The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett Announces Resignation

Dr. Bennett will end his service as chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on January 12 - some six months before his contract was set to expire. He began his role in July 2023, following nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

U.S. Department of Education Questions the Constitutionality of Race-Based Grant Programs

“We cannot, and must not, attach race-based conditions when allocating taxpayer funding,” says U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “This is another concrete step from the Trump Administration to put a stop to DEI in government and ensure taxpayer dollars support programs that advance merit and fairness in all aspects of Americans lives.”

Virginia State University Extends Contract for President Makola Abdullah

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this great institution and its incredible students,” said Dr. Abdullah. “Virginia State University’s mission is powerful — to transform lives and communities through education, opportunity, and excellence.”

Research & Studies

Report Examines the Historic Underfunding at Tennessee State University

A new report published in the Tennessee Lookout has examined just how much money the state of Tennessee owes Tennessee State University as a result of missed land-grant funding, disparities in per pupil funding between the HBCU and the University of Tennessee, and segregation scholarships that took money directly from the TSU budget.

Research Finds Major Declines in Black Student Enrollment and Black Faculty at the University of Missouri

While total student enrollment at the University of Missouri has declined by roughly 10 percent over the past decade, Black student enrollment has decreased by about 34 percent. Only 85 of more than 2,200 current faculty members are Black. Just 36 of these Black faculty members have tenure or tenure-track status.

Did the Boll Weevil Infestation Lead to Long-Term Economic Benefits for Black Men?

First appearing in 1892, the boll weevil destroyed much of the country's cotton crops by 1922, affecting a significant portion of Black farmers. A new study has found this agricultural shock, which caused many Black fathers to migrate to other areas or change their occupation, may have led to long-term economic benefits for Black sons born after the boll weevil first appeared.

Study Examines How Teachers and School Counselors Can Boost Students’ Exposure to HBCUs

According to a new study from the United Negro College Fund, some 60 percent of high school students in the Northeast, Midwest, or Western United States are not at all or only slightly familiar with historically Black colleges and universities, suggesting an urgent need for teachers and school counselors to increase students' awareness of these institutions.

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Quote of the Week

“We can clearly see how these institutions are being robbed, literally robbed, to preserve segregation.”

Crystal Sanders,
associate professor of African American studies at Emory University in Atlanta, commenting on her study of the underfunding of HBCUs
(see JBHE post)

Statistic of the Week

9%
Decline in White enrollments at the University of Missouri from 2013 to 2023
34%
Decline in Black enrollments at the University of Missouri from 2013 to 2023

Source: University of Missouri (see JBHE post)

Popular Categories

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

A Major Financial Turnaround at Tennessee State University

In December 2024, Tennessee State University administrators said they were headed towards a $46 million deficit by June 2025. Now, the HBCU is celebrating a major financial turnaround under the leadership of President Dwayne Tucker.

New Faculty Appointments for Three Black Scholars

Musa Manga and Guy Nave have been selected for endowed professorships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Luther College in Iowa, respectively. Alicia Moore was promoted to professor of education at Southwestern University, making her university's first African American woman to earn the rank of full professor.

Delaware State University Partners With Risepoint to Expand Online Degree Opportunities

Through a new partnership with the educational technology company Risepoint, Delaware State University will work to develop new high-demand degree programs for eHBCU, a consortium of six historically Black colleges and universities dedicated to provided the HBCU experience to students regardless of their location or circumstance.

Two Black Administrators at UNC Charlotte Recognized for Advancing Fraternity and Sorority Life

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs, and Michelle Guobadia, senior director of student engagement and director of fraternity and sorority life, were both recently honored by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors for their outstanding commitment to supporting fraternity and sorority students.

New Program Creates Leadership Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation for HBCU Students

Thanks to a new partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside, a cohort of students from several HBCUs recently participated in workshops focused on becoming successful leaders in outdoor recreation and conservation.

In Memoriam: Richard Wayne Beckford, 1966-2025

For over three decades, Dr. Beckford served as an educator and band director with several schools. Since early 2020, he served as director of bands for Florida Memorial University, where he founded the HBCU's ROAR Marching Band.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Jamie Theresa Phelps, 1941-2025

As director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Phelps challenged the Catholic Church to better understand itself through the voices and experiences of Black Catholics and those on the margins. 

Recent Books of Interest to African American Scholars

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view.

Report Examines the Historic Underfunding at Tennessee State University

A new report published in the Tennessee Lookout has examined just how much money the state of Tennessee owes Tennessee State University as a result of missed land-grant funding, disparities in per pupil funding between the HBCU and the University of Tennessee, and segregation scholarships that took money directly from the TSU budget.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett Announces Resignation

Dr. Bennett will end his service as chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on January 12 - some six months before his contract was set to expire. He began his role in July 2023, following nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Research Finds Major Declines in Black Student Enrollment and Black Faculty at the University of Missouri

While total student enrollment at the University of Missouri has declined by roughly 10 percent over the past decade, Black student enrollment has decreased by about 34 percent. Only 85 of more than 2,200 current faculty members are Black. Just 36 of these Black faculty members have tenure or tenure-track status.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

Did the Boll Weevil Infestation Lead to Long-Term Economic Benefits for Black Men?

First appearing in 1892, the boll weevil destroyed much of the country's cotton crops by 1922, affecting a significant portion of Black farmers. A new study has found this agricultural shock, which caused many Black fathers to migrate to other areas or change their occupation, may have led to long-term economic benefits for Black sons born after the boll weevil first appeared.

U.S. Department of Education Questions the Constitutionality of Race-Based Grant Programs

“We cannot, and must not, attach race-based conditions when allocating taxpayer funding,” says U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “This is another concrete step from the Trump Administration to put a stop to DEI in government and ensure taxpayer dollars support programs that advance merit and fairness in all aspects of Americans lives.”

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

Each week, JBHE will provide links to online articles that may be of interest to our readers. Here are this week’s selections.

The Department of Health and Human Services to Launch Fellowship Program for HBCU Students

“HBCUs have produced generations of doctors, scientists, and public health leaders who serve their communities with skill and purpose,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We want to strengthen that legacy.”

Morgan State University’s Stacyann Nelson Receives National Award in Experimental Physics

Dr. Nelson has received the 2025 Joseph A. Johnson Award of Excellence, presented jointly by the American Institute of Physics and the National Society of Black Physicists. The award recognizes early-career experimental physicists for their scientific innovation, mentorship, and service.

North Carolina A&T State University Farm Expands Its Footprint With New Land Purchases

“North Carolina is one of the nation’s top agricultural states, and as the ‘A’ in A&T, our college looks forward to growing our animal and horticultural offerings to support this industry,” said Radiah C. Minor, interim dean of the HBCU's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

New Appointments for Three Black Administrators in Higher Education

Brandi Tatum-Fedrick was promoted to vice president for university advancement at Florida A&M University, Danielle Lynch was selected to lead the joint athletics program at Pomona College and Pitzer College in California, and Warren L. Williams is the new band director at Tuskegee University.

Albany State University in Georgia Implements Major Campus Technology Upgrades

“These projects are strategic investments in ASU’s future, ensuring our students learn in cutting-edge environments, our systems remain resilient during emergencies, and our campus presents itself with the excellence our community deserves,” said Dave Killingsworth, chief information officer at Albany State University.

Bernard Appiah Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health Communication

Dr. Appiah studies how communication strategies can influence public health decision-making. He is known for developing an innovative radio broadcasting approach that uses entertainment-education to disseminate public health information to underserved communities.

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

Each week, JBHE will provide links to online articles that may be of interest to our readers. Here are this week’s selections.

Recent Books of Interest to African American Scholars

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

All Recent Posts

A Major Financial Turnaround at Tennessee State University

In December 2024, Tennessee State University administrators said they were headed towards a $46 million deficit by June 2025. Now, the HBCU is celebrating a major financial turnaround under the leadership of President Dwayne Tucker.

New Faculty Appointments for Three Black Scholars

Musa Manga and Guy Nave have been selected for endowed professorships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Luther College in Iowa, respectively. Alicia Moore was promoted to professor of education at Southwestern University, making her university's first African American woman to earn the rank of full professor.

Delaware State University Partners With Risepoint to Expand Online Degree Opportunities

Through a new partnership with the educational technology company Risepoint, Delaware State University will work to develop new high-demand degree programs for eHBCU, a consortium of six historically Black colleges and universities dedicated to provided the HBCU experience to students regardless of their location or circumstance.

Two Black Administrators at UNC Charlotte Recognized for Advancing Fraternity and Sorority Life

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs, and Michelle Guobadia, senior director of student engagement and director of fraternity and sorority life, were both recently honored by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors for their outstanding commitment to supporting fraternity and sorority students.

New Program Creates Leadership Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation for HBCU Students

Thanks to a new partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside, a cohort of students from several HBCUs recently participated in workshops focused on becoming successful leaders in outdoor recreation and conservation.

In Memoriam: Richard Wayne Beckford, 1966-2025

For over three decades, Dr. Beckford served as an educator and band director with several schools. Since early 2020, he served as director of bands for Florida Memorial University, where he founded the HBCU's ROAR Marching Band.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Jamie Theresa Phelps, 1941-2025

As director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Phelps challenged the Catholic Church to better understand itself through the voices and experiences of Black Catholics and those on the margins. 

Recent Books of Interest to African American Scholars

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view.

Report Examines the Historic Underfunding at Tennessee State University

A new report published in the Tennessee Lookout has examined just how much money the state of Tennessee owes Tennessee State University as a result of missed land-grant funding, disparities in per pupil funding between the HBCU and the University of Tennessee, and segregation scholarships that took money directly from the TSU budget.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett Announces Resignation

Dr. Bennett will end his service as chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on January 12 - some six months before his contract was set to expire. He began his role in July 2023, following nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Research Finds Major Declines in Black Student Enrollment and Black Faculty at the University of Missouri

While total student enrollment at the University of Missouri has declined by roughly 10 percent over the past decade, Black student enrollment has decreased by about 34 percent. Only 85 of more than 2,200 current faculty members are Black. Just 36 of these Black faculty members have tenure or tenure-track status.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

Did the Boll Weevil Infestation Lead to Long-Term Economic Benefits for Black Men?

First appearing in 1892, the boll weevil destroyed much of the country's cotton crops by 1922, affecting a significant portion of Black farmers. A new study has found this agricultural shock, which caused many Black fathers to migrate to other areas or change their occupation, may have led to long-term economic benefits for Black sons born after the boll weevil first appeared.

U.S. Department of Education Questions the Constitutionality of Race-Based Grant Programs

“We cannot, and must not, attach race-based conditions when allocating taxpayer funding,” says U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “This is another concrete step from the Trump Administration to put a stop to DEI in government and ensure taxpayer dollars support programs that advance merit and fairness in all aspects of Americans lives.”

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

Each week, JBHE will provide links to online articles that may be of interest to our readers. Here are this week’s selections.

The Department of Health and Human Services to Launch Fellowship Program for HBCU Students

“HBCUs have produced generations of doctors, scientists, and public health leaders who serve their communities with skill and purpose,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We want to strengthen that legacy.”

Morgan State University’s Stacyann Nelson Receives National Award in Experimental Physics

Dr. Nelson has received the 2025 Joseph A. Johnson Award of Excellence, presented jointly by the American Institute of Physics and the National Society of Black Physicists. The award recognizes early-career experimental physicists for their scientific innovation, mentorship, and service.

North Carolina A&T State University Farm Expands Its Footprint With New Land Purchases

“North Carolina is one of the nation’s top agricultural states, and as the ‘A’ in A&T, our college looks forward to growing our animal and horticultural offerings to support this industry,” said Radiah C. Minor, interim dean of the HBCU's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

New Appointments for Three Black Administrators in Higher Education

Brandi Tatum-Fedrick was promoted to vice president for university advancement at Florida A&M University, Danielle Lynch was selected to lead the joint athletics program at Pomona College and Pitzer College in California, and Warren L. Williams is the new band director at Tuskegee University.