HBCUs

Derrick Scott Appointed Provost of Fort Valley State University

With an extensive background in HBCU academics and administration, Dr. Scott has served as dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Virginia State University and as director of the Center for Health Disparities at Delaware State University.

A Change in Leadership at Arkansas Baptist College

Following a period of “extreme financial challenges,” Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon has resigned as president of Arkansas Baptist College. The HBCU's board of trustees has selected former employee George Herts to serve as interim president.

Tennessee State University Alumnus Launches HBCU$™ to Address Public Funding Gaps at HBCUs

Dorsey West, a Tennessee State University alumnus, has created a new alumni giving and wealth building network to provide consistent financial support to HBCUs and the entrepreneurs they produce.

Hampton University Wins the 2025 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

The Honda All-Star Challenge is an annual academic competition for students and faculty at historically Black colleges and universities. This year's top finisher, Hampton University, received a $100,000 grant for their win.

Howard University Launches Three New Online Degree Programs

Howard University recently launched an online degree completion program for adult learners with some college credit to finish their bachelor's degrees. In fall 2025, the HBCU will offer two new online graduate degrees through the School of Education and the School of Divinity.

North Carolina Central University to Leverage AI-Powered Virtual Reality Clinical Training for Nursing Students

“It is impossible to teach everything a new nurse will face on the job in the classroom alone. Technologies like VR and AI help bridge that gap by providing a flexible, immersive learning experience aligned with the curriculum,” said Tina Scott, director of experiential learning at the NCCU department of nursing

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.

Study Examines the Opportunities for Achieving R1 Research Classifications at HBCUs

This year, the qualifications for achieving the R1 Carnegie Classification were simplified. Now, institutions must simply award a minimum of 70 doctorates and spend at least $50 million on research per year. These updated metrics have the potential to increase the number of HBCUs with R1 status.

Talladega College Announces Plans to Improve Financial Security

In a recent press briefing, Talladega College administrators announced that the HBCU has received a $15 million loan from Hope Credit Union to assist with debt consolidation and vendor payments. The college has also secured partnerships with two external organizations who have pledged to provide pro bono services to improve the school's enrollment and marketing operations.

Hampton University School of Pharmacy Establishes New Partnership with Ugandan University

The pharmacy schools at Hampton University and Makerere University in Uganda have established a new partnership to advance education and research opportunities for pharmacy students at both institutions.

Prairie View A&M University Launches New Graduate Degree in Nutrition

Prairie View A&M University's new master's degree will provide students with an advanced nutrition education, research opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, preparing them for diverse careers in nutrition and dietetics.

Four Black Administrators Selected for New Roles at HBCUs

The administrators are LaShannon Spencer at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, A. L. Fleming at Tuskegee University in Alabama, Virginia Teachey at North Carolina A&T State University, and Elvin Parker at Alcorn State University in Mississippi.

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.

Duke Professor Pledges Half of Her Book’s Royalties to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Deondra Rose, endowed professor at Duke University and author of The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy, has pledged 50 percent of the book's royalties to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Congresswoman Alma Adams Introduces Bill to Advance Arts Education at HBCUs

“Unfortunately, art programs and departments are often among the first ones cut when schools face financial hardship," said U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams. "Through the HBCU Arts Act, we can provide a historic investment to our HBCUs and ensure these programs remain accessible to our students of color for generations to come.”

Elizabeth City State University Breaks Ground on New Flight Training Center

The aviation science program at Elizabeth City State University is the HBCU's largest major. Thanks to over $8 million in state funding, the university will construct a new flight training center at Currituck Regional Airport, providing advanced aviation students with enhanced training opportunities.

Winston-Salem State University’s Felicia Simpson Honored for Contributions to Biostatistics

Dr. Simpson is an associate professor and chair of the department of mathematics at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. She studies the design of clinical trials, the metrics of aging, and initiatives to increase diversity in the field of statistics.

The Tougaloo College Faculty Senate Votes “No Confidence” in Senior Administrators

In a recent memo to the Tougaloo College board of trustees, the HBCU's faculty senate has outlined they have no confidence in President Donzell Lee, Provost Josiah Sampson III, and Registrar Pam England, citing concerns with their financial practices, policy implementation, and lack of faculty support.

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.

Gina Spivey-Brown Named President of Oakwood University in Alabama

Upon assuming her new role on July 1, Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown will become the first woman to lead Oakwood University. She has served as dean of Howard University's College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences for the past decade.

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