Alabama A&M University celebrated a major step toward enhancing its business education programs with the ribbon cutting of a new stock ticker, generously sponsored by Lockheed Martin. The ceremony took place September 24 in front of the School of Business, marking the ticker’s official debut inside the building’s second-floor lobby.

The gift, valued at $10,000 per year, stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Lockheed Martin in Fall 2024. The global aerospace and defense leader provided the ticker as part of its ongoing partnership with AAMU to support innovation and student success.

“This installation represents the first step in transforming the College of Business and Public Affairs into a space that reflects a professional business environment,” said Dr. Timothy Mantz, dean of the College of Business & Public Affairs. “Our students will now gain daily exposure to the same real-time financial data that drives decision-making in the marketplace.”

The ticker, which runs automatically via the vendor, will continuously display live stock market updates. Its presence is designed to immerse students in a real-world setting, giving them a stronger connection to the concepts they study in class.

Yvette S. Clayton, former director of Career Development Services at AAMU and now University Relations and Recruitment Manager for Lockheed Martin, returned to campus for the event. “Lockheed Martin values our relationship with Alabama A&M, and we’re proud to provide resources that prepare students for future careers in finance, business, and beyond,” she said.

Students in the Department of Accounting and Finance have welcomed the installation, noting that the finance program is gaining momentum and the addition of a live stock ticker signals a strong investment in their academic experience. Many said the display makes their learning environment feel more professional and better connected to the real world, reinforcing AAMU’s commitment to advancing the program.