INSPIRE

Dr. Rubye Taylor-Drake’s journey is a shining example of education’s profound impact on an individual’s life and entire communities. Through her work with UNCF and her deep commitment to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Dr. Taylor-Drake has made it her mission to uplift others, empowering future generations to rise through the power of education.

Her story begins in Ellisville, AL, a small town where she was surrounded by educators and a community dedicated to the success of its children. “Both of my parents were educators, and we lived in a community where it truly took a village to raise a child,” she recalled. This supportive environment ignited a passion within her to advocate for students and promote the importance of higher education.

From a young age, Dr. Taylor-Drake was immersed in academia. “I grew up on the campus of Alabama A&M, where my mother taught home economics and my father taught agriculture. Education was all I knew,” she said. Her academic journey would eventually lead her to UNCF-member school Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL, a decision heavily influenced by her godmother’s unwavering belief that she belonged there. “From day one, my godmother said I would go to Tuskegee—and that’s where I went,” she said.

Tuskegee left a lasting impression on Dr. Taylor-Drake, shaping not only her education but also her worldview. “There’s something in the air at Tuskegee,” she said. “It empowers you to go out and do things in the community. You leave empowered, not just because of your major or career path, but because you’re surrounded by people who look like you, who are in positions of power and who expect you to succeed.”

Dr. Taylor-Drake’s involvement with UNCF began after she moved to Chicago and became active in the Tuskegee University alumni club. Her dedication and leadership soon elevated her role within the local UNCF Inter-Alumni Council (IAC). “It started with volunteering, ensuring Tuskegee was represented at all UNCF events in Chicago,” she said. Over time, her work expanded to encompass all of UNCF’s member schools. “It wasn’t just about helping Tuskegee. It was about helping all the schools supported by UNCF,” she said.

One of Dr. Taylor-Drake’s most significant contributions has been through both the UNCF National Alumni Council (NAC) and UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC), where she focuses on instilling a sense of responsibility in students to give back. “My new president at Tuskegee, Dr. Brown, says, ‘We are the help we need,’ and that’s what keeps me going,” Dr. Taylor-Drake said.

She is particularly inspired by the younger generation of alumni, whom she affectionately refers to as her “baby boomers.” “I’ve seen them start as students and grow into alumni. They’re energized to do things differently, and that encourages me,” she said.

As she looks to the future, Dr. Taylor-Drake is focused on ensuring that the next generation of leaders is prepared to carry the torch forward. “I’m working on putting together an NAC conference planning manual,” she explained. She hopes to leave behind a clear framework for building a more robust network of students and alumni who will continue to support UNCF and ensure that every student can pursue higher education.

Although she believes that not every student needs to attend a Black college, she is adamant that the HBCU experience must remain for young people. “I don’t think all kids should go to Black schools,” she said. “But I do think that the HBCU experience must stay a viable option for our students.”

As Dr. Taylor-Drake reflects on her remarkable career and legacy, she hopes her work will inspire others to carry on her mission. “I want students to think about how they can be catalysts for change,” she said. “I want them to be part of that village that helps the next generation understand the importance of education. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.”