By T. Lee
Amazon presented Tuskegee University with $1.2 million to create a partnership that will provide scholarships, create education and training opportunities in mechatronics/robotics, supply chain and logistics, and establish a pipeline for Amazon leadership roles. Amazon executives Mamar Gelaye and Kevin Keck made the visit to Tuskegee University to deliver the award and discuss the new partnership.
“Amazon’s contribution allows us to enhance our academic curriculum to provide our students with a foundation in supply chain and logistics for all majors, and a specialty for engineering majors in robotics and mechatronics,” said Provost Dr. S. Keith Hargrove. “This creates training opportunities for our students to engage in cutting-edge technology and business practice that Amazon is known for while preparing them for career opportunities with one of the world’s most valuable brands.”
The Amazon partnership will provide decision-making experience through classroom and lab simulation for the design, distribution, risk assessment and efficient operations of goods through the fulfillment center and the complete product chain.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership provides to Tuskegee students,” said President Charlotte Morris. “I am especially proud of our partnership with Amazon leader and one of my former Tuskegee students Leonard Spencer, who is reaching back to help the new generation of Golden Tigers create a solid path for academic and professional success.” TU alums and Amazon employees Leonard Spencer and Kennedy Oates were strong advocates for investing in their alma mater.
Forbes named Amazon one of the World’s Best Employers and LinkedIn ranked it one of the top three companies to work for in the U.S. for the last five years.
The College of Business and Information Science will lead the supply chain initiative, and the College of Engineering will lead the Mechatronics/Robotics program. Mechatronics is the use of electro-mechanical equipment and devices for automation and production.
