Tougaloo College

Academics

Tougaloo College is where “history meets the future.” Here, students embrace the school’s incredible 150-year traditions and commitment to social justice along with its first-rate education. Tougaloo College’s goal is to prepare students to become leaders in education, the humanities, natural sciences, and the social sciences. In fact, 40% of African American physicians and dentists in the state of Mississippi have graduated from Tougaloo, while more than 33% of the state’s Black attorneys and educators/school administrators have also received their degrees from the college. One of Tougaloo’s marquee programs is the Jackson Heart Study (JHS); a collaborative effort between Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Tougaloo College also serves as the Undergraduate Training and Education Center (UTEC), preparing students for careers in the biomedical and health sciences by giving them opportunities to conduct research and participate in hands-on training under the mentorship of experienced researchers. In recent years, Tougaloo has created additional targeted programs like the Center for International Studies and Global Change, offering a range of study abroad programs as well as a campus-wide atmosphere of inclusivity and respect for the many cultures that make up the student body. Another newer initiative is the Tougaloo Council for Undergraduate Research, which emphasizes creating more challenging research opportunities and providing enhanced technology across all departments at the school, as well as fostering regional and national programs.

Career

Tougaloo features the standard array of sports (NAIA division of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference), clubs, and organizations to join: everything from student government to Greek life. But where the school stands out is with its dedication to other forms of cultural preservation, which aim to impart a sense of political and social awareness, inclusion, and empowerment to students. Informative programs and interactive opportunities introduce students to topics like political identity, social welfare, and reverse gentrification. The school’s featured Mississippi Civil Rights Collection is a vast assortment of oral histories, photos, and other personal belongings of those who were active in the movement in Mississippi and across the nation. (Students can access the physical archives and use them for research.) Art is another focal point for the college, which is home to the expansive Tougaloo Art Collection—nearly 1,150 drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Each July, the campus also hosts the Tougaloo Art Colony, an immersive experience where students spend a week learning from renowned artists. Even fitness and health take on an elevated purpose, with Owens Health and Wellness center offering medical and dental clinics alongside its fitness equipment.

Culture

According to Payscale.com, Tougaloo College graduates earn an average annual salary of $63,000, with reported high earnings in roles as diverse as marketing directors, attorneys, and software engineers. The college has produced many noted alumni, including U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, musician Dr. Walter Turnbull (founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem), and astrophysicist/inventor Dr. Hakeem Muata Oluseyi.