The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
More High-Ranking Colleges and Universities Report Declines in Entering Black Students
In the aftermath of the June 29, 2023 United States Supreme Court decision banning the consideration of race in college admissions decisions, more high-ranking colleges and universities have reported a drop in Black enrollments for their entering classes this fall.
Kyle Williams Appointed Dean of Intercultural Engagement at Oberlin College in Ohio
Dr. Williams comes to Oberlin College and Conservatory from Emory University in Atlanta, where he served as dean of campus life. His career in student affairs has been dedicated to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in college communities.
Kimberlé Crenshaw Honored With Harvard’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal
Presented by Harvard University, the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal is considered the university's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies.
Research & Studies
American Academy of Arts & Sciences Tracks the Status of Humanities Degrees at HBCUs
In 2022, HBCUs awarded 2,907 bachelor's degrees in humanities fields. This was a 15 percent decrease from the recent high of 3,434 degrees awarded in 2014.
Strong STEM Aptitude in High School Does Not Translate to STEM College Enrollment for Black Students
A new study from New York University has debunked a popular theory that early STEM success in childhood translates to STEM enrollment in higher education. According to their findings, a significant proportion of Black students who score well in STEM high school classes ultimately do not declare a STEM major in college
Federal Report Uncovers Racial Disparities in the Persistence of First-Time College Students
Among all first-time postsecondary students who began their higher education in 2019-2020, 22 percent were no longer enrolled in any institution three years later. When broken down by race, nearly 30 percent of Black students in this group were no longer enrolled in higher education after three years, compared to one fifth of their White peers.
Black Junior Professors Receive Unfair Decisions When Seeking Promotions and Tenure
A new study led by the University of Houston has found Black and Hispanic junior faculty members are more likely to receive negative votes and less likely to receive unanimous approvals from their promotion committees. They are also judged more harshly for their academic output compared to peers with similar productivity.
Pew Research Center Report Examines Changes in Enrollments at HBCUs
Since 1976, the share of Black student enrollment at HBCUs has increased by 15 percent, while the share of non-Black HBCU students increased by 117 percent. This has caused a decrease in Black students' overall representation at HBCUs, which has dropped from 85 percent in 1976 to 76 percent in 2022.
Statistic of the Week
29.6%
Percentage of all White students who enrolled in higher education for the first time in 2019 who were no longer enrolled three years later
20.5%
Percentage of all Black students who enrolled in higher education for the first time in 2019 who were no longer enrolled three years later
Source: U.S. Department of Education (see JBHE post)
Quote of the Week
“We must use our votes to demand equity in education. The future of our institutions, the success of millions of students, and the strength of our national and local economies depends on it.”