HBCUs

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Announces New Grant Opportunity for HBCUs

Historically Black colleges and universities and other eligible minority-serving institutions can now apply to a new grant opportunity through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for research projects relating to key issues in housing and community development, including disaster recovery, homelessness, asset building, and health.

Sonja M. Brown to Lead Academic Affairs at Fayetteville State University

Dr. Brown is the new interim provost at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. She currently serves as the HBCU's associate vice chancellor for academic and faculty affairs.

Darius Watson Named Dean of the School of Professional Studies at Lincoln University of Missouri

“Darius Watson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Lincoln University President John Moseley. “His innovative approach and dedication to our students and faculty make him the ideal choice to lead the School of Professional Studies.”

A Major Financial Turnaround at Tennessee State University

In December 2024, Tennessee State University administrators said they were headed towards a $46 million deficit by June 2025. Now, the HBCU is celebrating a major financial turnaround under the leadership of President Dwayne Tucker.

Delaware State University Partners With Risepoint to Expand Online Degree Opportunities

Through a new partnership with the educational technology company Risepoint, Delaware State University will work to develop new high-demand degree programs for eHBCU, a consortium of six historically Black colleges and universities dedicated to provided the HBCU experience to students regardless of their location or circumstance.

New Program Creates Leadership Opportunities in Outdoor Recreation for HBCU Students

Thanks to a new partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside, a cohort of students from several HBCUs recently participated in workshops focused on becoming successful leaders in outdoor recreation and conservation.

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.

Report Examines the Historic Underfunding at Tennessee State University

A new report published in the Tennessee Lookout has examined just how much money the state of Tennessee owes Tennessee State University as a result of missed land-grant funding, disparities in per pupil funding between the HBCU and the University of Tennessee, and segregation scholarships that took money directly from the TSU budget.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

The Department of Health and Human Services to Launch Fellowship Program for HBCU Students

“HBCUs have produced generations of doctors, scientists, and public health leaders who serve their communities with skill and purpose,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We want to strengthen that legacy.”

Morgan State University’s Stacyann Nelson Receives National Award in Experimental Physics

Dr. Nelson has received the 2025 Joseph A. Johnson Award of Excellence, presented jointly by the American Institute of Physics and the National Society of Black Physicists. The award recognizes early-career experimental physicists for their scientific innovation, mentorship, and service.

North Carolina A&T State University Farm Expands Its Footprint With New Land Purchases

“North Carolina is one of the nation’s top agricultural states, and as the ‘A’ in A&T, our college looks forward to growing our animal and horticultural offerings to support this industry,” said Radiah C. Minor, interim dean of the HBCU's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Albany State University in Georgia Implements Major Campus Technology Upgrades

“These projects are strategic investments in ASU’s future, ensuring our students learn in cutting-edge environments, our systems remain resilient during emergencies, and our campus presents itself with the excellence our community deserves,” said Dave Killingsworth, chief information officer at Albany State University.

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 How Teachers and School Counselors Can Boost Students’ Exposure to HBCUs

According to a new study from the United Negro College Fund, some 60 percent of high school students in the Northeast, Midwest, or Western United States are not at all or only slightly familiar with historically Black colleges and universities, suggesting an urgent need for teachers and school counselors to increase students' awareness of these institutions.

Virginia State University Extends Contract for President Makola Abdullah

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this great institution and its incredible students,” said Dr. Abdullah. “Virginia State University’s mission is powerful — to transform lives and communities through education, opportunity, and excellence.”

Douglas LaVergne to Lead the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences at Alabama A&M

Dr. LaVergne currently serves as associate vice president for academic affairs and undergraduate studies at Alabama A&M University. He has an extensive background in agricultural education, including service as vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental, and Human Sciences at Lincoln University of Missouri.

South Carolina State University Launches New Admissions Partnership With the Bahamas

Under a new agreement, high-achieving students from the Bahamas can pursue an undergraduate degree at South Carolina State University with discounted tuition costs and additional scholarship support. The partnership emphasizes SC State's academic programs in agriculture and food sustainability, which are high-demand workforce areas for the Bahamas.

North Carolina A&T State University to Launch Virtual Study Abroad Experiences for Honors Students

North Carolina A&T State University has received a new grant to launch the "Honors Without Borders" program. The initiative will provide students in the HBCU's Honors College with the opportunity to participate in virtual study abroad experiences featuring lectures and interactive sessions with scholars from all seven continents.

Morgan State University Establishes Transfer Pathway Partnership With Anne Arundel Community College

“This partnership is both significant and mutually beneficial — a true win-win for both institutions, our students, and the State of Maryland,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “It exemplifies our unwavering commitment to expanding higher education degree attainment across the state.”

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