution's focus on enhancing the overall student experience through increased engagement, leadership development, and campus programming. This strategic investment in student success can help the university attract and retain top talent in a competitive higher education landscape.