HBCUs

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.

The Tennessee State University Early Learning Center will now provide year-long childcare services for families in Nashville and beyond. The expanded center will create new hands-on training opportunities for early childhood education students.

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.

The two universities and the Center for Excellence for Education Preparation and Innovation on the Voorhees campus have entered into a trilateral agreement to collaborate on new academic exchanges, research opportunities, community projects, and professional development for their students, faculty, and staff.

South Carolina State University is currently the only HBCU in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering. Now, the university has opened a new simulator - one of only 10 such centers in the world - that mirrors a real nuclear power plant, creating new learning and research opportunities for students.

“Meharry's presence in Memphis is driven by our mission, which calls us to go to communities with both profound need and significant potential,” said James E.K. Hildreth Sr., CEO and president of Meharry Medical College.

The appointments are Kery Davis at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Yolanda Robinson at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and Casey Davis at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

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.

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

In the 1880s, a New Orleans physician sent the skulls of 19 deceased African Americans to a German scientist to be used in racially biased research. Now, the remains have been returned to New Orleans and memorialized by Dillard University.

Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, the new graduate degree at Lincoln University in Missouri aims to prepare students for leadership roles in public service, nonprofit organizations, and development initiatives. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

From July 30 to August 3, Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida will host the 56th annual convention of the Association of Black Psychologists. The conference will feature a wide-range of scholarly discussions and events centered on the well-being of Black people.

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.

Stillman College student Sieas Elliot and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence passed away in a tragic car accident on May 23. Mourning their loss, Stillman College President Yolanda Page stated, “This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family. The spirit of each of these proud Stillmanites will live on with all who were greeted by their warm smiles and welcoming personality."

“Clinton holds a sacred legacy grounded in faith, resilience, and opportunity," said Dr. Wilks. "I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Rock Hill community to expand access and research, elevate student success, and position Clinton College as a bold, faith-driven institution for the future.”

In a memo to Delaware State University faculty and staff, President Tony Allen stated, "With so much uncertainty in Washington, I have determined that it is now time to implement a hiring freeze until we have greater clarity on the federal landscape's impact on our state support and a confidence that we can continue on the growth trajectory we have laid out in our strategic plan."

Students who enroll in the new bachelor's program at Hampton University will learn to operate and evaluate uncrewed aerial systems, earn their remote pilot licensure, and participate in campus and national research projects. According to the HBCU, the UAS sector is expected to create 10,000 jobs and contribute over $82 billion to the U.S. economy in the next decade.

The partnership will connect faculty and staff at Charles R. Drew University with students who are members of several Identity Centers at the University of California, Riverside. Participating students will be introduced to CDU's graduate and professional programs and special priority for scholarship opportunities will be provided to UCR students who choose to enroll at the historically Black medical school.