HBCUs

Four More HBCUs Receive Major Investments from MacKenzie Scott

In less than two months, MacKenzie Scott has donated over $600 million in direct support of historically Black colleges and universities. The latest HBCUs to receive investments from the billionaire philanthropist are Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Voorhees University, Winston-Salem State University, and Norfolk State University.

The NCCU School of Law Named the Most Innovative Law School in the Country

The School of Law at historically Black North Carolina Central University was recently named the country's most innovative law school by The National Jurist. The news outlet highlights the HBCU's Technology Law & Policy Center as a standout program for connecting law education to the technology-driven world.

FAMU’s Areto Imoukhuede Receives National Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Education Law

Professor Imoukhuede was recently honored by the Education Law Association for his article, "The Walk Away from Racial Equality," which examines how recent Supreme Court decisions have shifted away from Brown v. Board of Education's vision of racial equality.

South Carolina State University Launches Four New STEM Degrees

Beginning in the upcoming Spring 2026 semester, South Carolina State University will offer three bachelor's degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, as well as a master's degree in cybersecurity.

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.

Toneyce Sheree Randolph Named Chief Academic Officer at Bennett College

Dr. Randolph has extensive experience leading academic affairs at historically Black colleges. Prior to her new role, she was the chief academic officer at both Morris Brown College in Atlanta and Clinton College in South Carolina.

Another Four HBCUs Receive Historic Donations From MacKenzie Scott

Howard University, Virginia State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman College are the latest HBCUs to receive major gifts from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In just the past month, she has made record-breaking donations to eight HBCUs and the UNCF, building on the hundreds of millions of dollars in funding she bestowed to HBCUs in 2020.

Morehouse School of Medicine Joins New Initiative to Integrate the Arts Into Medicine and Public Health

The Morehouse School of Medicine is the latest institution to join the Neuroarts Academic Network. The interdisciplinary initiative aims to advance the emerging field of neuroarts, which explores how creative expression can improve health and well-being.

Dozens of Employees Laid Off at Xavier University of Louisiana

Nearly 50 staff members from several departments at Xavier University of Louisiana have been laid off. The HBCU cites recent financial challenges amidst a “changing higher education landscape” as the reason for the reduction in staff.

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

MacKenzie Scott Donates Another Major Round of Funding to HBCUs

Over the past week, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $38 million to Alabama State University, $42 million to Alcorn State University, and $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These gifts mark the largest single donations ever received by each institution.

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Issues Statement Following Campus Shooting at Homecoming Celebration

Gunfire broke out during a recent homecoming celebration at historically Black Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. One person unaffiliated with the HBCU was killed, and another six individuals - including a current Lincoln student and alum - were wounded.

Langston University Students Gain New Accelerated Pathway to Graduate Business Degree at Oklahoma State University

The new 4+1 pathway agreement will allow Langston University students to earn both bachelor's degree in business from the HBCU and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business in just five years.

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.

Robert N. Corley III is the New Provost of Elizabeth City State University

Dr. Corley comes to Elizabeth City State University from another HBCU, Virginia State University, where he was a special advisor to the president. Earlier, he spent more than a decade on the faculty of historically Black Tuskegee University in Alabama.

Vence L. Bonham, Jr. to Lead Genomics Research at Meharry Medical College

Bonham, former acting director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has been named president of Meharry Medical College's Diaspora Human Genetics Institute, where scholars are currently working to build the largest African ancestry genomics research database. Bonham will also direct Meharry's Center for Bioethics, Social, and Behavioral Research.

Five HBCUs to Participate in Campus Sustainability Pilot Program

Beginning in the upcoming spring 2026 semester, Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana will participate in a new program to improve sustainability practices on HBCU campuses and train the next generation of leaders in clean energy.

North Carolina A&T State University Establishes Double Master’s Degree Program in Agriculture and Business

“Agriculture accounts for one-fifth of [North Carolina's] gross domestic product,” said Antoine Alston, associate dean of academic studies for NCA&T's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. “This industry is going to require individuals with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to understand the market...”

Spelman College Renames Its English Department to Reflect the Broader Field of Literature and Media

“We've changed our major curriculum to move away from the colonial legacies associated with English literature,” said Patricia Ventura, chair of the newly established department of literature, media, and writing. “Decolonizing our major means foregrounding how we work with cultural texts from a wide range of places and traditions.”

A Pair of New Vice Presidents at Dillard University

At historically Black Dillard University in New Orleans, Darvelle Hutchins will serve as vice president of institutional advancement and Dexter Odom will serve as vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer.

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