Tagged: Spelman College

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.

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

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.

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.”

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to Donate $50 Million to HBCUs in Atlanta

Over the next ten years, the new funding will provide gap scholarships to students at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College who are close to completing their degrees, but face financial challenges that could prevent them from finishing.

The Top-Ranked HBCUs According to U.S. News and World Report

For the nineteenth consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report has named Spelman College in Atlanta the best HBCU in the country. Howard University was second, Morehouse College was third, Tuskegee University was fourth, and Florida A&M University was fifth. These five institutions have topped the magazine's annual list for three years in a row.

No HBCUs Are Included in LinkedIn’s Inaugural List of the Top 50 Best Colleges for Long-Term Success

Although no HBCUs were included in a new LinkedIn report regarding the top colleges for alumni career outcomes, the networking website released a supplemental ranking list of the top HBCUs for long-term career success, with Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College receiving the best evaluations.

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.

In Memoriam: Patricia Washington McGraw, 1935-2025

Patricia Washington McGraw taught at three institutions throughout the state of Arkansas, including the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she was hired as the first Black faculty member in 1971.

Eleven HBCUs Receive New “Opportunity College” Designation From Carnegie Classifications

The newly created "Opportunity Colleges and Universities" designation from Carnegie Classifications highlights institutions that successfully enroll students that reflect the communities they serve and whose alumni go on to earn competitive wages compared to their peers.

Sherry Turner Appointed as the First Black President of Hartford International University in Connecticut

“I treasure this opportunity to provide leadership to solidify HIU’s position as the nation’s leading resource for inter-religious education, research, and peace studies,” said Dr. Turner. “I look forward to collaborating with our trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to create a shared vision and roadmap for doing so.”

In Memoriam: Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, 1975-2025

A senior instructor of mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Professor Wilson was found deceased on February 9 at Lake Oconee after an empty boat was found circling the lake.

Spelman College Launches New Course on Black Maternal and Child Health

Shantesica Gilliam, assistant professor of environmental and health sciences at Spelman College, has recently launched a new course focused on the unique experiences and persistent disparities in Black maternal and child health.

Three Black Professors Selected for Faculty Appointments in Fine Arts and Humanities

The faculty appointments are Natalie Sowell at Spelman College in Atlanta, Cheryl Jenkins at Talladega College in Alabama, and Isaiah Wooden at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

Robert Scott Named President of Albany State University

With a background in both industry and academic research, Dr. Scott currently serves as vice president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. He also has experience with historically Black institutions, previously teaching at Norfolk State University in Virginia and Spelman College in Atlanta.

New Administrative Appointments for Seven Black Americans in Academia

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to [email protected].

American-Born Layli Maparyan Appointed President of the University of Liberia

Dr. Maparyan, a distinguished academic and prolific scholar, had been serving as the executive director of the Wellesley Centers for Women and a professor of African Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

Two Black Women Selected for Endowed Professorships at Liberal Arts Colleges

The two Black women appointed to endowed professorships are Therí Pickens at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and Shola Lunch at Spelman College in Atlanta.

Spelman College President Helene Gayle Officially Steps Down After Personal Leave of Absence

Spelman College President Helene Gayle has officially resigned after taking a personal leave of absence in October. Interim President Roz Brewer will continue to serve in her role while the women's college searches for its next leader.

Spelman College Receives Federal Grant to Establish Academic Center for International Strategic Affairs

“This grant enables Spelman to prepare a cohort of students to take their rightful places in conversations that will shape, define and critique international strategic affairs and national security issues and help build a better world,” said Tinaz Pavri, principal investigator of the grant.
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Southern University President Dismissed After Two Years of Service

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Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University and A&M College, has been dismissed from his post. He will join the HBCU's law school faculty after a sabbatical.

Princeton’s Patricia Smith Wins the 2025 National Book Award for Poetry

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Professor Smith was honored for her newest poetry collection, The Intentions of Thunder. She currently teaches creating writing in the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University.

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