Tuskegee education students introduced at board work session; dean praises future teachers

Three Tuskegee University elementary‑education majors — Deja Dubberry, Adriana Gochet and Noah Brock — were introduced to board members during the work session and were applauded by the Chair and other participants.

Deja Dubberry told the board she is an elementary education major from Dallas and said she is studying at Tuskegee on a full scholarship. "I'm an elementary education major from Dallas, Texas," Dubberry said. Adriana Gochet said she is a junior elementary‑education major from Smyrna, Georgia, inspired by family members who attended Tuskegee. Noah Brock said he is a junior elementary‑education major from Montgomery and also received a full scholarship.

Brooke Burks, dean of Tuskegee’s School of Education, introduced the students and described them as "phenomenal," noting she began as dean in August and that the students and their classmates embody what a teacher should be. Burks estimated the School of Education enrolls about 80–90 students and said a majority receive scholarships, but she did not provide a specific percentage.

Board members asked about what advice the students would give to peers entering the profession. Students emphasized perseverance and mentorship; board members and the Chair offered career and benefits context, including long‑term retirement and health coverage as reasons to consider teaching as a sustainable profession.

What’s next: the Chair reminded the board that the department will host teacher‑of‑the‑year events and other recognitions next month. The students were invited to participate in board activities and to remain engaged with the department.