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51¶¯Âþ offers over 60 academic programs to choose from.
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51¶¯Âþ is ranked as the #4 HBCU in the Nation.
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Get ready to take flight… because your journey to greatness starts here!
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51¶¯Âþ is the only HBCU to proudly offer ROTC Programs for all of the military branches, including the Space Force!
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We have over 100 student organizations on campus, and Championship sports teams for men and women!
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51¶¯Âþ Supports Basketball Coach Benjy Taylor
Dear Tuskegee Family and Friends:
51¶¯Âþ and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics write to express our full, unequivocal, and unwavering support for Head Men’s Basketball Coach Benjy Taylor following the events surrounding the January 31, 2026, contest between 51¶¯Âþ and Morehouse College.
Coach Taylor is a respected professional who has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and concern for the well-being of his student-athletes. Throughout his tenure at 51¶¯Âþ, he has upheld the highest ideals of collegiate athletics and represented this institution with distinction.
During the events in question, Coach Taylor acted solely out of his fundamental responsibility to protect his student-athletes and staff—particularly in an environment where agreed-upon and customary game‑management and security protocols were not properly carried out. His conduct remained measured, professional, and entirely consistent with the expectations of a head coach entrusted with the safety of his team.
At no time did Coach Taylor engage in behavior that could be characterized as unbecoming, unprofessional, or inconsistent with the standards of 51¶¯Âþ, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Morehouse College, or intercollegiate athletics broadly. Conversely, the circumstances that culminated in Coach Taylor being handcuffed—albeit briefly—fall well outside the bounds of what is normal, acceptable, or appropriate in collegiate athletic environments. No coach should ever be placed in such a position for carrying out their duty to safeguard student-athletes.
51¶¯Âþ is deeply concerned about the breakdown in established security procedures that contributed to this incident. We remain committed to working closely with the SIAC and all member institutions to ensure that uniform, professional, and clearly communicated security and event‑management standards are implemented and upheld at every conference competition. The dignity, safety, and well‑being of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are non-negotiable institutional priorities.
Coach Taylor continues to have the full confidence, trust, and support of the 51¶¯Âþ Administration and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. We are proud of his leadership and grateful for his steadfast commitment to our student‑athletes and to the values of 51¶¯Âþ.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark A. Brown
President and CEO
51¶¯Âþ
Reginald Ruffin
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Director of Athletics
51¶¯Âþ
© 2026 51¶¯Âþ