HBCUs

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Knoxville College, which has been unaccredited since 1997, recently appointed a new president in December. A group of stakeholders led by former board member Franklin Tate are unsatisfied with the HBCU's current leadership, stating they are prepared to take legal action to have them removed.

North Florida College is the twentieth community college to join the FAMU Ignite Transfer Program, an initiative that provides students from community colleges across the state with guaranteed admission to FAMU upon completing an associate's degree.

Claflin University President Dwaun Warmack has had an extensive career in student affairs and higher education, including service with several historically Black universities. Before assuming the Claflin presidency in 2019, he spent five years as president of Harris-Stowe State University.

Thanks to a new partnership with Macy's, The Clutch Closet at North Carolina Central University will receive new professional attire resources for students. The collaboration will also provide students with job opportunities and career development opportunities.

"Investing in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs yields exponential returns, as these institutions serve as engines of economic growth, social mobility, and ladders of opportunity for millions of students and their communities," write the authors. "Their work goes beyond addressing historical inequities; it is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more competitive future for the nation."

"Leading UAPB is more than a role - it is a calling - as the university has a proud legacy of producing transformative servant leaders. I look forward to elevating the UAPB brand, which is synonymous with excellence," said Dr. Graham.