The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. Appointed Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Isbell is slated to assume his new role on August 1. He said, “I’m energized by this chance to serve the citizens of Illinois and advance the mission of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development."

Maurice Gipson Named the Fifteenth President of Philander Smith University

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Jackson State University Elevates Two Black Professors to Key Academic Leadership Positions

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

Leah Ward Sears Selected to Lead Emory University in Atlanta

“Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me,” said Sears. “In 1977, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Emory School of Law, and it changed my life. I think my life’s work has been a payback for that gift, and I welcome the chance to serve Emory as it continues to change lives the way it did for me and my family.”

Research & Studies

NYU Study Links Experiences With Discrimination to Early Psychosis in Young Adults of Color

A new study from New York University has found Black, Latinx, multiracial, and Indigenous adults aged 18 to 29 are 60 percent more likely than their White peers to experience psychosis. The study authors found evidence this could be because of experiences with discrimination and police violence.

Black and Hispanic Women Experience the Highest Rates of Intimate Partner Violence

More than one in five Black and Hispanic women report experiencing some form of intimate partner violence within the past five years. Nearly half of Black women who have experienced recent IPV have been physically injured by a current or ex-partner.

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Quote of the Week

“While pretending to not know who Ruby Bridges was or the impact of the Tulsa Race massacre, Linda McMahon is leading a sinister effort to control information and restore a perverse version of white supremacist history.”

Markus Batchelor,
political director at People For the American Way, on theGrio.com, 6-4-25

Study Finds Racial Disparities in the Use of a Novel Imaging Technique for Prostate Cancer Patients

According to new research presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, Black and Latinx patients with prostate cancer are significantly less likely than White patients to have had a novel imaging technique that has been associated with improved diagnosis and treatment capabilities.

Study Finds Significant Growth in Black Student Postsecondary Enrollment

Across all major racial groups, Black students experienced the largest growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment, increasing by 10.3 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively, since spring 2024. Additionally, Black student enrollment in higher education has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic of the Week

17.0%
The Black percentage of all students in the nation's public schools in 2008
14.9%
The Black percentage of all students in the nation's public schools in 2023

Source: U.S. Department of Education

Popular Categories

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

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.

In Memoriam: Charles E. Osiris

For over three decades, Dr. Osiris served in various student affairs administrative roles at institutions in California and Illinois, as well as historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta. He was also a dedicated consultant for several education-based organizations.

The College Board Discontinues Race-Based Award Program

Until recently, the College Board has recognized high-achieving Black, Hispanic, and Native American and Indigenous high school students through the National Recognition Program. This year, the program's race-based awards have been eliminated.

In Memoriam: Kathy Dunn Jackson, 1940-2025

For more than three decades, Dr. Jackson taught English at Alabama State University. During her long tenure, she served as director of the interdisciplinary honors program and chair of the department of humanities.

NYU Study Links Experiences With Discrimination to Early Psychosis in Young Adults of Color

A new study from New York University has found Black, Latinx, multiracial, and Indigenous adults aged 18 to 29 are 60 percent more likely than their White peers to experience psychosis. The study authors found evidence this could be because of experiences with discrimination and police violence.

Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. Appointed Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Isbell is slated to assume his new role on August 1. He said, “I’m energized by this chance to serve the citizens of Illinois and advance the mission of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development."

Black and Hispanic Women Experience the Highest Rates of Intimate Partner Violence

More than one in five Black and Hispanic women report experiencing some form of intimate partner violence within the past five years. Nearly half of Black women who have experienced recent IPV have been physically injured by a current or ex-partner.

Maurice Gipson Named the Fifteenth President of Philander Smith University

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Study Finds Racial Disparities in the Use of a Novel Imaging Technique for Prostate Cancer Patients

According to new research presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, Black and Latinx patients with prostate cancer are significantly less likely than White patients to have had a novel imaging technique that has been associated with improved diagnosis and treatment capabilities.

Jackson State University Elevates Two Black Professors to Key Academic Leadership Positions

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

Dillard University Memorializes African Americans Whose Remains Were Used in Nineteenth-Century Pseudoscience Research

In the 1880s, a New Orleans physician sent the skulls of 19 deceased African Americans to a German scientist to be used in racially biased research. Now, the remains have been returned to New Orleans and memorialized by Dillard University.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Wins the Newberry Library Award

Throughout his long career in academia, Dr. Gates has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the genealogical history of African Americans. His work has resulted in dozens of books, documentaries, and the popular "Finding Your Roots" series on PBS.

New Master’s Degree in Community and Economic Development Launches at Lincoln University of Missouri

Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, the new graduate degree at Lincoln University in Missouri aims to prepare students for leadership roles in public service, nonprofit organizations, and development initiatives. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Three Black Administrators Taking on New Roles at Universities

Aaron Dixon, Dwane Sterling, and Alison Chandler are taking on new leadership roles at Alabama A&M University, Virginia Tech, and Saint Xavier University, respectively.

Bethune-Cookman University to Host the Upcoming Association of Black Psychologists Convention

From July 30 to August 3, Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida will host the 56th annual convention of the Association of Black Psychologists. The conference will feature a wide-range of scholarly discussions and events centered on the well-being of Black people.

Temple University’s Kymberlee Norsworthy Inducted Into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Norsworthy, an assistant professor at Temple University, is being recognized for her work elevating faith-based recording artists to mainstream media outlets.

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.

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.

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.

University of Pennsylvania Press to Publish a New Academic Journal: Global Black Thought

Launched by the African American Intellectual History Society, Global Black Thought will feature essays on Black ideas, theories, and intellectuals from authors in a wide-range of history and the social science fields. Keisha Blaine of Brown University will serve as the journal's inaugural editor-in-chief.

Stillman College Mourns One Student and Two Alumni Lost in Tragic Automobile Accident

Stillman College student Sieas Elliot and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence passed away in a tragic car accident on May 23. Mourning their loss, Stillman College President Yolanda Page stated, “This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family. The spirit of each of these proud Stillmanites will live on with all who were greeted by their warm smiles and welcoming personality."

Study Finds Significant Growth in Black Student Postsecondary Enrollment

Across all major racial groups, Black students experienced the largest growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment, increasing by 10.3 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively, since spring 2024. Additionally, Black student enrollment in higher education has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Leah Ward Sears Selected to Lead Emory University in Atlanta

“Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me,” said Sears. “In 1977, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Emory School of Law, and it changed my life. I think my life’s work has been a payback for that gift, and I welcome the chance to serve Emory as it continues to change lives the way it did for me and my family.”

All Recent Posts

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.

In Memoriam: Charles E. Osiris

For over three decades, Dr. Osiris served in various student affairs administrative roles at institutions in California and Illinois, as well as historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta. He was also a dedicated consultant for several education-based organizations.

The College Board Discontinues Race-Based Award Program

Until recently, the College Board has recognized high-achieving Black, Hispanic, and Native American and Indigenous high school students through the National Recognition Program. This year, the program's race-based awards have been eliminated.

In Memoriam: Kathy Dunn Jackson, 1940-2025

For more than three decades, Dr. Jackson taught English at Alabama State University. During her long tenure, she served as director of the interdisciplinary honors program and chair of the department of humanities.

NYU Study Links Experiences With Discrimination to Early Psychosis in Young Adults of Color

A new study from New York University has found Black, Latinx, multiracial, and Indigenous adults aged 18 to 29 are 60 percent more likely than their White peers to experience psychosis. The study authors found evidence this could be because of experiences with discrimination and police violence.

Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. Appointed Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Isbell is slated to assume his new role on August 1. He said, “I’m energized by this chance to serve the citizens of Illinois and advance the mission of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development."

Black and Hispanic Women Experience the Highest Rates of Intimate Partner Violence

More than one in five Black and Hispanic women report experiencing some form of intimate partner violence within the past five years. Nearly half of Black women who have experienced recent IPV have been physically injured by a current or ex-partner.

Maurice Gipson Named the Fifteenth President of Philander Smith University

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Study Finds Racial Disparities in the Use of a Novel Imaging Technique for Prostate Cancer Patients

According to new research presented at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, Black and Latinx patients with prostate cancer are significantly less likely than White patients to have had a novel imaging technique that has been associated with improved diagnosis and treatment capabilities.

Jackson State University Elevates Two Black Professors to Key Academic Leadership Positions

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

Dillard University Memorializes African Americans Whose Remains Were Used in Nineteenth-Century Pseudoscience Research

In the 1880s, a New Orleans physician sent the skulls of 19 deceased African Americans to a German scientist to be used in racially biased research. Now, the remains have been returned to New Orleans and memorialized by Dillard University.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Wins the Newberry Library Award

Throughout his long career in academia, Dr. Gates has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the genealogical history of African Americans. His work has resulted in dozens of books, documentaries, and the popular "Finding Your Roots" series on PBS.

New Master’s Degree in Community and Economic Development Launches at Lincoln University of Missouri

Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, the new graduate degree at Lincoln University in Missouri aims to prepare students for leadership roles in public service, nonprofit organizations, and development initiatives. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Three Black Administrators Taking on New Roles at Universities

Aaron Dixon, Dwane Sterling, and Alison Chandler are taking on new leadership roles at Alabama A&M University, Virginia Tech, and Saint Xavier University, respectively.

Bethune-Cookman University to Host the Upcoming Association of Black Psychologists Convention

From July 30 to August 3, Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida will host the 56th annual convention of the Association of Black Psychologists. The conference will feature a wide-range of scholarly discussions and events centered on the well-being of Black people.

Temple University’s Kymberlee Norsworthy Inducted Into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Norsworthy, an assistant professor at Temple University, is being recognized for her work elevating faith-based recording artists to mainstream media outlets.

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.

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.