Tougaloo celebrates 50-year partnership with Brown University
By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.
JA Contributing Writer
On April 14, 2026, Brown University and Tougaloo College celebrated their 50-year partnership preparing Tougaloo students for careers in medicine. The event was held in the Bennie G. Thompson Building on the Tougaloo campus.
The celebration of this historic partnership assembled current Tougaloo College faculty, staff, and students, along with Brown University partners, Early Identification Program graduates, current and former partners, and sponsors.
Among celebrants from Brown University are: Dr. Joseph Diaz (Associate Dean for Pathways and Community Engagement) and Dr. Juana L. Parillon (Assistant VP of Campus and Community Engagement).
Dr. Diva Melvin, Tougaloo’s Assistant Professor and Pre-Health Advisor, explained that this partnership “is one of the most significant and enduring collaborations between a historically Black college (HBCU) and a predominantly white institution in American higher education.”
The partnership, known as the Early Identification Program (EIP), began in 1976. During the past half century, EIP has cleared pathways and opened doors for more than 100 Tougaloo students pursuing careers in medicine.
EIP has benefitted the students and the communities they now serve. To date, the partnership has produced 65 doctors practicing medicine throughout the nation, including metro-Jackson.
Dr. Melvin stated, “The Brown-Tougaloo Early Identification Program will continue to build on the foundation that was established in 1976.” Currently, there are 11 Tougaloo students on this pathway to medicine.
