Gilbert L. Rochon steps down as Tuskegee University President

Immediate past president of Tuskegee University Gilbert L. Rochon. PHOTO/Tuskegee University

Gilbert L. Rochon has resigned as president of Tuskegee University.

Dr. Matthew Jenkins has been appointed as interim president of the University and will act in this capacity until a search for a new leader of the institution has been completed.

According to sources at the Tuskegee University, the board of trustees accepted Rochon’s resignation at its fall meeting and appointed Jenkins as acting president.

Matthew Jenkins is an alumnus of the University, having graduated from the institution in 1959 with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. After graduation, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.

He later opened a veterinary practice in California and established a real estate investment business with his wife – who is also an alumnus of Tuskegee. He has served as a member of the Tuskegee board of trustees in addition to holding various leadership roles, according to the release.

About Tuskegee University: The Tuskegee University was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington. One of it’s graduates, Ralph Ellison, was the first African American winner of the National Book Award for his book, “Invisible Man,” written in 1933. It also produces more African American aerospace engineers than any other school in the United States.

Like many other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Tuskegee has to fight to keep itself in strong financial standing. But despite the challenges, the school continues to maintain a strong reputation in the United States and beyond. More details about the university can be found at http://www.tuskegee.edu .