The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Eddie Phillips Named the First Black President of National Louis University

Dr. Phillips joined the National Louis University administration in 2021 as vice provost of academic programs and accreditation. One year later, he became the university's first Black provost and vice president of academic affairs. Now, he is slated to become the university's first Black president on August 1.

Lonnie T. Brown to Lead the Temple University School of Law

Professor Brown has been serving as dean of the Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee. He will begin his new role of dean of the Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia on August 1.

A Trio of New Deans at Historically Black Universities

Tracey Gregory is dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Angela Johnson is dean of the Chapel at Dillard University in Louisiana, and Erin White is dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Lisa Thompson Named President of Union Theological Seminary

Dr. Thompson's appointment marks a return to Union Theological Seminary, where she previously taught for three years. Most recently, she was the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Black Homiletics & Liturgics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Research & Studies

Recent National Institutes of Health Grant Terminations Disproportionately Impacted BIPOC Scientists

“When funding disruptions disproportionately affect researchers who focus on health disparities, the consequences go far beyond individual careers,” said Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor at the University of California, San Diego. “They also shape which scientific questions get asked, and whose health ultimately receives attention.”

Eliminating Legacy Preferences in Admissions Does Not Guarantee Increases in Student Diversity

In an examination of seven cases of legacy preference bans in higher education admissions, scholars from Vanderbilt University have found these bans are not enough to increase campus diversity. Instead, these bans often replace wealthy legacy applicants with other students from high-income backgrounds.

Students Who Take Ethnic Studies Courses Experience Broader Overall Academic Achievement

A new study has linked enrollment in ethnic studies courses to higher GPAs, reduced course failure, and better math and science performance for middle and high school students, with Black and Latinx students experiencing the largest gains.

Study Shows Racial Diversity in Business and Law Schools Leads to Higher Salaries for Graduates

“Our results indicate that policies promoting racial diversity boost salaries for the entire cohort of students,” said co-author Peter Golder, professor of marketing at Dartmouth College. “The key implication of our study is pretty clear, namely that efforts to reduce racial diversity by outlawing affirmative action and dropping DEI initiatives will make us all poorer.”

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Quote of the Week

“What happened this week is nothing less than a massive and devastating blow — not only to our democracy, but particularly to people of color in the South.”

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
commenting on CBS News' "Face the Nation" on the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais

Statistic of the Week

341
Number of White men incarcerated in federal and state prisons per 100,000 population in 2023
1,862
Number of Black men incarcerated in federal and state prisons per 100,000 population in 2023

Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

Recent National Institutes of Health Grant Terminations Disproportionately Impacted BIPOC Scientists

“When funding disruptions disproportionately affect researchers who focus on health disparities, the consequences go far beyond individual careers,” said Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor at the University of California, San Diego. “They also shape which scientific questions get asked, and whose health ultimately receives attention.”

Eddie Phillips Named the First Black President of National Louis University

Dr. Phillips joined the National Louis University administration in 2021 as vice provost of academic programs and accreditation. One year later, he became the university's first Black provost and vice president of academic affairs. Now, he is slated to become the university's first Black president on August 1.

Eliminating Legacy Preferences in Admissions Does Not Guarantee Increases in Student Diversity

In an examination of seven cases of legacy preference bans in higher education admissions, scholars from Vanderbilt University have found these bans are not enough to increase campus diversity. Instead, these bans often replace wealthy legacy applicants with other students from high-income backgrounds.

Lonnie T. Brown to Lead the Temple University School of Law

Professor Brown has been serving as dean of the Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee. He will begin his new role of dean of the Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia on August 1.

Students Who Take Ethnic Studies Courses Experience Broader Overall Academic Achievement

A new study has linked enrollment in ethnic studies courses to higher GPAs, reduced course failure, and better math and science performance for middle and high school students, with Black and Latinx students experiencing the largest gains.

A Trio of New Deans at Historically Black Universities

Tracey Gregory is dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Angela Johnson is dean of the Chapel at Dillard University in Louisiana, and Erin White is dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Alabama A&M University to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence

“I do not believe AI will replace people,” said Z.T. Deng, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences at Alabama A&M University. “It will replace those who do not know how to use it.”

Two Black Women Scholars Selected for Endowed Professorships

Margarita Guillory is the C. Allyn and Elizabeth V. Russell Professor of Religion and Culture in the United States at Boston University. Candis Watts Smith was named the Robert O. Keohane Professor of Political Science at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Coppin State University to Launch New Initiative to Support Male Student Retention

With an emphasis on creating mentorship opportunities and peer support networks, the Coppin Male Initiative aims to provide structured support to male students as they persist through their academic journeys at Coppin State University.

Barbara Ransby Receives National Award for Contributions to American History Research

The Organization of American Historians has honored the University of Illinois Chicago's Barbara Ransby for her decades of scholarship, mentorship, and public engagement. Her work has helped shape the study of African American history, social movements, and Black feminist thought.

Bowie State University Creates Fast-Track Admissions Pathway for Local High School Students

Under a new agreement, high school seniors from Prince George's County Public Schools now have the opportunity for direct admissions at Bowie State University, allowing them to pursue a college degree close to home.

Six Black Administrators Selected for New Roles in Higher Education

Taking on administrative roles are Jamarco Clark at Wichita State University in Kansas, Marques Dantzler at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, Antionette Marbray at Rollins College in Florida, Tashni-Ann Dubroy at the United Negro College Fund, William J. Young at Alabama A&M University, and Chadwick Wilson at Middle Georgia State University.

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.

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.

Two African Students Elected President of Graduate Student Groups at American Universities

Nichesius Godwin has been elected president of the LEAP Graduate Student Network at the University of Georgia, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in education. Vanessa Macamo has been elected president of the Graduate and Professional Student Council at the University of Arizona, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in special education.

In Memoriam: Erroll B. Davis Jr., 1944-2026

Following a successful corporate career, Davis served as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, where he oversaw the state's 35 colleges and universities.

University to Construct Memorial for Human Remains That Were Found in an Abandoned Well

During the 1994 construction of a medical building at Virginia Commonwealth University, nineteenth-century human remains were discovered in an abandoned well. The remains of the individuals, primarily of African descent, were likely discarded after medical students and faculty dissected and practiced procedures on unlawfully obtained cadavers.

Emory University Expels Law School Student for Racist Threats

The Emory University School of Law has expelled a student for writing social media posts and emails containing racial slurs and threats toward African Americans, women, and transgender people. The student had been banned from campus since January, but was not officially dismissed until April.

Study Shows Racial Diversity in Business and Law Schools Leads to Higher Salaries for Graduates

“Our results indicate that policies promoting racial diversity boost salaries for the entire cohort of students,” said co-author Peter Golder, professor of marketing at Dartmouth College. “The key implication of our study is pretty clear, namely that efforts to reduce racial diversity by outlawing affirmative action and dropping DEI initiatives will make us all poorer.”

Lisa Thompson Named President of Union Theological Seminary

Dr. Thompson's appointment marks a return to Union Theological Seminary, where she previously taught for three years. Most recently, she was the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Black Homiletics & Liturgics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Study Finds AI Models Are Less Likely to Give Constructive Criticism to Black Students

A team of scholars at Stanford University asked four AI chatbots to provide feedback on essays by middle school students of different races. Essays by Black students were given more praise, while White students' essays received more constructive criticism to improve their writing skills.

Nicole Reaves Appointed President of Schenectady County Community College in New York

Dr. Reaves has been serving as executive vice president and chief programs officer at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. On July 15, she is slated to become the first woman president of Schenectady County Community College within the State University of New York System.

Racism and Socioeconomic Distress May Alter Pregnancy Biology in Black Women

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have found three key physiological processes linked to pregnancy complications that are more prevalent in Black women than White women. Notably, these processes cannot be explained by genetic differences, suggesting these outcomes are likely driven by socio-environmental stressors.

The New Dean of the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Before his appointment as interim dean in January 2025, Dr. Chitiyo, a professor of special education, served five years as chair of the university's department of specialized education services.

All Recent Posts

Recent National Institutes of Health Grant Terminations Disproportionately Impacted BIPOC Scientists

“When funding disruptions disproportionately affect researchers who focus on health disparities, the consequences go far beyond individual careers,” said Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor at the University of California, San Diego. “They also shape which scientific questions get asked, and whose health ultimately receives attention.”

Eddie Phillips Named the First Black President of National Louis University

Dr. Phillips joined the National Louis University administration in 2021 as vice provost of academic programs and accreditation. One year later, he became the university's first Black provost and vice president of academic affairs. Now, he is slated to become the university's first Black president on August 1.

Eliminating Legacy Preferences in Admissions Does Not Guarantee Increases in Student Diversity

In an examination of seven cases of legacy preference bans in higher education admissions, scholars from Vanderbilt University have found these bans are not enough to increase campus diversity. Instead, these bans often replace wealthy legacy applicants with other students from high-income backgrounds.

Lonnie T. Brown to Lead the Temple University School of Law

Professor Brown has been serving as dean of the Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee. He will begin his new role of dean of the Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia on August 1.

Students Who Take Ethnic Studies Courses Experience Broader Overall Academic Achievement

A new study has linked enrollment in ethnic studies courses to higher GPAs, reduced course failure, and better math and science performance for middle and high school students, with Black and Latinx students experiencing the largest gains.

A Trio of New Deans at Historically Black Universities

Tracey Gregory is dean of the School of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Angela Johnson is dean of the Chapel at Dillard University in Louisiana, and Erin White is dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Alabama A&M University to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence

“I do not believe AI will replace people,” said Z.T. Deng, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences at Alabama A&M University. “It will replace those who do not know how to use it.”

Two Black Women Scholars Selected for Endowed Professorships

Margarita Guillory is the C. Allyn and Elizabeth V. Russell Professor of Religion and Culture in the United States at Boston University. Candis Watts Smith was named the Robert O. Keohane Professor of Political Science at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Coppin State University to Launch New Initiative to Support Male Student Retention

With an emphasis on creating mentorship opportunities and peer support networks, the Coppin Male Initiative aims to provide structured support to male students as they persist through their academic journeys at Coppin State University.

Barbara Ransby Receives National Award for Contributions to American History Research

The Organization of American Historians has honored the University of Illinois Chicago's Barbara Ransby for her decades of scholarship, mentorship, and public engagement. Her work has helped shape the study of African American history, social movements, and Black feminist thought.

Bowie State University Creates Fast-Track Admissions Pathway for Local High School Students

Under a new agreement, high school seniors from Prince George's County Public Schools now have the opportunity for direct admissions at Bowie State University, allowing them to pursue a college degree close to home.

Six Black Administrators Selected for New Roles in Higher Education

Taking on administrative roles are Jamarco Clark at Wichita State University in Kansas, Marques Dantzler at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, Antionette Marbray at Rollins College in Florida, Tashni-Ann Dubroy at the United Negro College Fund, William J. Young at Alabama A&M University, and Chadwick Wilson at Middle Georgia State University.

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.

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.

Two African Students Elected President of Graduate Student Groups at American Universities

Nichesius Godwin has been elected president of the LEAP Graduate Student Network at the University of Georgia, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in education. Vanessa Macamo has been elected president of the Graduate and Professional Student Council at the University of Arizona, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in special education.

In Memoriam: Erroll B. Davis Jr., 1944-2026

Following a successful corporate career, Davis served as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, where he oversaw the state's 35 colleges and universities.

University to Construct Memorial for Human Remains That Were Found in an Abandoned Well

During the 1994 construction of a medical building at Virginia Commonwealth University, nineteenth-century human remains were discovered in an abandoned well. The remains of the individuals, primarily of African descent, were likely discarded after medical students and faculty dissected and practiced procedures on unlawfully obtained cadavers.

Emory University Expels Law School Student for Racist Threats

The Emory University School of Law has expelled a student for writing social media posts and emails containing racial slurs and threats toward African Americans, women, and transgender people. The student had been banned from campus since January, but was not officially dismissed until April.

Study Shows Racial Diversity in Business and Law Schools Leads to Higher Salaries for Graduates

“Our results indicate that policies promoting racial diversity boost salaries for the entire cohort of students,” said co-author Peter Golder, professor of marketing at Dartmouth College. “The key implication of our study is pretty clear, namely that efforts to reduce racial diversity by outlawing affirmative action and dropping DEI initiatives will make us all poorer.”