HBCUs

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has placed Johnson C. Smith University on a "probation for good cause" due to concerns with financial mismanagement and failure to comply with federal and state obligations.

A new doctorate in counseling, counselor education, and supervision is coming to North Carolina Central University in the upcoming fall 2025 semester. The program is the second doctoral program offered by the HBCU.

A team of four Morgan State University graduate students have recently won $100,000 in seed funding for their project, AgroVision. The award-winning venture is as scalable AI-integrated smart farming system that aims to tackle food insecurity, climate volatility, and resource scarcity in framing.

"Since 1837, HBCUs have served as beacons of hope and bastions of historic excellence, producing leaders, innovators, and changemakers across industries," said Terry Jeffries, executive director of eHBCU and assistant vice president for strategic enrollment management at Delaware State University. "With eHBCU, we're extending this distinguished academic tradition into the digital future—ensuring the next generation has access to this legacy of excellence regardless of where they live."

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.

Based on a recent audit of FAMU's financial records, the Florida Board of Governors has voiced serious concerns with the HBCU's chief financial officer, Rebecca Brown. Board member Eric Silagy told FAMU leadership, "In the private sector, for a CFO to have this systemic breakdown and this loss of risk controls, they would be shown the door so fast it would make their head spin."

For the upcoming fall 2025 semester, Edward Waters University in Florida has received nearly 11,500 student applications - the most ever received in the HBCU's history. Compared to last year, the university experienced a 6.2 percent in total student applications and a 153 percent increase in graduate applications.

“This new program presents an exciting opportunity for students to cultivate their creative and technical abilities within a cutting-edge field,” said Darrell Roberson, co-director of digital media arts and an adjunct professor of mass communication.

The new administrators are Debra Clark Jones at Bennett College, Thaddeus Fairley at Alcorn State University, Brendan Johnson at Benedict College, Samantha Hutchinson at Savannah State University, Robert Muhammad at North Carolina A&T State University, Damian Thomas at Elizabeth City State University, and Rick Jackson at Talladega College.

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.

Tiera Williams has been named director of residence life and housing; Rocky Simmons has been appointed director of corporate, foundation, and community relations; and Cardan Williams has been named major gift officer and planned giving coordinator.

A new memorandum of understanding with the state of Tennessee will allow Tennessee State University to redirect $96 million in state funding to address financial and operational needs. Previously, the funds were exclusively allocated for facility improvements.

Miles College will host three summer programs focused on making the Birmingham, Alabama, community safer. The initiatives include a youth leadership development program, entrepreneurship support for local adults, and a residency program for grassroots community leaders to enhance their skills.

Highlighting the new technology's impact on social work education, assistant professor Michelle Bates said, “We hope to boost self-efficacy and increase confidence so that when students take on their roles, they already have practical experience."

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.

"I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to all that God has in store as I partner with our faculty, staff, students, alums, donors, and community partners in shaping a bold and inspiring future for B-CU," said Dr. Mosley. His presidency is set to begin on July 7.

“I am truly honored to serve Bennett College at such a pivotal time,” said Dr. Hardee. “Bennett’s legacy is unmatched, and its future holds even greater promise. Together with the Bennett community, I am committed to building on its strengths and charting a bold path forward.”

MentorPRO, an AI-powered mentorship platform, is coming to Miles College in Alabama. The HBCU's 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Growth will oversee the program's implementation.

Kisha Cunningham Aites and Archie Williams have been selected for associate dean roles at Savannah State University and Alcorn State University, respectively. Bracy Martin has been appointed interim director of bands at Elizabeth City State University.

Beginning in Fall 2025, students who complete their associate's degree at Los Angeles Mission College and meet admissions requirements will be guaranteed admission to Charles R. Drew University. Transfer students who enroll full-time will also receive a $1,500 annual scholarship.