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.
During its recent fall 2025 commencement celebration, Fort Valley State University in Georgia received a $500,000 gift from alumnus Robert J. Jones, current president of the University of Washington. Jones, who delivered the commencement address and received an honorary doctorate from the HBCU, credits Fort Valley State for shaping the foundation of his academic journey and life’s work. His gift will support scholarships, leadership development, and student success initiatives.
Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina was awarded a three-year, $750,000 grant from the North Carolina Collaboratory to advance faculty-drive research and acquire essential research equipment. As part of the initiative, $182,000 has been initially allocated to support 17 research projects involving 25 faculty members in a variety of academic disciplines.
Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana received a $5 million pledge from Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge to expand the HBCU’s College of Nursing and Allied Health. The funding will support a new nursing building, allowing the university to increase its student enrollment and strengthen clinical training opportunities.
