The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Monica L. Baskin Is the First Woman to Lead the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

On August 3, Dr. Baskin became the first woman to lead the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is now the first Black woman to serve as director of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

Albert Bimper to Oversee Academic Affairs at the University of North Texas

Albert Bimper has been selected to serve as interim provost at the University of North Texas, where he has been leading the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences — the institution's largest and most comprehensive college.

Three Black Scholars Selected to Lead Education Schools at Universities

Tomiko Brown-Nagin is dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Gerrelyn Patterson is dean of the College of Education at Virginia State University, and Julie A. Washington is dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine.

Ron R. Walcott to Lead Academic Affairs at the University of Georgia

Dr. Walcott has been a faculty member at the University of Georgia since 1999. For the past six years, he has served as vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School.

Research & Studies

Black Students Earned Less than Five Percent of Physics Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in 2024–2025

New data from the American Institute of Physics has revealed Black students represented about 4.7 percent of all recipients of physics bachelor's degrees awarded by U.S. institutions during the 2024–2025 academic year. Black students' representation among physics undergraduate degree recipients has gradually increased over the past two decades.

Virginia State University Report Examines the Economic State of Black American Men and Boys

A new report from Virginia State University's Wes Bellamy analyzes the current economic conditions facing Black men and boys in the United States, including insights regarding K-12 education, postsecondary education, employment, income, and wealth disparities.

Rutgers Study Connects Gun Violence Exposure to Racial Health Disparities

The findings from a new study from scholars at Rutgers University suggests greater exposure to gun violence is a direct contributor to the persistent health disparities facing Black and Hispanic communities.

National Urban League Releases Its 2026 State of Black America Report

In recognition of the country's 250th anniversary, the National Urban League's 2026 State of Black America report examines the status of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Black Americans and discusses how to protect the American Dream for all.

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Quote of the Week

“Education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.”

Julie A. Washington,
the new dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine
(see JBHE post)

Statistic of the Week

70%
Percentage of White Americans who support the death penalty for people convicted of murder
49%
Percentage of Black Americans who support the death penalty for people convicted of murder

source: Pew Research Center

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

NACUBO Presents Its Highest Honor to Dawn Rhodes

The National Association of College and University Business Officers is honoring Dawn Rhodes, chief business and finance officer and senior vice president at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

New Roles for Four Black Scholars in Academia

Daniel Hastings has been granted the highest faculty honor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Linda Baker of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Derrick Cohens of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are taking on leadership roles at their institutions. Florida State University's Alma Littles is the new president of the Florida Medical Association.

Bethune-Cookman University to Offer Accelerated Pathway to a Nursing Degree

Starting in the Fall 2027 semester, up to 10 high school junior students from local counties will begin online courses for Bethune-Cookman University's nursing curriculum. After their high school graduation, they will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in only three years.

Shatema Threadcraft Receives Book Awards From the American Political Science Association

Dr. Threadcraft is a member of the Vanderbilt University faculty. Her new book, The Labors of Resurrection: Black Women, Necromancy, and Morrisonian Democracy, has received two book awards from the American Political Science Association.

Albany State University Launches Eight New Graduate Certificates

“Workforce readiness is a key priority for the university” said Albany State University President Robert O. Scott. “By offering high-quality programs in critical fields, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions.”

Seven Black Administrators Selected for New Roles at Colleges and Universities

The appointments are Akirah Bradley-Armstrong at MIT, Corey Edmonds at Morris College, Nechell Bonds at Prairie View A&M University, Juanita Womack at Emory University, Taran L. McZee at Talladega College, Nakia Pugh at the University of the District of Columbia, and Rosalyn Galloway at North Carolina A&T State University.

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.

Virginia State University Launches New Graduate Program in Special Education Leadership

“As schools work to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Willis Walter, dean of the College of Education. “Through this program, Virginia State University is preparing the next generation of special education leaders who will strengthen schools, support educators, and improve educational outcomes for students and their families.”

In Memoriam: Robert Mason, 1960-2026

Mason was a graduate of two historically Black universities: Virginia State University and Clark Atlanta University. He is known for founding the Common Black College Application, a online platform that enables students to apply to 67 HBCUs for only $20.

A Snapshot of Black Student Undergraduate Admissions at the University of California

At the system’s flagship Berkeley campus, 417 Black first-year students from California were admitted for the fall 2026 semester, representing 4.4 percent of all admitted first-year Californians. A year ago, 504 Black first-year students were admitted to Berkeley.

University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke Announces His Retirement

University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke will retire from his presidency in June 2027, concluding 13 years of service. Schmoke, who previously served three terms as mayor of Baltimore, is a former dean of the Howard University School of Law.

Black Students Earned Less than Five Percent of Physics Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in 2024–2025

New data from the American Institute of Physics has revealed Black students represented about 4.7 percent of all recipients of physics bachelor's degrees awarded by U.S. institutions during the 2024–2025 academic year. Black students' representation among physics undergraduate degree recipients has gradually increased over the past two decades.

Monica L. Baskin Is the First Woman to Lead the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

On August 3, Dr. Baskin became the first woman to lead the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is now the first Black woman to serve as director of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

Virginia State University Report Examines the Economic State of Black American Men and Boys

A new report from Virginia State University's Wes Bellamy analyzes the current economic conditions facing Black men and boys in the United States, including insights regarding K-12 education, postsecondary education, employment, income, and wealth disparities.

Albert Bimper to Oversee Academic Affairs at the University of North Texas

Albert Bimper has been selected to serve as interim provost at the University of North Texas, where he has been leading the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences — the institution's largest and most comprehensive college.

Rutgers Study Connects Gun Violence Exposure to Racial Health Disparities

The findings from a new study from scholars at Rutgers University suggests greater exposure to gun violence is a direct contributor to the persistent health disparities facing Black and Hispanic communities.

Three Black Scholars Selected to Lead Education Schools at Universities

Tomiko Brown-Nagin is dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Gerrelyn Patterson is dean of the College of Education at Virginia State University, and Julie A. Washington is dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine.

*Forbes* Ranks HBCUs on the Success of Their Graduates

A new list from Forbes magazine ranks Howard University as the top private HBCU in terms of how successful its students are after graduating. North Carolina A&T State University is listed as the top public HBCU for graduate success.

Five Black Scholars Selected for New Faculty Appointments

Emery Brown was granted MIT's highest faculty title and Denise Davis-Maye is the inaugural associate provost for faculty affairs at Albany State University. Jeffrey Allen Murdock, Shaundra Daily, and Maxie Hollingsworth have joined the faculties of Yale University, the University of Tennessee, and Sam Houston State University, respectively.

Bowie State University Launches New Ph.D. in Nursing Education

Launching with its inaugural cohort in Fall 2026, Bowie State University's new Ph.D. program in nursing education is the first degree of its kind offered at a higher education institution in the state of Maryland.

Four Professors Receive the 2026 Trailblazer Award From the National Black Nurses Association

Among this year's recipients of the National Black Nurses Association's Trailblazer Awards are four Black scholars currently teaching at universities: Angela Frederick Amar of New York University, Felesia Bowen of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Stephan Davis of Georgetown University, and Selena Ann Gilles of the University of Pennsylvania.

Talladega College Establishes Student Transfer Agreement With Lawson State Community College

“By creating clear and supportive pathways from Lawson State to Talladega College, we are empowering students to continue their academic journeys with confidence and purpose. Together, we are building opportunities that prepare graduates to lead and serve in an increasingly global society,” said Talladega College President Willie L. Todd, Jr.

New Appointments for Eight Black Administrators in Higher Education

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to contact@jbhe.com.

All Recent Posts

NACUBO Presents Its Highest Honor to Dawn Rhodes

The National Association of College and University Business Officers is honoring Dawn Rhodes, chief business and finance officer and senior vice president at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

New Roles for Four Black Scholars in Academia

Daniel Hastings has been granted the highest faculty honor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Linda Baker of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Derrick Cohens of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are taking on leadership roles at their institutions. Florida State University's Alma Littles is the new president of the Florida Medical Association.

Bethune-Cookman University to Offer Accelerated Pathway to a Nursing Degree

Starting in the Fall 2027 semester, up to 10 high school junior students from local counties will begin online courses for Bethune-Cookman University's nursing curriculum. After their high school graduation, they will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in only three years.

Shatema Threadcraft Receives Book Awards From the American Political Science Association

Dr. Threadcraft is a member of the Vanderbilt University faculty. Her new book, The Labors of Resurrection: Black Women, Necromancy, and Morrisonian Democracy, has received two book awards from the American Political Science Association.

Albany State University Launches Eight New Graduate Certificates

“Workforce readiness is a key priority for the university” said Albany State University President Robert O. Scott. “By offering high-quality programs in critical fields, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions.”

Seven Black Administrators Selected for New Roles at Colleges and Universities

The appointments are Akirah Bradley-Armstrong at MIT, Corey Edmonds at Morris College, Nechell Bonds at Prairie View A&M University, Juanita Womack at Emory University, Taran L. McZee at Talladega College, Nakia Pugh at the University of the District of Columbia, and Rosalyn Galloway at North Carolina A&T State University.

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.

Virginia State University Launches New Graduate Program in Special Education Leadership

“As schools work to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Willis Walter, dean of the College of Education. “Through this program, Virginia State University is preparing the next generation of special education leaders who will strengthen schools, support educators, and improve educational outcomes for students and their families.”

In Memoriam: Robert Mason, 1960-2026

Mason was a graduate of two historically Black universities: Virginia State University and Clark Atlanta University. He is known for founding the Common Black College Application, a online platform that enables students to apply to 67 HBCUs for only $20.

A Snapshot of Black Student Undergraduate Admissions at the University of California

At the system’s flagship Berkeley campus, 417 Black first-year students from California were admitted for the fall 2026 semester, representing 4.4 percent of all admitted first-year Californians. A year ago, 504 Black first-year students were admitted to Berkeley.

University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke Announces His Retirement

University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke will retire from his presidency in June 2027, concluding 13 years of service. Schmoke, who previously served three terms as mayor of Baltimore, is a former dean of the Howard University School of Law.

Black Students Earned Less than Five Percent of Physics Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in 2024–2025

New data from the American Institute of Physics has revealed Black students represented about 4.7 percent of all recipients of physics bachelor's degrees awarded by U.S. institutions during the 2024–2025 academic year. Black students' representation among physics undergraduate degree recipients has gradually increased over the past two decades.

Monica L. Baskin Is the First Woman to Lead the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

On August 3, Dr. Baskin became the first woman to lead the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is now the first Black woman to serve as director of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

Virginia State University Report Examines the Economic State of Black American Men and Boys

A new report from Virginia State University's Wes Bellamy analyzes the current economic conditions facing Black men and boys in the United States, including insights regarding K-12 education, postsecondary education, employment, income, and wealth disparities.

Albert Bimper to Oversee Academic Affairs at the University of North Texas

Albert Bimper has been selected to serve as interim provost at the University of North Texas, where he has been leading the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences — the institution's largest and most comprehensive college.

Rutgers Study Connects Gun Violence Exposure to Racial Health Disparities

The findings from a new study from scholars at Rutgers University suggests greater exposure to gun violence is a direct contributor to the persistent health disparities facing Black and Hispanic communities.

Three Black Scholars Selected to Lead Education Schools at Universities

Tomiko Brown-Nagin is dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Gerrelyn Patterson is dean of the College of Education at Virginia State University, and Julie A. Washington is dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine.

*Forbes* Ranks HBCUs on the Success of Their Graduates

A new list from Forbes magazine ranks Howard University as the top private HBCU in terms of how successful its students are after graduating. North Carolina A&T State University is listed as the top public HBCU for graduate success.