The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Kevin Howell Appointed Chancellor of North Carolina State University

An alumnus and former student body president at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Howell is slated to become the university's next chancellor on May 5. He has held several leadership roles at university and at the University of North Carolina.

Ron Patterson Appointed President of Murray State University

Dr. Patterson comes to his new role from Chadron State College in Nebraska, where he serves as the institution's twelfth president. His background includes over two decades of administrative experience in higher education.

Byron D’Andra Orey Elected President of the Southern Political Science Association

A Jackson State University faculty member for nearly two decades, Dr. Orey is a scholar of race and politics, biopolitics, political psychology, and legislative politics and voting.

Michelle Mayo Appointed Provost of Claflin University in South Carolina

Dr. Mayo has significant experience in academic leadership at HBCUs, including associate provost roles at North Carolina Central University and Harris-Stowe State University.

Research & Studies

How Historically Black Community Colleges Received and Spent Federal Relief Funding During the Pandemic

In total, historically Black community colleges received over $2.7 billion in federal relief funding during the pandemic. Nearly $800 million was issued for direct student aid disbursements and $1.9 billion was allocated for institutional spending.

Pew Research Center Finds Steady Growth in the Share of Black Americans Who Identify as Multiracial

In 2000, over 93 percent of all Black Americans identified as single-race Black. By 2023, their share dropped to 82 percent, with over 11 percent of Black Americans identifying as multi-racial and over 6 percent identifying as Black Hispanic.

Black Students at HBCUs Have Better Mental Health Than Peers at Other Institutions

Despite the significant financial challenges and lack of resources at historically Black colleges and universities, Black students at HBCUs are more likely to experience better mental health outcomes than their peers at other institutions.

Study Examines Racial Differences Among the Incoming Class of 2024 at U.S. Colleges and Universities

Authored by researchers from the American Council on Education and UCLA, the "Understanding the Entering Class of 2024" report examines the experiences and perspectives of incoming college freshman, including differences between students of different racial backgrounds.

Statistic of the Week

93.1%
The percentage of African Americans who identified as "single race Black" in 2000
82.0%
The percentage of African Americans who identified as "single race Black" in 2023

Source: Pew Research Center (see JBHE post)

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Quote of the Week

“I’m afraid that it may be time for the Senate Democrats to get a new leader.”

Glenn Ivey,

U.S. representative for Maryland's 4th congressional district, 3-18-25

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

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

In Memoriam: Margaret Ambrose

Ambrose was a faculty member and administrator at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for over three decades. She held several leadership roles throughout her tenure, including one year of service as interim chancellor.

Virginia Tech Launches New History Project on Black Excellence in STEM

A team of graduate students at Virginia Tech have been conducting interviews with Black scientists as part of the new "Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Project," which aims to preserve the stories of Black researchers in the United States.

In Memoriam: Mary Belle McDonald, 1938-2025

A scholar of nutrition and dietetics, McDonald served as a longtime faculty member with the University of Missouri. She was the institution's third-ever African American professor.

How Historically Black Community Colleges Received and Spent Federal Relief Funding During the Pandemic

In total, historically Black community colleges received over $2.7 billion in federal relief funding during the pandemic. Nearly $800 million was issued for direct student aid disbursements and $1.9 billion was allocated for institutional spending.

Kevin Howell Appointed Chancellor of North Carolina State University

An alumnus and former student body president at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Howell is slated to become the university's next chancellor on May 5. He has held several leadership roles at university and at the University of North Carolina.

Pew Research Center Finds Steady Growth in the Share of Black Americans Who Identify as Multiracial

In 2000, over 93 percent of all Black Americans identified as single-race Black. By 2023, their share dropped to 82 percent, with over 11 percent of Black Americans identifying as multi-racial and over 6 percent identifying as Black Hispanic.

Black American Educator Named President of the University of the Bahamas

Robert Blaine III is slated to become the next president of the University of Bahamas on July 1. With a background in both the public sector and academia, he previously held leadership roles with two HBCUs in Mississippi.

Black Students at HBCUs Have Better Mental Health Than Peers at Other Institutions

Despite the significant financial challenges and lack of resources at historically Black colleges and universities, Black students at HBCUs are more likely to experience better mental health outcomes than their peers at other institutions.

Jonathan McElderry Appointed President of ACPA-College Student Educators International

ACPA - College Student Educators International is a professional organization dedicated to advancing student affairs and engaging college students. Dr. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence at Elon University, will lead the association for one year.

Texas Southern University Requests $120 Million to Construct New Building for Its Law School

In 2021, the American Bar Association informed Texas Southern University that the HBCU's law school building did not comply with safety standards, putting the law school at risk of losing accreditation. To make the required updates, the university has recently requested $120 million from state legislators.

New Dean Appointments for Four African American Scholars

Tanya Walker at the University of Arkansa at Pine Bluff, Nicole Hall at the University of Virginia, Kimberly Moffitt at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Charles Smith at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia, have been appointed to dean positions.

Winston-Salem State University to Participate in Space Agriculture Research Project

On an upcoming Blue Origin mission to space, rocket scientist and entrepreneur Aisha Bowe will conduct an experiment led by Winston-Salem State University's Astrobotany Lab.

Two Black Professors Selected for New Roles in Higher Education

K. Paige Carmichael has been promoted to University Professor at the University of Georgia and Boise State University Instructor Michael Strickland has been selected to represent higher education on the Serve Idaho Commission.

Tennessee State University Students Gain New Pathway to Master’s Degrees in Athletic Training

A new partnership with Middle Tennessee State University has opened the door for undergraduate students at Tennessee State University to pursue a master's degree in athletic training after graduation.

Three Black Administrators Appointed to New Roles in Academia

Ronald Jackson at Farmingdale State College in New York, Carmen Cummings-Martin at Florida A&M University, and Angela King Taylor at the University of Missouri, have been appointed to new administrative posts in higher education.

In Memoriam: Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, 1975-2025

A senior instructor of mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Professor Wilson was found deceased on February 9 at Lake Oconee after an empty boat was found circling the lake.

College of the Holy Cross Launches Faculty Development Program for Underrepresented Scholars

The Future Faculty Institute at Holy Cross provides prospective faculty from underrepresented backgrounds with networking and development opportunities, aiming to prepare them for successful careers in academia.

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.

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.

In Memoriam: Matthew Holden Jr., 1931-2025

A well-known leader in the field of political science, Dr. Holden taught at several universities throughout the country, including over two decades on the faculty at the University of Virginia.

Spelman College Launches New Course on Black Maternal and Child Health

Shantesica Gilliam, assistant professor of environmental and health sciences at Spelman College, has recently launched a new course focused on the unique experiences and persistent disparities in Black maternal and child health.

American Association of Community Colleges President Walter Bumphus Announces Retirement

“I have spent my career in higher education and will always champion the nation’s community colleges and its leaders,” said Dr. Bumphus. “I know first-hand the challenges and rewards of leading a community college and I am grateful to the many colleagues and friends that I have made along the way.”

All Recent Posts

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

In Memoriam: Margaret Ambrose

Ambrose was a faculty member and administrator at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for over three decades. She held several leadership roles throughout her tenure, including one year of service as interim chancellor.

Virginia Tech Launches New History Project on Black Excellence in STEM

A team of graduate students at Virginia Tech have been conducting interviews with Black scientists as part of the new "Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Project," which aims to preserve the stories of Black researchers in the United States.

In Memoriam: Mary Belle McDonald, 1938-2025

A scholar of nutrition and dietetics, McDonald served as a longtime faculty member with the University of Missouri. She was the institution's third-ever African American professor.

How Historically Black Community Colleges Received and Spent Federal Relief Funding During the Pandemic

In total, historically Black community colleges received over $2.7 billion in federal relief funding during the pandemic. Nearly $800 million was issued for direct student aid disbursements and $1.9 billion was allocated for institutional spending.

Kevin Howell Appointed Chancellor of North Carolina State University

An alumnus and former student body president at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Howell is slated to become the university's next chancellor on May 5. He has held several leadership roles at university and at the University of North Carolina.

Pew Research Center Finds Steady Growth in the Share of Black Americans Who Identify as Multiracial

In 2000, over 93 percent of all Black Americans identified as single-race Black. By 2023, their share dropped to 82 percent, with over 11 percent of Black Americans identifying as multi-racial and over 6 percent identifying as Black Hispanic.

Black American Educator Named President of the University of the Bahamas

Robert Blaine III is slated to become the next president of the University of Bahamas on July 1. With a background in both the public sector and academia, he previously held leadership roles with two HBCUs in Mississippi.

Black Students at HBCUs Have Better Mental Health Than Peers at Other Institutions

Despite the significant financial challenges and lack of resources at historically Black colleges and universities, Black students at HBCUs are more likely to experience better mental health outcomes than their peers at other institutions.

Jonathan McElderry Appointed President of ACPA-College Student Educators International

ACPA - College Student Educators International is a professional organization dedicated to advancing student affairs and engaging college students. Dr. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence at Elon University, will lead the association for one year.

Texas Southern University Requests $120 Million to Construct New Building for Its Law School

In 2021, the American Bar Association informed Texas Southern University that the HBCU's law school building did not comply with safety standards, putting the law school at risk of losing accreditation. To make the required updates, the university has recently requested $120 million from state legislators.

New Dean Appointments for Four African American Scholars

Tanya Walker at the University of Arkansa at Pine Bluff, Nicole Hall at the University of Virginia, Kimberly Moffitt at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Charles Smith at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia, have been appointed to dean positions.

Winston-Salem State University to Participate in Space Agriculture Research Project

On an upcoming Blue Origin mission to space, rocket scientist and entrepreneur Aisha Bowe will conduct an experiment led by Winston-Salem State University's Astrobotany Lab.

Two Black Professors Selected for New Roles in Higher Education

K. Paige Carmichael has been promoted to University Professor at the University of Georgia and Boise State University Instructor Michael Strickland has been selected to represent higher education on the Serve Idaho Commission.

Tennessee State University Students Gain New Pathway to Master’s Degrees in Athletic Training

A new partnership with Middle Tennessee State University has opened the door for undergraduate students at Tennessee State University to pursue a master's degree in athletic training after graduation.

Three Black Administrators Appointed to New Roles in Academia

Ronald Jackson at Farmingdale State College in New York, Carmen Cummings-Martin at Florida A&M University, and Angela King Taylor at the University of Missouri, have been appointed to new administrative posts in higher education.

In Memoriam: Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, 1975-2025

A senior instructor of mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Professor Wilson was found deceased on February 9 at Lake Oconee after an empty boat was found circling the lake.

College of the Holy Cross Launches Faculty Development Program for Underrepresented Scholars

The Future Faculty Institute at Holy Cross provides prospective faculty from underrepresented backgrounds with networking and development opportunities, aiming to prepare them for successful careers in academia.

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.